Automated Impulse Hammer for Non-Destructive Material Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining mechanical properties of materials, such as rebound hardness and indentation hardness, often cause damage to the sample and provide limited information on spatial variations and material behavior under different conditions.

Innovation Solution

An automated device that uses a probe tip with selected geometry and mass to measure force-time parameters, allowing multiple measurements at various locations and with different probe tips to determine elastic properties and strength, while minimizing sample damage and providing spatial variation data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rebound hardness measurement is used, then mechanical properties can be measured, but the sample may be damaged and limited spatial information is obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical properties measurementVSAvoidsample damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent components: a probe tip with specific geometry, an accelerating mass, and a recording system. Each component can be independently selected and adjusted to optimize measurements while minimizing damage to the sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters including probe tip geometry, accelerating mass, and release height to optimize the measurement process. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise mechanical property measurement while controlling the energy input to prevent sample damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If indentation hardness measurement is used, then hardness index can be determined, but damage to the material sample is produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardness index determinationVSAvoidmaterial damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a controlled impact approach where the probe tip is released from a specific height to provide just enough energy for measurement without excessive force that would cause damage. The accelerating mass is selected to achieve the minimum necessary impact energy for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional indentation hardness methods with a rebound hardness measurement system that uses a probe tip and accelerating mass to measure mechanical properties through elastic deformation and energy recovery, rather than permanent indentation damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If multiple measurements with different probe tips are made, then comprehensive material characterization is achieved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial characterization completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-configured with multiple probe tips of different geometries and accelerating masses that can be quickly exchanged. The release mechanism is pre-programmed with different heights and parameters, allowing rapid sequential measurements without manual reconfiguration between tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple probe tip types, accelerating mass values, and release heights through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive material characterization using one system rather than multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise determination of mechanical properties like elastic stiffness and strength, allowing for prediction of material behavior under different boundary conditions and classification of mechanical subtypes without causing significant damage to the sample.

Implementation Method 1

The probe tip is released to accelerate toward the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A first parameter related to force on the probe tip with respect to time is recorded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9618436B2Automatic impulse hammer for characterization of mechanical properties of a material

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 NEW ENGLAND RES

AI summary

A method for determining mechanical properties of a material includes positioning a probe tip of selected material properties having a selected geometry and a selected accelerating mass at a selected position and a selected height above a sample of the material. The probe tip is released to accelerate toward the sample. A first parameter related to force on the probe tip with respect to time is recorded. The releasing the probe tip is repeated with at least one of a different selected probe tip material, a different tip geometry, a different height and a different accelerating mass to record a second parameter related to force. The first and second parameters are used to determine at least one of an elastic property and a strength of the material.