Test apparatus, compliance mechanism, and related method
US8839678B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0206
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A test apparatus configured to test connectors is provided. The test apparatus may include a fixture that holds a first connector and an actuator that holds a mating second connector. The actuator may axially displace the second connector in and out of engagement with the first connector. A compliance mechanism, which may be coupled to the fixture or the actuator, may provide one of the connectors with compliance in order to facilitate alignment of the connectors during engagement and disengagement thereof. The compliance mechanism may allow movement of one of the connectors perpendicularly to the actuation axis and/or angular movement about the actuation axis while preventing axial movement within the compliance mechanism. Accordingly, forces associated with engagement and disengagement of the connectors measured by a load cell may more closely resemble actual forces experienced by a user during use of the connectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.