Controlar Vibration Test System is a highly stable test system with vibration to be used in production lines or in laboratories under a controlled environment. This system can determine the extent to which the DUT can withstand mechanical vibrations and fatigue damage that could be encountered in handling and transportation, among others. Moreover, it can be adapted to other tests such as functional tests which require vibration loads.

The principle of operation is based on the simulation of normalized vibrations that might affect the components of the final product under controlled conditions (eg. infotainment clusters). The test may be performed under a fixed frequency sinusoidal vibration or under a sweep of frequencies.

The machine structure has been designed to hold and absorb the vibrations during the test which could be transmitted to the most sensitive devices in the system. For this purpose, anti-vibration feet were applied. The structure’s weight is dimensioned to sustain the major forces generated during the test. In order to achieve this, the platform under vibration was reinforced with a 142 kg platform, contributing to the machine stability.

The vibration plate is mounted on three low-resistance silent-blocks with a capacity of 20 kg each. Their triangle configuration supports and compensates the weight of the nest applied on the top front keeping the plate’s balance while allowing a free and smooth movement of the plate. Thus, the silent-blocks are capable of absorbing the residual energy resulting from vibration, thereby reducing the amount transferred to the machine frame.

The main component of this testing system is the vibrator motor. The control of the vibrator motor is carried out by a frequency inverter, allowing for the setting of the motor operating frequency based on a wide range of functionalities. The machine relies on sensors and software-controlled components, such as pneumatic cylinders, LED lights, etc. to automate the test sequence (DUT insertion, DUT lock, test start, among others).

Bearing safety in mind, different precaution measures were implemented according to the machine’s response to vibrations. Examples are the application of safety light curtain sensors and the distance between the top plate and the base that were calculated in order to minimize the risk of injury.