Patent ID: 7201064
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A panel testing device for flexing and measuring mechanical properties of a panel, comprising: a panel bending assembly operable to engage a panel and impart a bending force on the engaged panel; a linear actuator having an output shaft coupled to the panel bending assembly, wherein the linear actuator converts rotary motion into linear movement of the output shaft, and wherein the output shaft is operable to be movable relative to the panel bending assembly where movement of the output shaft correspondingly changes a bending force applied to a test panel engaged by the panel bending assembly; a position feedback assembly operable to generate signals corresponding to the position and velocity of the output shaft of the linear actuator; a deflection measurement assembly operable to measure a deflection of the panel; and a control system communicating with the linear actuator and the deflection measurement assembly for controlled operation thereof including receiving first signals from the deflection measurement assembly that correspond to the deflection of the panel and second signals from the position feedback assembly that correspond to the position and velocity of the output shaft of the linear actuator, wherein the control system is adapted to adjust the velocity of the output shaft in response to the second signals.