High-Throughput Miniature Specimen Mechanical Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing equipment for mechanical properties of materials can only test one large specimen at a time, is limited in functionality, and requires long test periods, making it difficult to meet high-throughput and multi-parameter testing requirements for complex materials development.
Innovation Solution
A high-throughput test system capable of simultaneously performing tensile, bending, compression, stress-rupture, relaxation, and fatigue tests on multiple miniature specimens using a workstation connected to multiple specimen test modules with interchangeable clamps and sensors, allowing for real-time data collection and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional testing equipment is used, then testing can be performed on large specimens, but only one specimen can be tested at a time and the test period is long
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into multiple independent test modules (at least two) that can operate simultaneously. Each module has its own drive unit, clamp unit, displacement sensor, and load sensor, enabling parallel testing of multiple specimens without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The test modules are designed with interchangeable clamp units that can accommodate different specimen types and sizes. The workstation can control multiple modules to perform various mechanical tests (tensile, bending, compression, stress-rupture, relaxation, and fatigue tests) simultaneously, making the system universally applicable to different testing requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional testing equipment is used, then testing can be performed on standard specimens, but the equipment has unitary function and cannot meet multi-parameter testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each test module is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple types of mechanical tests (tensile, bending, compression, stress-rupture, relaxation, and fatigue tests) by changing the clamp units and testing parameters. The workstation provides centralized control for multi-parameter testing across multiple modules simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp units are designed to be interchangeable and adaptable to different specimen configurations. The system dynamically adjusts testing parameters, loading rates, and test types through software control, allowing the same hardware platform to serve multiple testing functions without requiring dedicated equipment for each test type
3Loss of substance
If conventional testing equipment is used, then testing can be performed on large specimens, but the actual sample is destroyed by sampling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of taking large samples and destroying them, the system segments the material into multiple miniature specimens that can be tested simultaneously. This allows comprehensive testing of mechanical properties using minimal total material while obtaining statistically significant data from multiple specimens
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies (miniature specimens) from the material that represent the bulk material properties. By testing multiple copies in parallel, the system obtains accurate mechanical property measurements without requiring destruction of large amounts of the actual material sample
4Productivity
If multiple test modules are used, then high-throughput testing can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular test modules that can be independently configured and controlled. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized components, allowing the system to scale from 2 to N modules based on testing requirements without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple test modules are merged under a single centralized workstation that provides unified control and data acquisition. The workstation manages all drive units, sensors, and testing parameters for multiple modules simultaneously, reducing the operational complexity that would otherwise arise from having separate control systems for each module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a test system and method capable of simultaneously carrying out a high-throughput test of mechanical properties for miniature specimens. The system comprises one workstation (17) and a plurality of specimen test modules (16) installed horizontally or vertically on a workbench (15), wherein the workstation (17) comprises an operation interface, a data processing unit and a load output unit; each specimen test module (16) comprises a drive unit (5), an interchangeable clamp unit (8), a displacement sensor (2), and a load sensor (14); the workstation (17) controls the drive unit (5) of the specimen test module (16) and receives detection data of the displacement sensor (2) and the load sensor (14); each specimen test module (16) optionally performs mechanical property testing independently; and the workstation (17) controls simultaneously started testing of a plurality of specimens (9). The present invention can achieve tensile, bending, compression bending, stress-rupture, relaxation, and fatigue strength tests on a plurality of specimens at the same time.