Automated test system
Master thesis
This Master’s thesis focuses on the creation of an automated test system
to measure hand-operated short-stroke keys to ensure and enhance qual-
ity standards. The developed measuring system enables haptic data from
automotive control units to be recorded and analyzed.
The first theoretical part of the thesis introduces the methods used to
develop the system in a structured and efficient way (V-Model). The subse-
quent sections provide the definition of the term haptics and a description
of short-stroke key followed by a comparison of different force-distance mea-
suring systems leading the conclusion that only a costumized solution could
meet the specified requirements.
The practical part of the thesis is dedicated to the actual application
of the previously introduced structured development approach. The aim
is to create a system consisting of three linear axes which are moved by
stepper motors. A force sensor will measure the applied force with its signals
being increased by an operational amplifier. The control of the motors
as well as the data acquisition will be done using LabVIEW. The created
measuring system makes it possible to measure the force-distance of any
short-stroke key used in automotive control units. In this thesis the device
under investigation is an Audi MMI.
The tests are to determine if the push buttons are within the Audi spec-
ifications, which influence the test position has on the haptic curve, which
influence the push velocity has and which influence the temperature of the
device has. The final chapter summarizes the findings of the thesis and offers
suggestions of how to further improve the measuring system.
