Sample Holder Mounting Fixtures for In-Situ Hardness Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods require individual specimens to be removed and reloaded from a sample holder for additional testing, such as hardness testing, which is time-consuming and prone to specimen damage.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable mounting fixtures and interfaces that allows a grinder/polisher sample holder to be directly mounted onto a hardness testing machine, reducing the need for individual specimen handling and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual specimens are removed and reloaded from the sample holder for additional testing, then testing can be performed on multiple specimens, but the process becomes time-consuming and specimens are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing functions (grinding, polishing, and hardness testing) into a single integrated system where the sample holder remains in place. The hardness testing apparatus is mounted directly on the grinding/polishing device, allowing specimens to be tested in-situ without removal, thereby eliminating handling time and improving overall testing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds specimens during grinding, polishing, and hardness testing operations. This multi-functional design allows the same holder to be used across different testing stages without requiring specimen transfer, thus reducing time loss and improving productivity
2Productivity
If individual specimens are removed and reloaded from the sample holder for additional testing, then testing can be performed on multiple specimens, but specimens are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hardness testing function with the grinding/polishing device and enabling in-situ testing, the patent eliminates the need to remove specimens from the holder. This prevents potential damage that could occur during handling, transfer, and reloading operations while maintaining high testing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mounting system acts as an intermediary that allows the hardness testing apparatus to access specimens directly within the sample holder without requiring specimen removal. This intermediary mechanism protects specimens from damage by eliminating manual handling steps
3Loss of time
If a mounting system allows direct mounting of the sample holder onto the hardness testing machine, then handling time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with universal features that allow the sample holder to be mounted on both grinding/polishing devices and hardness testing machines using the same interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized mounting mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving rapid specimen-to-machine transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods of a system for mounting a grinder/polisher sample holder are provided. The system includes a platform having one or more fasteners, upon which one or more mounting fixtures are arranged and mounted. The one or more mounting fixtures are configured to secure a sample holder in place for testing of the samples, such as a hardness test. One or more of the mounting fixtures may include mounting brackets to support the sample holder, and to fix an orientation and/or position of the sample holder. In examples, the mounting fixtures have interfaces to contact and support the sample holder when the sample holder is arranged within the system.