Universal Port Application Highlight - Automotive Functional Test Cart

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Automotive Test Cart

Universal Port

Thermotron has developed a functional test system for life testing automotive lock systems. The key to this system is the Universal Port. The cart is used to support motor-driven test rigs that insert car keys into locks, turn the keys, and then remove them... Over, and over, and over again. Two SE-600-3-3 chambers with Universal Ports on both sides are used to conduct long term temperature humidity life tests.

The company that purchased this system develops and produces mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. As new technologies like remote start, keyless entry, and electronic alarm systems gain their place in mainstream automobile fleets, reliablity and customer satisfaction become key issues.

Many products that undergo environmental testing must be automatically or manually manipulated to simulate actual life testing conditions. There are typically buttons to push, switches to toggle and knobs to turn. The Universal Port provides a convenient interface solution to facilitate these activities. Applications in the Electronics, Appliance, Aerospace, Computer, and Gaming industries may lend themselves to this solution.

Features of the Automotive Functional Test Cart:

• Sturdy and durable cart.
• Easy rolling casters with locks and leveling pads.
• Positive shaft seal boot assembly minimizes heat and moisture leak.
• Universal Port plug can be easily configured to accomodate product or test profile changes.
• When not utilized with test carts, the chamber operates as a normal SE-600-3-3 temperature/ humidity chamber.
• Products are freely accessed for easy loading and unloading outside the chamber.
• Two carts per chamber (one each side) increase product testing throughput.
• Saves space when compared to alternative Walk-in test facilities.
• The Automotive Functional Test Cart can be combined with pre-existing SE Chambers.

Protected under United States Patent No. 6,976,340.