Patent ID: 8151656

Claim:
A test fixture for an automotive wiper system including a plurality of connection points, first and second wiper arm connectors, and a motor configured to move the first and second wiper arm connectors, test fixture comprising of: first and second spaced apart support walls, each support wall having an inner surface and a top surface; a base located between the inner surfaces of the first and second support walls; first and second tracks coupled to the top surfaces of the first and second support walls, respectively; first and second cross beams moveably coupled to the first and second tracks; first and second brake assemblies coupled to the first and second cross beams, respectively, the first and second brake assemblies each including a brake support structure coupled to a respective one of the first and second cross beams so that each brake support structure is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the cross beam and is also rotatable relative to the cross beam, the first and second brake assemblies also including a brake coupled to the brake support structure and a connector coupled to a brake shaft of the brake, the connector being configured to be coupled to one of the wiper arm connectors so that the brake applies a resistive torque to the wiper arm connector; a torque sensor mounted to each brake shaft of the first and second brake assemblies, the torque sensor measuring the resistive torque applied by the brake to the wiper arm connector; a plurality of mounting blocks configured to be coupled to the base at a plurality of selected locations, each mounting block including a coupler configured to be coupled to one of the connection points of the wiper system; and a plurality of force sensors, a force sensor being coupled between each coupler and the connection point of the wiper system, the force sensors measuring forces at the connection points of the wiper system during movement of the first and second wiper arm connectors by the motor.