Patent ID: 9057660
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: G01M,G01N

Abstract:
1. An Automated Multi-Orientation Drop Test apparatus comprising: a) a clamping mechanism for clamping an object to be test dropped, the clamping mechanism having first and second arms that are pressed into the object to hold the object; b) a pneumatic lifting mechanism interconnected to the clamping mechanism; c) a guide plate for guiding the object in freefall in a certain orientation such that the object impacts a base in the desired axial orientation, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to hold the object in three configurations, a first configuration configured to hold the object in an x-axis orientation, the first and second arms holding object in a bent slot in each of the first and second arms, the bent slot having an approximately wedge shape, and configuration configured to hold the object in a y-axis orientation, the first and second arms holding the object along a longitudinal portion of the arms, terminating a an angled portion of each arm, a third configuration configured to hold the object in a z-axis orientation, the first and second arms holding the object along the longitudinal portion of the arms, wherein the guide plate includes a mechanism for configuring the guide plate in a first, second, and third guide plate configuration, corresponding to the first, second and third configurations of the clamping mechanism, and wherein the guide plate includes a plurality of guides, including a first and second front guide, a third and fourth rear guide, and a fifth and sixth side guide, wherein the plurality of guides are oriented to provide an approximately rectangular frame that extends vertically during free fall.