Self-Aligning Modulus Sensor for Rapid In-Situ Softness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the softness or Young's modulus of materials require stabilized and well-cut samples, making it difficult to perform rapid in-situ measurements in scenarios like haptics, robotics, and clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, a sensor, an indenter, and a locking mechanism that allows for a push force to be applied to the sensor, providing a measurement signal correlatable to the Young's modulus of the material, with a strain gauge and indenter configuration that enables self-alignment and consistent measurement without precise force or orientation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used with stabilized and well-cut samples, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring precise force or orientation control
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs self-aligning features including a conical indenter that automatically orients itself upon contact with the material surface, and a locking mechanism that secures the indenter in place without requiring manual adjustment. This eliminates the need for precise manual force or orientation control while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simplified mechanism where the indenter's geometry and the locking device work together to automatically establish proper measurement conditions. The conical indenter's geometry ensures self-alignment, substituting for complex mechanical positioning systems
2Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used with stabilized and well-cut samples, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to perform rapid in-situ measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static, pre-prepared sample measurements to dynamic in-situ measurements. The indenter can be rapidly deployed and locked into position on irregularly shaped materials in their natural state, enabling quick measurements without sample preparation while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from requiring stabilized, well-cut samples to accepting irregularly shaped in-situ samples. The locking mechanism and self-aligning indenter enable the system to adapt to varying sample geometries and conditions, allowing rapid measurements in practical applications
3Measurement precision
If a locking device is added to prevent indenter movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage and secure the indenter in place upon contact with the material surface. The system self-regulates by locking the indenter at the appropriate position without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms, thereby maintaining measurement precision while minimizing added complexity
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 rapid, consistent, and quantitative measurement of material softness, suitable for applications such as clinical diagnosis and robotics, by transforming complex variables into a single measurable variable, facilitating accurate and portable haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises a strain gauge, the strain gauge having opposing edges in the fixed coupling with the base such that the strain gauge is disposed in a transverse plane in an undeformed state... and wherein the strain gauge is deformable into a deformed state by the indenter pushing against the strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for measuring a property of a material. The device comprises a base; a sensor, the sensor being in a fixed coupling with the base; an indenter, the indenter being slidably coupled to the base to move relative to the base in an axial direction in response to a first abutment of the indenter with a surface of the material such that the indenter provides a push force to the sensor in the axial direction; and a locking device, the locking device being configured to releasably lock the indenter in a locked state in response to a second abutment of the base with the surface of the material, wherein the indenter in the locked state is prevented from moving relative to the base in the axial direction. Also disclosed is a new method of measuring Young's modulus of a material.