Seat Tester Data Sheet
(PDF)

Custom Fabricated
Testing Hardware
Data Sheet (PDF)

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Flexible, Accurate, and Powerful Durability Testing Software

A proven, configuration-ready application,
   available on a “fast track” delivery schedule.

Highly accurate electronic linear actuators
    and optical position sensors deliver greater
    precision than pneumatic actuators.

Dependable control application allows     unattended operation for greater test
    department productivity.

Advanced GUI eliminates the need for special
    operator training and makes test set-up and
    sequencing easy.

Test results can be displayed graphically, in
     real time and recorded in a variety of formats.


V I Engineering Inc. has developed a flexible and accurate Seat Durability Test System that’s already in place at a leading international automotive parts manufacturer. The system utilizes precisely controlled linear actuators to simulate the force and movement that the DUT would experience during a normal lifecycle. It also uses advanced optical distance sensors to precisely measure the performance and motion (travel) of the various power track functions (up down, forward, back ... etc). Data acquisition and control are handled by National Instruments hardware and a custom designed software application created by V I Engineering. In order for the system to be flexible enough to accommodate various seat types, testing schedules and future products, a simple yet through test editor/scheduler was implemented.


Power Track Validation


All power track operations (seat travel) can be programmed into a repeating cycle by the test
operator via the system GUI. The motor current, motor voltage, travel, load, acceleration and the number of cycles completed are then monitored for the required number of cycles and the precise stop and start points are recorded. The software also provides utilities for editing of the tests schedules. The schedule editor allows the user to define which functions are cycled how many cycles will occur, how often data should be saved to file, the tolerance, and the alarm limits for this schedule.

Range of Motion and Durability Testing

Concurrent with the power track tests, the range of motion and durability test sequences control linear actuators that apply force to the DUT in four (4) axis of motion. Three of the motions are governed by independently programmable waveforms capable of functioning in displacement, force, or acceleration modes. A separate actuator presses a simulation form against the seat at variable forces up to 1500N, accurately following the preset waveforms at speeds up to 6Hz. The displays are broken up into force, acceleration, and displacement graphs with a list of channel options to the right. This lets the operator choose the channels they want to view on any graph. As in the power track test, the schedule editor allows the user to define the waveform pattern, the number cycles, the frequency data should be saved to file and the alarm limits for the selected schedule. The editor can be accessed via menu on the main screen.

Alarms and Events

To avoid damage to the seat or the data acquisition equipment, alarm limits are fully configurable for each individual seat being tested. If any alarm limits are breached, for any of the four axes, the test will stop. There is also a hardware EStop on the test stand to cut power to the machine for user safety.

COTS Software and Instrumentation

 LabVIEW - System Development Software
 Data Acquisition Driver - NI-DAQ
 4 Slot PXI Chassis - PXI-1002
 1.26 GHz PXI Embedded Controller with 15 GB      Fast Ultra ATA100 hard drive and 256 Ram      Upgrade - PXI-8176, NI-8176
 Analog Output - PXI-6711
 Terminal Block for PXI-6711 - TB-2705
 Multifunction DAQ - PXI-6071E
 Digital I/O Module - PXI-6508
 Shielded Terminal Block - SCB-100

Signal Specifications