In-Situ Impact Strength Testing of Micro-Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for evaluating the impact strength of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors are destructive, time-consuming, and unable to simulate high-impact environments common in military applications, limiting the identification of weakest structural points and requiring extensive manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for in-situ testing of micro-structure impact strength using a flexible beam with an impact mass block and locking teeth, allowing for controlled, non-destructive testing of micro-structures by engaging and releasing the beam to simulate high-impact conditions, enabling accurate determination of impact strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional drop test method is used to evaluate impact strength, then the sensor can be tested after manufacturing, but the testing process is time-consuming and extends the design cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact strength evaluationVSAvoiddesign cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs impact strength testing on the micro-structure during the manufacturing process itself, before the sensor is fully assembled and packaged. The testing apparatus is integrated into the manufacturing line, allowing preliminary mechanical property evaluation of the micro-structure to occur in-situ, thus eliminating the need for separate post-manufacturing testing cycles and reducing overall design time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional drop test method is used, then impact strength can be evaluated, but the testing is destructive and causes large area structural failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact strength evaluationVSAvoidstructural damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies impact force locally to specific target points on the micro-structure rather than subjecting the entire sensor to destructive drop forces. The testing apparatus delivers controlled impact loads at predetermined locations, allowing evaluation of impact strength at critical points without causing widespread structural failure across the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a controlled impact mass block that delivers a precise, limited impact force sufficient to evaluate strength properties without exceeding the threshold that would cause destructive failure. The impact parameters (mass, velocity, duration) are carefully controlled to achieve measurement without catastrophic damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If conventional drop test method is used, then impact strength can be measured, but it cannot achieve high impact peak values (greater than 100000 g) and large impact pulse width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact strength evaluationVSAvoidimpact peak value

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the impact testing method by using a controlled impact mass block delivered through a flexible beam mechanism, rather than conventional drop testing. This allows achievement of extremely high impact peak values (greater than 100000 g) and large impact pulse widths that simulate austere military environments, while maintaining control over the impact characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional drop test method is used, then impact strength can be evaluated, but it requires the sensor to be sealed and packaged after manufacturing, making immediate testing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact strength evaluationVSAvoidtesting accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for convenient, accurate, and rapid testing of micro-structure impact strength, reducing the design cycle and identifying weakest points without damaging functional devices, while enabling simulation of high-impact conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible beam 1, one end of which being fixed; an impact mass block 2, disposed at the other end of the flexible beam 1 and configured to exert an impact on a micro-structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10337970B2Apparatus and method for in-situ testing impact strength of micro-structure

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 PEKING UNIV

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for in-situ testing impact strength of a micro-structure are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a flexible beam, one end of which being fixed; an impact mass block disposed at the other end of the flexible beam and being for exerting an impact on the micro-structure; and a locking member including a beam arm and a plurality of locking teeth. The beam arm is perpendicular to the flexible beam and one end of the beam arm is fixed, and the plurality of locking teeth are distributed at intervals along the beam arm, such that the other end of the flexible beam is engaged to one of the plurality of locking teeth when the flexible beam is loaded.