Download Mechanical Engineering Test Plan

P09003 Interactive Game for Child
Test Plans & Test Results
MSD I: WKS 8-10 TEST PLAN
1.1.
Introduction
The goal of this project is to create a handheld game for Luke, a 9
year old child with severe visual limitations. The Mechanical
Engineering team is tasked with developing a casing and chassis that
will house and support the electrical components.
1.2.
Critical Components Being Tested

1.3.
Rapid Prototype Casing
Approval; Guide, Sponsor
Approved by:
Team Members – Christopher Yang, Nick Babin
Guide – Professor George Slack
Sponsor – Dr. Debartolo
1.4.
Mechanical Test Strategy
1.4.1. Product Specifications
Need
Durability




Metric
Drop Test
Importance
Low
Target
4
Units
Ft
The mechanical testing for the project is severely limited by nature.
While the casing is an important design consideration, the budget of
the project limits the amount of effective testing that can be
accomplished. We do not have the budget to test components to
destruction, which is a very important consideration for the electronic
components of the final assembly. We also cannot afford to destroy a
$1000 rapid prototype case. Because of these limitations, most of the
testing that will be accomplished is by simulation. These limitations
refer to both the drop test specification of 5 feet, and the “water
resistant” specification.
All of the testing that will be done on the case itself will be
accomplished using Finite Element Analysis. It has been suggested
that we use Dr. Lam’s vibration table, but without being able to test the
complete assembly, including the LCD screen, this is probably a waste
of her equipment since the plastic case is unlikely to be affected.
Chris Yang has volunteered to do the FEA work and is generally more
familiar with ANSYS.
The biggest risk in using ANSYS is that it would not provide and
accurate enough model of the shock loading that the case would see if
it were dropped. Compared to actually testing a case to failure, ANSYS
remains a much less riskier and more cost effective option. The
contingency plan, as always, is simply to have an extremely overdesigned case. The added benefit of using FEA is that any observed
weak points such as screw gussets can be noted and re-enforced
before an actual prototype is produced.
1.4.1 Specifications
 Three durability criteria were initially listed for the project: the four foot
drop test, water resistant, and vibration resistant. Without being able to
test the electronic components, only the case will be looked at, and
even then only for the drop test, since the other two would be much
less intense tests on the case (but most likely more intense for the
electronics if they were to be tested).
1.4.2 Functions
 Tests
 Drop Test – The effects of dropping the complete assembly
from a 5 foot height will be looked at using FEA. Each
component will be modeled as a point load on its mounting
brackets, and several tests will be run testing various impact
points and angles on the exterior of the case.
1.4.3 Testing Equipment Available
 Both ME computer labs have ANSYS available on all of the computers.
1.4.4 Testing Equipment Needed but Unavailable
 Additional prototypes and electronics would enable more accurate and
vigorous testing, but are not essential to the completion of this plan.
1.4.5 Phases of Testing
 Durability
o Drop Test Simulation
 Integration
o Fitment/Interference check with final model
 Electrical components with chassis and casing
 SD card housing and casing