Universal Sample Holder Magazine for Automated Multi-Type Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing devices can only handle one type of sample at a time, requiring manual changes and increasing the risk of contamination, especially when testing different geometries and types of load like tensile, compressive, bending, and shear samples.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a sample holder magazine and a sample feed system that allows for automatic insertion, measurement, and removal of samples of different geometries and types of load, using sample holders with projecting pins for gripping and clamping, reducing mechanical stress and facilitating secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one type of sample holder is used for a specific test type, then the testing device can accurately perform that specific test, but the device complexity increases and manual changes are required for different sample types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sample holder design with a standardized base structure that can accommodate multiple sample types through interchangeable sample receiving devices. The holding means with standardized pins allows the same sample holder to be used for tensile, compressive, bending, and shear tests by simply changing the sample receiving device, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sample holders for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder is divided into modular components: a reusable base structure with holding means, and interchangeable sample receiving devices specific to each test type. This segmentation allows the universal base to be combined with different sample receiving devices, providing versatility while reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual sample holder changes are performed for different test types, then the device can be adapted to different samples, but the productivity decreases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample receiving devices for different test types are pre-loaded onto the sample holder in the magazine before testing begins. The gripping system can automatically select and transfer the appropriate pre-positioned sample receiving device to the testing position, eliminating the need for manual changes during the testing sequence and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping system with gripping means automatically performs the sample holder changes by gripping the holding means pins and transferring sample holders between the magazine and testing position. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention, reducing both time loss and contamination risk from hand contact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the same sample holder is reused for different samples, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample receiving device is extracted as a separate, interchangeable component from the universal sample holder base. This allows the sample-receiving portion to be easily removed and replaced with a clean device for the next sample type, while the universal base structure remains. This extraction enables contamination prevention without requiring complete sample holder replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Sample receiving devices that have been in contact with tested samples are discarded or set aside, and clean sample receiving devices are transferred from the magazine to the testing position. The universal sample holder base is recovered and reused for the next sample, maintaining simplicity while preventing contamination through component replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample holders are stored in the magazine, then versatility for different test types is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is designed to store multiple sample receiving devices that can all be mounted on the same universal sample holder base. This universality allows the magazine to hold diverse sample types (tensile, compressive, bending, shear) without requiring proportionally more storage space, as they all share the same mounting interface and base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine combines multiple sample receiving devices into a single storage unit, organizing them in a compact arrangement. The gripping system can access any of the stored sample holders, merging the storage function with the selection and transfer function to optimize space utilization while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sample holder (20) for receiving a sample (23), in particular for spectroscopic material examination, comprising a sample receiving device (21) for clamping the sample (23), which is assigned a holding means (22) which has at least two prongs (24), protruding from the sample receiving device (21), for a gripping means. The invention also relates to a receiving device (30), a sample holder magazine (10), a sample feeding system (50), a clamping device (60) and an examining device (70).