PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9739696-B2
Application Number: US-201514841652-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Flexural testing apparatus for materials and method of testing materials

Abstract:
A material testing apparatus and methods of testing material are disclosed. The material testing apparatus may include a support ring contacting a test material and a moveable contact component positioned adjacent to the support ring. The moveable contact component may include a substantially curved contact surface comprising a radius-varying curvature profile formed between a center and a perimeter of the substantially curve contact surface. The curvature profile may be based on a predetermined deflection-force profile specific to the test material. Additionally, the curvature profile may also be based on the material characteristics of the test material, the physical characteristics of the test material, the physical characteristics of the support ring and/or a testing process performed on the test material.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A material testing apparatus, comprising:
 a support ring adjacent a sapphire test material; and 
 a moveable contact component positioned adjacent the support ring and comprising:
 a substantially curved contact surface defined by a curvature profile of varying radius formed between a center and a perimeter of the substantially curved contact surface, wherein 
 
 the moveable contact component is configured to deflect the sapphire test material into an aperture of the ring. 
 
     
     
       2. The material testing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially curved contact surface contacts the sapphire test material on a side opposite the support ring. 
     
     
       3. The material testing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially curved contact surface further comprises:
 a first curved region having a first curvature radius; and 
 a second curved region substantially surrounding the first curved region, and having a second curvature radius different from the first curvature radius of the first curved region. 
 
     
     
       4. The material testing apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the second curvature radius of the second curved region is less than the first curvature radius of the first curved region. 
     
     
       5. The material testing apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first curved region contacts the sapphire test material in response to:
 deflecting the sapphire test material to a calculated flexion distance for the test material; and 
 deflecting the sapphire test material beyond the calculated flexion distance for the test material. 
 
     
     
       6. The material testing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the second curved region contacts the sapphire test material in response to deflecting the sapphire test material beyond the calculated flexion distance for the sapphire test material. 
     
     
       7. The material testing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable contact component further comprises a cylindrical portion positioned adjacent the substantially curved contact surface. 
     
     
       8. The material testing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially curved contact surface has a diameter equal to or smaller than an inner diameter of the support ring. 
     
     
       9. A material testing apparatus, comprising:
 a support ring operative to support a first side of a sapphire test material; and 
 a moveable contact component operative to contact a second side of the sapphire test material and comprising
 a contact surface having a curvature profile of varying radius, configured to contact the test material when a predetermined force is exerted on the sapphire test material by the moveable contact component, wherein 
 
 the sapphire test material is subject to flex within the support ring when the predetermined force is applied. 
 
     
     
       10. The material testing apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein a contact surface has a curvature profile of varying radius that comprises:
 a first region configured to contact the second side of the sapphire test material when a first force is exerted by the moveable contact component on the sapphire test material; and 
 a second region surrounding the first region and configured to contact the second side of the sapphire test material when a second force is exerted by the moveable contact component on the sapphire test material. 
 
     
     
       11. The material testing apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first force is less than the second force; and 
 the second region does not contact the second side of the sapphire test material when the first force is exerted by the moveable contact component on the sapphire test material. 
 
     
     
       12. The material testing apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the support ring defines a test area contacted by the second region when the second force is exerted on the sapphire test material. 
     
     
       13. The material testing apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the test area is substantially the entire second surface of the sapphire test material. 
     
     
       14. The material testing apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support ring delineates a boundary between a first region of the sapphire test material subject to flex when the first force is applied and a second region of the sapphire test material that is not subject to flex when the first force is applied. 
     
     
       15. The material testing apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the first region of the sapphire test material defines a curvature identical to the contact surface having the curvature profile of the varying radius when the first force is applied. 
     
     
       16. A method for testing a sapphire test material, the method comprising:
 positioning a sapphire test material on a support ring of a material testing apparatus; 
 moving a contact component of the material testing apparatus toward the sapphire test material to contact a substantially curved contact surface of the contact component to the sapphire test material, the substantially curved contact surface comprising a variably curved curvature profile ; and 
 deflecting the sapphire test material by pressing the contact component into the sapphire test material, wherein the sapphire test material deflects to one of:
 a calculated flexion distance for the sapphire test material, or 
 beyond the calculated flexion distance for the sapphire test material. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein deflecting the sapphire test material comprises generating a substantially uniform stress in the sapphire test material. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein generating the substantially uniform stress comprises substantially uniformly stressing a test area of the sapphire test material defined by the support ring of the material testing apparatus. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein deflecting the sapphire test material further comprises at least one of:
 continuously moving the contact component toward the sapphire test material and the support ring; 
 increasing a force applied to the sapphire test material via the contact component; and 
 increasing an area of the uniform stress generated in the sapphire test material. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the method further comprises determining the deflection-force profile for the sapphire test material based on at least one of:
 material characteristics of the sapphire test material; 
 physical characteristics of the sapphire test material; or 
 physical characteristics of the support ring; and 
 
 the curvature profile is based on the determined deflection-force profile for the sapphire test material. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the substantially curved contact surface further comprises:
 a first curved portion having a first curvature radius; and 
 a second curved portion substantially surrounding the first curved portion, the second curved portion having a second curvature radius different from the first curvature radius of the first curved portion. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the first curved portion contacts the sapphire test material in response to deflecting the sapphire test material to the calculated flexion distance for the sapphire test material; and 
 the second curved portion contacts the sapphire test material in response to deflecting the sapphire test material beyond the calculated flexion distance for the sapphire test material.

Description:
FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to a material testing apparatus and more particularly to a flexural testing apparatus designed to stress a material to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of the stressed material and a method of testing the material. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current electronic devices continue to become more prevalent in day-to-day activities. For example, smart phones and tablet computers continue to grow in popularity and provide everyday personal and business functions to its users. These electronic devices typically include input components, such as buttons or screen displays that may be utilized by a user to interact (e.g., input/output) with the electronic devices. These input components may be formed on and/or integrally with the housing of the electronic device. 
     To maintain and/or to ensure functionality of the electronic device, input components and the housing of electronic devices may be formed from materials that may with stand conventional wear-and-tear on the electronic device. One material that may be used to form the input components and/or the housing may include the crystalline form of alumina (Al2O3) (e.g., corundum), commonly known as sapphire. Specifically, with unique and beneficial chemical or physical characteristics (e.g., hardness, strength), sapphire has become a viable material to be used in current electronic devices. 
     To ensure all sapphire material used to form components of the electronic device meet quality control standards and/or will function substantially similar between each individual device, the sapphire material may undergo conventional material testing processes. Such material testing processes may include ring-on-ring material testing or ball-on-ring material testing. These tests may apply a force to the sapphire material until the material flexes or breaks. However, because of the unique chemical or physical characteristics of sapphire material and/or the discrepancies that may form in the material, conventional material testing processes may be inadequate. For example, the ring-on-ring and ball-on-ring material testing processes may only form a contact area on the tested sapphire material where the ring or ball contact the material. As such, the ring or ball may only apply a force in the contact area of the sapphire material during the test. This may result in inaccurate measurements of force required to flex and/or break the sapphire; during testing, the ring or ball may not contact areas of the sapphire in which faults or flaws exist and so the effect of such faults or flaws may not be determined by conventional tests. 
     SUMMARY 
     A material testing apparatus comprises a support ring operative to contact a test material, and a moveable contact component positioned adjacent the support ring. The moveable contact component may comprise a substantially curved contact surface defined by a radius varying curvature profile formed between a center and a perimeter of the substantially curved contact surface. 
     A material testing apparatus comprises a support ring operative to support a first side of a test material and a moveable contact component operative to contact a second side of the test material. The moveable contact component comprises a contact surface having a variably-curved curvature profile configured to entirely contact the test material when a predetermined force is exerted on the test material by the moveable contact component. The moveable contact component may also comprise a cylindrical portion positioned adjacent the contact surface. 
     A method for testing a test material. The method may comprise positioning a test material on a support ring of a material testing apparatus and moving a contact component of the material testing apparatus toward the test material and the support ring to contact a substantially curved contact surface of the contact component to the test material. The substantially curved contact surface may comprise a variably curved curvature profile based on a deflection-force profile for the test material. The method may also comprise increasing a contact area between the substantially curved contact surface of the contact component and the test material, and deflecting the test material using the contact component. The test material may be deflected to one of a calculated flexion distance for the test material, or beyond the calculated flexion distance for the test material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a sapphire structure that is processed to form individual sapphire components for electronic devices, according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict illustrative perspective views of a material testing apparatus for testing the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a side view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  deflected to a maximum, calculated flexion point, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a side view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  deflected beyond a maximum, calculated flexion point, according to embodiments. 
       FIG. 4 A depicts a side view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  deflected to a maximum, calculated flexion point, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  deflected beyond a maximum, calculated flexion point, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a calculated force profile required to deflect the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  to the maximum, calculated flexion point depicted in  FIG. 3A , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a stress-graph illustrating the uniform, calculated stress applied to the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  when a calculated force profile is applied to deflect the sapphire structure to a maximum, calculated flexion point as shown in  FIG. 5 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a side view of a moveable contact component of a material testing apparatus having a substantially curved contact surface and the sapphire structure of  FIG. 5 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a stress-graph illustrating the actual stress experienced by the sapphire structure of  FIG. 1  to deflect the sapphire structure to a maximum, calculated flexion point as shown in  FIG. 7 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a side view of a moveable contact component of a material testing apparatus having a substantially curved contact surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a bottom view of the moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus of  FIG. 9 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of a moveable contact component of a material testing apparatus having a substantially curved contact surface, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a bottom view of the moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus of  FIG. 11 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a flow chart of an example process for testing a sapphire structure, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14A  shows a side view of a material testing apparatus and a sapphire structure undergoing a portion of the process of  FIG. 13 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14B  shows a top view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 14A  including a contact area formed on a top surface of the sapphire structure by the moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14C  shows a side view of the material testing apparatus and the sapphire structure of  FIG. 14A  undergoing a portion of the process of  FIG. 13 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14D  shows a top view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 14C  including a contact area formed on a top surface of the sapphire structure by the moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14E  shows a side view of the material testing apparatus and the sapphire structure of  FIG. 14A  undergoing a portion of the process of  FIG. 13 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 14F  shows a top view of the sapphire structure of  FIG. 14E  including a contact area formed on a top surface of the sapphire structure by the moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus, according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to a material testing apparatus and, more particularly, to a flexural testing apparatus designed to stress a material to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of the stressed material and a method of testing the material. 
     The material testing apparatus design and/or structure provides a uniform distribution of force over a face of a test material. Specifically, a substantially curved contact surface of a moveable contact component of the testing apparatus includes a unique curvature profile. The unique curvature profile is based on a predetermined, calculated deflection-force profile for the test material (e.g., shape or curvature the test material when it is flexed by the testing apparatus) and/or the type of test (e.g., maximum flexion test, breakage test) being conducted on the test material. By implementing the unique curvature profile for the substantially curved contact surface, the force applied to the test material may be over a greater contact area and/or the contact area of the test material may increase during testing. The larger the contact area of the test material, the more accurate the data regarding the stress applied to the test material. Additionally, the testing apparatus and process of testing material using the testing apparatus can be performed to obtain accurate data regarding the stress applied to the test material, and/or physical or mechanical properties of the test material even when the test material is substantially thin (e.g., less than 0.5 millimeters (mm) and, in some cases, as low as 0.2 mm) and is typically brittle. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative perspective view of a sapphire structure  100 . Sapphire structure  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be a wafer of artificially grown corundum to be further processed and used in an electronic device. The artificially grown corundum used to form sapphire structure  100  may be grown using any conventional growth process including, but not limited to: hydrothermal growth; vertical horizontal gradient freezing (“VHGF”); edge-defined film-fed growth (“EFG”); horizontal moving growth (e.g., Bridgman growth); and Kyropoulos growth. Sapphire structure  100  may be singulated or otherwise formed into individual pieces or components that may be utilized as a variety of components of many, distinct electronic devices. In non-limiting examples, processed components formed from sapphire structure  100  may include cover glasses, buttons, caps, housings or enclosures and the like for an electronic device. The sample electronic devices may take the form of a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, wearable electronic device (e.g., smart watch), digital music player and so on. 
     Sapphire structure  100  may define a top surface  102  and a bottom surface  104  positioned opposite top surface  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , sidewall  106  may be substantially perpendicular to both top surface  102  and bottom surface  104 . Sapphire structure  100  may include a number of possible plane orientations for the surfaces (e.g., top surface  102 , bottom surface  104 ) of sapphire structure  100 . In a non-limiting example, each of the surfaces of sapphire structure  100  may be in alignment with a crystallographic plane orientation determined by the formation of sapphire structure  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , top surface  102  may have an A-plane crystallographic orientation, while sidewall  106  may have a C-plane crystallographic orientation. Other examples may have different crystallographic orientations, and so this example is not intended to be limiting. Sapphire structure  100  can be formed to have a thickness as low as approximately 0.2 millimeters (mm), and more specifically, may have a thickness ranging from approximately 0.25 mm to 0.3 mm. As discussed herein, the testing apparatus and process for testing sapphire structure  100  can accurately detect mechanical and physical properties of sapphire structure  100  that are typically brittle and/or thin (e.g., less than 0.5 mm and, in some cases, as low as 0.2 mm). It should be appreciated that ranges given herein are mere examples; the testing apparatus can be used with substrates that are thicker than 0.5 mm, for example. Likewise, although the apparatus is discussed as testing sapphire, other materials can be tested in similar fashion and so test sheets, substrates, materials and the like are not limited to sapphire. 
     Generally, corundum (e.g., sapphire) is an anisotropic material. As a result, the crystallographic orientation of the surfaces of components made from corundum or sapphire (e.g., sapphire structure  100 ) may affect the physical properties and/or material characteristics (including strength, ductility, and/or elasticity) of the component. The crystallographic orientation of the various surfaces may be dependent on the growing processes used for creating the corundum of sapphire structure  100  and/or the additional processes (e.g., cutting polishing) used to form sapphire structure  100  and distinct components from sapphire structure  100 . For example, the corundum from which sapphire structure  100  is formed may be grown using an EFG growth process. In the growth process, the seed crystal may include a plane orientation to yield corundum that may allow for specific, desired planes to be utilized in components formed from the corundum. By knowing the orientation of the seed crystal used in the EFG growth process and ultimately knowing the crystallographic orientation of the grown corundum, manufactures can cut the corundum in a specific direction to form sapphire structure  100  and subsequent components from sapphire structure  100  with surfaces having specific plane crystallographic orientations or substantially desirable plane crystallographic orientations. 
     As a result of the various processes performed on the grown corundum to form sapphire structure  100  and/or because of the physical characteristics (e.g., brittleness) of at least some of the crystallographic plane orientations used to from the various surfaces of sapphire structure  100 , sapphire structure  100  may include material defects. The material defects formed in sapphire structure  100  may substantially and/or negatively impact the physical and material characteristics of sapphire structure  100 , and ultimately, the individual components formed from sapphire structure  100 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 1 , a material defect may include a material irregularity  108 . Material irregularity  108  may be formed in a portion of sapphire structure  100  and may extend through a portion or the entire thickness of sapphire structure  100 ; the exact size and shape shown is an example and not intended to be illustrative of any particular defect. 
     Material irregularity  108  may be formed in the corundum that may be processed to form sapphire structure  100 . In a non-limiting example, the corundum that may be grown and subsequently cut to form sapphire structure  100  may have initial compositional impurities or powder other than pure alumina. Alternatively, the corundum may experience fluctuations in processing parameters such as temperature, time and/or pressure. As a result, when the corundum is processed and/or grown, the portions of the corundum containing compositional impurities (or subject to such fluctuations) may form material irregularity  108  in sapphire structure  100 . The compositional impurities that create material irregularity  108  in sapphire structure  100  may make sapphire structure  100  weaker in the portion including the material irregularity  108  when compared to the remaining portions of sapphire structure  100 . 
     In another non-limiting example, the material defect  108  of sapphire structure  100  may be an over-annealed portion. In the non-limiting example, sapphire structure  100  may undergo an annealing process to strength the material. However, sapphire structure  100  may include a portion that may be over-annealed, e.g., that may be heated to a greater-than-desired temperature and/or not cooled to a desired temperature after heating. Over-annealed portion may affect the physical and material characteristics of sapphire structure  100 . In the non-limiting example, an over-annealed portion of sapphire structure  100  may be softer and/or weaker than the remaining portions of sapphire structure  100 . 
     Sapphire structure  100  may also have one or more cracks  110  formed on top surface  102  of sapphire structure  100 . Crack  110  may extend partially through sapphire structure  100  or may extend completely through sapphire structure  100 . Crack  110  may be formed due to normal wear and tear of sapphire structure  100  and/or from a shock event, such as an impact. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show illustrative perspective views of a material testing apparatus  200  and sapphire structure  100 ;  FIG. 2A  shows material testing apparatus  200  and sapphire structure  100  in an exploded view, while  FIG. 2B  shows material testing apparatus  200  and sapphire structure  100  aligned in an operational position for testing the sapphire structure, as discussed herein. 
     Material testing apparatus  200  may include a support ring  202  or other suitable support structure. The shape of the support structure may vary between embodiments, but typically matches a shape of the contact surface  206  of a moveable contact component, which is discussed in more detail below. Support ring  202  may contact a test material (e.g., sapphire structure  100 ) as part of a testing process using material testing apparatus  200 , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIG. 2B , bottom surface  104  of sapphire structure  100  may rest on, be positioned on and/or be disposed over support ring  202  during the material testing process. Support ring  202  may be substantially circular and/or rounded to ensure support ring  202  contacts sapphire structure  100  and there is no gap or space between support ring  202  and sapphire structure  100 . Although shown as substantially circular, support ring  202  may also be substantially flat to provide a uniform contact with sapphire structure  100  during a testing process discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, support ring  202  may be formed from a substantially rigid material that may support sapphire structure  100  without deforming and/or without allowing sapphire structure  100  to move when sapphire structure  100  undergoes the material testing process. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , material testing apparatus  200  may also include a moveable contact component  204  positioned adjacent support ring  202 . Moveable contact component  204  may be positioned above sapphire structure  100  and support ring  202 , while sapphire structure  100  may be positioned between moveable contact component  204  and support ring  202 . Moveable contact component  204  moves toward and contacts sapphire structure  100  during a material testing process, as discussed herein. 
     Moveable contact component  204  may be formed from a number of different components. In a non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , moveable contact component  204  may include a substantially curved contact surface  206 , although the contact surface may have other shapes (e.g., cubic, pyramidal, etc.). Substantially curved contact surface  206  of moveable contact component  204  may be positioned adjacent to and/or may contact top surface  102  of sapphire structure  100  opposite bottom surface  104  contacting support ring  202  during the material testing process. Substantially curved contact surface  206  may be formed on a contact portion  208  of moveable contract component  204 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , contact portion  208  may be substantially circular and/or dome shaped. 
     Further and as discussed herein, substantially curved contact surface  206  including contact portion  208  may have a unique curvature profile  212  (which may correspond to a cross-section) based on a variety of characteristics relating to sapphire structure  100 , support ring  202 , the specific test to be performed on sapphire structure  100  and so on. For example, the unique curvature profile  212  may have distinct portions having varying radius; that is, one portion of the curvature profile  212  (and so one portion of the contact surface) may be defined by a first radius extending from a centralized point of the contact portion  208 , while a second portion of the curvature profile  212  (and so a second portion of the contact surface) may be defined by a second radius from the centralized point, and so on. This centralized point may be the center of a circle defined by the arc segment forming the first portion of the curvature profile  212 , for example. The first radius and the second radius may be distinct and/or vary from one another, and the varying radius of the curvature profile  212  may vary on or along substantially curved contact surface  206  as it transitions from a center to a perimeter of contact portion  208 . Additional discussion of curvature profiles  212  of varying radii is given herein with respect to  FIGS. 9-12 . The transition between the first and second portions, and any further portions, of the curvature profile  212  may be smooth such that the surface appears substantially continuous. Alternatively, the transition or transitions between such portions may be abrupt and visible. As yet another option, the curvature profile  212  of the contact portion  208  may vary substantially continuously, such that it forms a parabola. 
     In non-limiting examples, substantially curved contact surface  206  of moveable contact component  204  may have a diameter (D) equal to or smaller than an inner diameter (D inner ) of support ring  202 . The diameter (D) of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be dependent on, at least in part, the specific test to be performed on sapphire structure  100 . For example, and as discussed herein, diameter (D) of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be smaller than inner diameter (D inner ) of support ring  202  when moveable contact component  204  is utilized in a material testing process that deflects sapphire structure  100  beyond a maximum, calculated flexion point (e.g., breaking point). Thus, the support ring  202  may limit the portion of the sapphire structure  100  that deflects to the area within the support ring. Essentially, the support ring  202  may define an outer bound of an area of the sapphire structure that can flex or otherwise deform during a testing procedure and/or while under force exerted by the substantially curved contact surface  206  of contact component  204 . 
     Moveable contact component  204  may also define a cylindrical portion  210  adjacent the substantially curved contact surface  206 . Cylindrical portion  210  may be coupled to and/or partly house contact portion  208  Like contact portion  208 , cylindrical portion  210  may be substantially cylindrical and/or round, and may be substantially concentric with support ring  202  and/or sapphire structure  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , cylindrical portion  210  may have a diameter (D) substantially similar or equal to the diameter of contact portion  208  and/or substantially curved contact surface  206 . As discussed herein, diameter (D) of cylindrical portion  210  may be substantially similar or equal to the diameter of contact portion  208  to ensure that cylindrical portion  210  does not interfere with the material testing process performed on sapphire structure  100 . 
     The testing process performed using testing apparatus  200 , discussed briefly now and in detail below, includes stressing or otherwise applying a force to sapphire structure  100  to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of sapphire structure  100 . In a non-limiting example, sapphire structure  100  may be placed on and/or supported by support ring  202 , and moveable contact component  204  of material testing apparatus  200  may move toward sapphire structure  100  and support ring  202  to initially contact, and subsequently deflect, sapphire structure  100  during the testing process. After the initial contact, sapphire structure  100  may deflect in response to moveable contact component  204  exerting force on sapphire structure  100 . As discussed herein, moveable contact component  204  may exert force on sapphire structure  100  until sapphire structure  100  is deflected to and/or beyond a calculated flexion distance. The area or region of the sapphire structure that flexes may be defined or otherwise limited by the size and shape of the support ring/structure  202 , as mentioned above. The calculated flexion distance may be a predetermined distance or threshold in which sapphire structure  100  may be deflected without breaking, and is dependent on the specific compositional and/or physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  undergoing the testing process discussed herein. 
     This testing process may determine if sapphire structure  100  meets a predetermined quality control standard and/or may determine if sapphire structure  100  includes material defects, as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 , that may negatively affect the physical and/or mechanical properties (e.g., reduced strength) of sapphire structure  100 . In a non-limiting example, and discussed herein, sapphire structure  100  may be deflected to the calculated flexion distance by testing apparatus  200  during the testing process to determine if sapphire structure meets the predetermined quality control standards. In the non-limiting example, if sapphire structure  100  does not break when deflected to the calculated flexion distance, sapphire structure  100  may be further processed to form individual components for various electronic devices, as discussed herein. However, if sapphire structure  100  does break before being deflected to the calculated flexion distance, sapphire structure  100  may require further processing to meet the predetermined quality control standard, and subsequently used within an electronic device. Alternatively, it may be determined that sapphire structure  100  may not meet the predetermined quality control standard, and may be repurposed, discarded, destroyed and/or recycled. 
     In another non-limiting example, the force applied to the sapphire structure  100  by moveable contact component  204  of material testing apparatus  200  may deflect sapphire structure  100  beyond the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100 , to intentionally break and/or attempt to break sapphire structure  100 . This testing process may determine the overall maximum strength of sapphire structure  100 . Additionally, the testing process may determine if sapphire structure  100  includes material defects that negatively affect the physical and/or mechanical properties of sapphire structure  100  by comparing an actual breaking deflection with a predetermined breakage deflection, as discussed herein. The predetermined breakage deflection may be a calculated and/or determinable deflection of sapphire structure  100  that may result in sapphire structure  100  breaking, shattering or cracking beyond repair. Similar to the calculated flexion distance, the predetermined breakage deflection is dependent on the specific compositional and/or physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  undergoing the testing process discussed herein. If the sapphire structure  100  deflects beyond the calculated flexion distance, as discussed above, and/or any predetermined breakage deflection without damage, then sapphire structure  100  meets the applicable quality control standard and may be further processed to form individual components for various electronic devices, as discussed herein. 
     As discussed above, calculated flexion distances and/or predetermined breakage deflections may be specific and/or dependent on the compositional and/or physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  undergoing the testing process. As a result, different sapphire structures  100  may include different calculated flexion distances and/or different predetermined breakage deflections. In non-limiting examples shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , two distinct sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  are deflected to a calculated flexion distance. In additional non-limiting examples,  FIGS. 3B and 4B  show the two distinct sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  initially depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , respectively, deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance to a predetermined breakage deflection. As discussed in detail below, and shown in comparing the sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  shown in  FIGS. 3A-4B , the calculated flexion distances and/or predetermined breakage deflections for each sapphire structure may be directly dependent on the compositional and/or physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  undergoing the testing process discussed herein. 
     The difference between the calculated flexion distance in distinct sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b , may be based on, at least in part, the dimensions of sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b.  In the non-limiting examples shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , sapphire structure  100   a  may have a first thickness (T 1 ), and sapphire structure  100   b  may have a second thickness (T 2 ), where the second thickness (T 2 ) of sapphire structure  100   b  is greater than the first thickness (T 1 ) of sapphire structure  100   a . In comparing  FIGS. 3A and 4A , the larger thickness of sapphire structure  100   b  (see,  FIG. 4A ) may result in sapphire structure  100   b  having a smaller calculated flexion distance than sapphire structure  100   a  (see,  FIG. 3A ). As a result, sapphire structure  100   a  may be deflected a greater distance than sapphire structure  100   b  before reaching the calculated flexion distance as a result of sapphire structure  100   b  having a larger thickness than sapphire structure  100   a.    
     Comparing  FIGS. 3B and 4B , the larger thickness of sapphire structure  100   b  (see,  FIG. 4B ) may result in sapphire structure  100   b  also having a smaller predetermined breakage deflection, which is beyond the calculated flexion distance, than sapphire structure  100   a  (see,  FIG. 3B ). As a result, sapphire structure  100   b  may be deflected a smaller distance beyond the calculated flexion distance than sapphire structure  100   a  before sapphire structure  100   b  reaches the predetermined breakage deflection and sapphire structure  100   b  breaks. For reference, the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b , as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 4A , are shown in phantom in  FIGS. 3B and 4B , respectively. 
     Additionally in comparing  FIGS. 3B and 4B , positions of a crack or break formed in sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  when sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  are deflected beyond calculated flexion distances and/or to the predetermined breakage deflections may be formed in distinct areas. In the non-limiting examples, the crack or break formed in sapphire structures  100   a  may be substantially in the center of sapphire structures  100   a , while by comparison, the crack or break formed in sapphire structures  100 b may be substantially off center. By performing the testing process discussed herein and deflecting sapphire structures  100   a ,  100   b  beyond the calculated flexion distances and/or to the predetermined breakage deflections, the position of the crack or break may indicate preexisting defects in the sapphire structures. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 3B  where the crack or break is formed substantially in the center of sapphire structure  100   a , it may be determined that the force applied by the testing apparatus  200  was experienced evenly by all portions of sapphire structure  100   a , which included uniform strength and/or compositional integrity (e.g., no defects). Distinctly, where the crack or break is formed substantially in the center of sapphire structure  100   b  shown in  FIG. 4B , it may be determined that the force applied by the testing apparatus  200  was experienced evenly by all portions of sapphire structure  100   b , but the material strength of sapphire structure  100   b  was not uniform and/or irregularities (e.g., no defects) existed in sapphire structure  100   b . In the non-limiting example, sapphire structure  100   b  may have included a defect in the area surround the crack or break, and as a result, the defect would have decreased the strength of sapphire structure  100   b  in that area, causing the crack or defect to form substantially off center when performing the testing process discussed herein. 
     Although discussed herein with respect to dimensions (e.g., thicknesses) of sapphire structure  100 , other features of sapphire structure  100  may differentiate and/or vary the calculated flexion distance between distinct sapphire structures. In a non-limiting example, additional processes performed on sapphire structure  100  prior to undergoing a testing process using material testing apparatus  200  may vary the calculated flexion distance and the predetermined breakage deflection. For example, sapphire structure  100  may be annealed prior to being tested; the annealed structure may have a distinct calculated flexion distance and predetermined breakage deflection when compared to a sapphire structure  100  of similar dimensions that may not have undergone an annealing process prior to the material testing. 
     As discussed herein, the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100  may be calculated to determine the force necessary to deflect sapphire structure  100  to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of sapphire structure  100 . The calculation of the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100  may be based on a variety of characteristics for sapphire structure  100 . In non-limiting examples, specific material characteristics and physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  may be utilized in calculating the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure. Material characteristics of sapphire structure  100  may include material composition of sapphire structure  100 , young&#39;s modulus of the material forming sapphire structure  100  and/or pre-testing processes performed on sapphire structure  100  (e.g., annealing). Physical characteristics of sapphire structure  100  may include a thickness of sapphire structure  100 , a dimension (e.g., width, circumference) of sapphire structure  100  and/or a dimension of a desired testing area of sapphire material  100 , among other characteristics. 
     The calculation of the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100  may also be based on a variety of physical characteristics of material testing apparatus  200 . In non-limiting examples, the physical characteristics may be based on characteristics of support ring  202 , including but not limited to, the dimensions (e.g., diameter) of support ring  202  and/or the dimension of a contact area formed between the support ring and sapphire structure  100 , insofar as support ring  202  may define (or help define) an area of the sapphire substrate subject to flexion and another area that is not subject to flexion, namely the portion of the substrate outside the ring. 
     Utilizing the various characteristics of sapphire structure  100  and/or material testing apparatus  200 , the deflection required to reach the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100  may be determined. Additionally, a required force that must be implemented on sapphire structure  100  to achieve the calculated flexion distance may also be determined. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the force required to deflect sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance may be continuously applied to sapphire structure  100  between support ring  202 , such that an entire test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  positioned between and/or aligned within the inner edge of support ring  202  of material testing apparatus  200  may experience a force (F). Additionally, to achieve the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100 , the magnitude of the force (F) applied in test area  112  varies. In a non-limiting example, the magnitude of the force (F) applied to test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  increases as the distance from the support ring  202  increases. The force (F) applied to test area is represented by an array of arrows; two of which are labeled “F.” It is understood that the number and/or size of the array of arrows representing the force or set of forces (F) applied to sapphire structure  100  is merely exemplary for showing a varying force (or set of forces) applied to test area  112 , and is not necessarily depicted to scale either absolutely or relative to one another. 
     By calculating the calculated flexion distance, and calculating the force required to deflect sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance and applying the force (F) over the entire test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 , a deflection-force profile  118  for sapphire structure  100  may also be determined. The deflection-force profile  118  may represent the shape or curvature of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  when it is flexed to the calculated flexion distance. 
     In another non-limiting example, a set of forces to be applied to test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  can be calculated. That is, rather than determining deflection-force profile  118  for sapphire structure  100  based on the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100 , a set of forces can be calculated. The calculated set of forces can include the specific magnitude of forces to be applied in specific portions of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  to deflect sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance. 
     As discussed herein, test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  may be positioned between and/or aligned within the inner edge of support ring  202  of material testing apparatus  200 . That is, test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  may be defined by the size and/or diameter of support ring  202 . In non-limiting examples, test area  112  may occupy only a portion of sapphire structure  100 , or alternatively, may be substantially the entire surface of sapphire structure  100 . As a result of test area  112  being variable in size and/or dependent on the size of support ring  202 , testing apparatus  200  may be capable of testing and/or applying a force to varying areas of sapphire structure  100 . 
       FIG. 6  is a stress graph illustrating the calculated stress (σ) applied to and/or experienced by test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  to deflect sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance as shown and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , label “SR” represents a distance at which support ring  202  touches the structure  100 . More specifically with comparison to  FIG. 5 , SR represents points at which support ring  202  touches or supports sapphire structure  100 , such that the structure is not deflected outside of the test area  112 . Additionally, label “C” of  FIG. 6  represents the a point equating to a center of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 . 
     The stress graph shown in  FIG. 6  is the calculated or ideal stress (a) experienced by sapphire structure  100  to deflect sapphire structure to the calculated flexion distance. As a result, the stress graph in  FIG. 6  is a representation of a perfect test structure and operation of the testing process discussed herein. Additionally as discussed herein, a stress graph indicating the actual stress experienced by sapphire structure  100  may be similar, but not identical to the stress graph shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , at least some portion of a calculated stress (S calculated ) is being uniformly applied to or experienced by sapphire structure  100  in at least a portion of test area  112  defined between support ring  202  of material testing apparatus  200 . That is, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the calculated stress (S calculated ) may be substantially uniform or consistent in a centralized portion of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 . The uniform calculated stress (S calculated ) as shown in  FIG. 6  may be substantially centered on center (C) of test area  112  and may be positioned between SR points or the portion of support ring  202  where sapphire structure  100  is completely supported by support ring  202 , as discussed above. The calculated stress (S calculated ) distribution to sapphire structure  100  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  may be the ideal or desired stress (σ) distribution on sapphire structure  100  when deflecting sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance, as discussed herein. 
     In order to achieve the ideal or desired stress distribution (e.g., substantially uniform stress) across the test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  when deflecting sapphire structure  100  to the calculated flexion distance, substantially curved contact surface  206  of moveable contact component  204  may include a curvature profile  212 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be identical or substantially similar to the deflection-force profile  118  of sapphire structure  100 . Curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be identical or substantially similar to the deflection-force profile  118  of sapphire structure  100  to ensure sapphire structure  100  is deflected identically, or as close as possible, to deflection-force profile  118 ; which is the ideal curvature that matches the calculated flexion distance for sapphire structure  100 , as discussed herein. This specific shape or curvature (e.g., curvature profile  212 ) for curved contact surface  206  allows testing apparatus  200  to obtain accurate testing of sapphire structure  100 , discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
     As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 , curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  of moveable contact component  204  may be based on material characteristics (e.g., material composition, young&#39;s modulus, pre-testing processes and so on) and/or physical characteristics (e.g., thickness, dimension, testing area dimension and so on) of sapphire structure  100 . Additionally, curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be based on physical characteristics of material testing apparatus  200 , and specifically, physical characteristics of support ring  202  (e.g., diameter, dimension of a contact area formed between support ring  202  and sapphire structure  100  and so on). 
     In addition to being based, at least in part, on the characteristics of sapphire structure  100  and/or support ring  202  of material testing apparatus  200 , curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may also be based on the testing process performed on sapphire structure  100 . In non-limiting examples, curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be based on whether sapphire structure  100  is being deflected to the calculated flexion distance, or alternatively, beyond the calculated flexion distance to the predetermined breakage deflection, as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As discussed herein, curvature profile  212  may vary radially between a center and a perimeter of substantially curved contact surface  206 , where the variations and/or distinct curvature regions in the curvature profile  212  may contact distinct portions of sapphire structure  100  during the distinct testing processes performed on sapphire structure  100 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a stress-graph illustrating the actual stress (a) applied to or experienced by test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 , by substantially curved contact surface  206  having curvature profile  212 . Additionally,  FIG. 8  shows in phantom the calculated stress (a) for test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 6 . It is understood that the reference markings or indicators (e.g., SR, C) shown in stress-graph of  FIG. 8  are substantially similar to those depicted in stress-graph of  FIG. 6 . As such, the reference markings shown in  FIG. 8  represent similar distances of support ring  202  and/or sapphire structure  100 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 6 . Redundant explanation of these reference markings is omitted for clarity. 
     In comparison, by forming substantially curved contact surface  206  to have curvature profile  212  that may be substantially identical to deflection-force profile  118  of sapphire structure  100 , the actual stress (S actual ) exerted onto sapphire structure  100  may be substantially similar to the calculated stress (S calculated ) and/or may also be substantially uniform. Although the actual stress (S actual ) is shown in  FIG. 8  to slightly vary from the calculated stress (S calculated ), it is understood that the difference between the actual stress (S actual ) and the calculated stress (S calculated ) is often slight, inconsequential, negligible and/or unavoidable. The differences between the actual stress (S actual ) and the calculated stress (S calculated ) may be a result of inconsistencies or variations in the testing environment (e.g., ambient temperature or pressure), variations in the testing material (e.g., material temperature, surface defects and/or undetectable thickness discrepancies), and/or variations in material testing apparatus (e.g., slight variations in the radii of curved contact surface  206  or misalignment of moveable contact component  204  and/or support ring  202 ). As a result of the actual stress (S actual ) and the calculated stress (S calculated ) being substantially similar, the data received when testing sapphire structure  100  to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of sapphire structure  100  may be substantially accurate. 
     As discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  of material testing apparatus  200  is identical or near-identical to a deflection-force profile  118  for sapphire structure  100 . Additionally as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4B , sapphire structures  100  may have varying calculated flexion distances dependent on characteristics of sapphire structure  100 . Because the deflection-force profile  118  is directly dependent on the calculated flexion distances, the deflection-force profile  118  for various, distinct sapphire structures  100  may also vary. As a result, curvature profile  212  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may also vary dependent on sapphire structure  100 . That is, contact portion  208  having curvature profile  212  may be interchangeable and/or may be modified to correspond to distinct sapphire structures  100  having distinct deflection-force profiles  118 . 
     As discussed herein, curvature profile  212  may have a varying radius between a center and a perimeter of substantially curved contact surface  206 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the varying radius of curvature profile  212  of contact surface  206  may include a first curved region  218  having a first curvature radius (R 1 ) and at least one distinct or second curved region  220  substantially surrounding first curved region  218 . Second curved region  220  has a second curvature radius (R 2 ) that may be distinct from the first curvature radius (R 1 ) of first curved region  218 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 9 , second curvature radius (R 2 ) of second curved region  220  may be less than first curvature radius (R 1 ) of first curved region  218 . 
     Each of the curved regions  218 ,  220  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may contact sapphire structure  100  during specific testing processes, as discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, and as discussed in detail herein with respect to  FIGS. 14A-14F , first curved region  218  may contact sapphire structure  100  when sapphire structure  100  is deflected to the calculated flexion distance and when sapphire structure  100  is deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance. Additionally in the non-limiting example, and as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 14A-14F , second curved region  220  may contact sapphire structure  100  only when sapphire structure  100  is deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance and/or to the predetermined breakage deflection. The variations in the curvature radii may ensure that sapphire structure  100  is being contacted by substantially all of curved contact surface  206  when sapphire structure  100  is undergoing a material testing process, as discussed herein. 
     Similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10 ,  FIGS. 11 and 12  show another non-limiting example of moveable contact component  204 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , substantially curved contact surface  206  has a curvature profile  212  of varying radius, defining first curved region  218 , second curved region  220  substantially surrounding first curved region  218  and a third curved region  222  substantially surrounding first curved region  218  and second curved region  220 . As similarly discussed herein, the distinct curved regions  218 ,  220 ,  222  formed on substantially curved contact surface  206  may include distinct curvature radii (R 1-3 ) that may contact distinct portions of sapphire structure  100  during material testing processes. 
       FIG. 13  depicts an example process for testing a sapphire structure. Specifically,  FIG. 13  is a flowchart depicting one example process  300  for stressing or deflecting a sapphire structure to analyze physical and/or mechanical properties of the stressed sapphire structure 
     In operation  302 , a test material (e.g., sapphire structure) is positioned on a support ring of a material testing apparatus. The sapphire structure is positioned on the support ring and is also positioned between the support ring and a moveable contact component of the material testing apparatus. Once positioned on the support ring, the sapphire structure is substantially stationary and may not be displaced. 
     In operation  304 , the contact component of the material testing apparatus is moved toward the sapphire structure and the support ring. The contact component moves toward the sapphire structure to contact a substantially curved contact surface of the contact component to the sapphire structure. The substantially curved contact surface of the contact component includes a curvature profile based on a deflection-force profile for the sapphire structure. The deflection-force profile is based on, at least in part, material and/or physical characteristics of the sapphire structure and/or physical characteristics of the support ring of the material testing apparatus. 
     In operation  306 , the contact area increases between the substantially curved contact surface of the contact component and the sapphire structure. The increasing of the contact area also includes continuously moving the contact component toward the sapphire structure and the support ring and increasing and/or distributing a force or set of forces applied to the sapphire structure using the contact component. Additionally, the increasing of the contact area includes an increase in a uniform stress area formed on the sapphire structure. 
     In operation  308 , the contact component deflects the sapphire structure. Specifically, the sapphire structure is deflected to a calculated flexion distance for the sapphire structure and/or beyond the calculated flexion distance to a predetermined breakage deflection. If the sapphire structure breaks prior to being deflected to the calculated flexion distance, the sapphire structure is presumed to include material defects, and as such, may not meet criteria to be implemented in an electronic device. However, if the sapphire structure does not break or breaks after being deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance, the sapphire structure includes the desired physical and/or mechanical properties necessary to be implemented in an electronic device. 
       FIGS. 14A-14F  show multiple views of sapphire structure  100  undergoing the process  300  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 13 . As shown in  FIGS. 14A-14F , and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , substantially curved contact surface  206  having curvature profile  212  may include a first curved region  218  having a first curvature radius (R 1 ), and at least one distinct or second curved region  220  substantially surrounding first curved region  218 . Second curved region  220  has a second curvature radius (R 2 ) that may be distinct from the first curvature radius (R 1 ) of first curved region  218 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 9 , second curvature radius (R 2 ) of second curved region  220  may be less than first curvature radius (R 1 ) of first curved region  218 . 
       FIG. 14A  shows a side view of substantially curved contact surface  206  initially contacting sapphire structure  100 . Contact component  204  of material testing apparatus  200  may not yet deflect sapphire structure  100  through support ring  202 , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , only a portion of first curved region  218  having first curvature radius (R 1 ) is contacting sapphire structure  100 . As a result, and as shown in the top view of sapphire structure  100  in  FIG. 14B , contact area  224  formed between substantially curved contact surface  206  and sapphire structure  100  may be substantially small and may only occupy a portion of test area  112 , shown in phantom, of sapphire structure  100 .  FIGS. 14A and 14B  may correspond to operations  302  and  304  of process  300  shown in  FIG. 13 . Although shown as only occupying a portion of sapphire structure  100 , it is understood that test area  112  may be substantially the entire surface of sapphire structure  100 . That is, and as discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , test area  112  may be defined by the portion of sapphire structure  100  that may be positioned between and/or in alignment with the inner boundaries of support ring  202  of testing apparatus  200 . As such, test area  112  of sapphire structure  100  may increase as the size and/or diameter of support ring  202  also increases. 
       FIG. 14C  shows a side view of contact component  204  moving toward sapphire structure  100  in order to exert force thereon, such that sapphire structure  100  may deflect. In the non-limiting example, contact component  204  continuously moves toward sapphire structure  100  such that substantially curved contact surface  206  contacts sapphire structure  100  to deflect sapphire structure to a calculated flexion distance. As shown in  FIG. 14C , when sapphire structure  100  is deflected to the calculated flexion distance, the entire first curved region  218  having first curvature radius (R 1 ) of substantially curved contact surface  206  may be in contact with sapphire structure  100 . Additionally, because sapphire structure  100  is only deflected to the calculated flexion distance, second curved region  220  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may not contact sapphire structure  100 . Furthermore, the portion or region of sapphire structure  100  that is contacted by first curved region  218  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may include or assume,(under testing) a curvature, displacement or flexion identical to substantially curved contact surface  206  having the first curved region  218 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 14D , and with comparison to  FIG. 14B , contact area  224  between substantially curved contact surface  206  of contact component  204  and sapphire structure  100  may increase. In the non-limiting example, and as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 14C , as sapphire structure  100  is deflected to the calculated flexion distance more of first curved region  218  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may contact sapphire structure  100 , thus increasing the contact area  224 . Although contact area  224  has increased when sapphire structure  100  is deflected to the calculated flexion distance, contact area  224  may still only occupy a portion of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 . As contact area  224  increases, a force applied to sapphire structure  100  via moveable contact component  204  may also increase. Additionally, as contact area  224  increases, a uniform stress area applied to sapphire structure  100  may also increase.  FIGS. 14C and 14D  may correspond to operations  304 ,  306  and  308  of process  300  shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14E  shows contact component  204  impacting and/or exerting force on sapphire structure  100 , such that sapphire structure  100  may deflect to a predetermined breakage deflection. In the non-limiting example, contact component  204  may be moved toward sapphire structure  100  such that substantially curved contact surface  206  contacts sapphire structure  100  to deflect sapphire structure beyond the calculated flexion distance to cause sapphire structure  100  to break. As shown in  FIG. 14E , when sapphire structure  100  is deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance, the entire first curved region  218  having first curvature radius (R 1 ) of substantially curved contact surface may be in contact with sapphire structure  100 . Additionally, when sapphire structure  100  is deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance, second curved region  220  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may also contact sapphire structure  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14F , and with comparison to  FIGS. 14B and 14D , contact area  224  between substantially curved contact surface  206  of contact component  204  and sapphire structure  100  may increase to the size of test area  112  of sapphire structure  100 . In the non-limiting example, and as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 14E , as sapphire structure  100  is deflected beyond the calculated flexion distance all of first curved region  218  and second curved region  220  of substantially curved contact surface  206  may contact sapphire structure  100 , thus increasing the contact area  224 .  FIGS. 14E and 14F  may correspond to operations  304 ,  306  and  308  of process  300  shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150831
Publication Date: 20170822
Grant Date: 20170822
Priority Date: 20150831
Inventors: LUZZATO VICTOR
MEMERING DALE N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G01N3/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N3/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N3/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N2203/0494", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N2203/0282", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N2203/0494", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N2203/0282", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N3/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N3/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01N3/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58097836