Force Sensor Testing With Continuous Ramping and Data Synchronization

The patent applies continuous linearly ramped force instead of repeated incremental steps, allowing the sensor to be tested across its full range without stopping for stabilization periods. The mechanical actuator continuously varies the force from minimum to maximum values, eliminating idle waiting time while maintaining measurement accuracy through synchronized data collection at regular intervals.

The patent implements periodic force ramping cycles where the force continuously increases and decreases in a repeating pattern. This periodic action allows multiple measurement cycles to be performed without requiring stabilization between incremental steps, as the continuous motion prevents the sensor from settling into static states that would require waiting periods.

The continuous force ramping process eliminates the need to stop and restart measurements after stabilization periods, maintaining productive data collection throughout the entire test cycle. The sensor is continuously stimulated and measured across its full operating range multiple times, increasing the number of valid measurements obtained per unit time while maintaining reliability through the continuous nature of the test.

The patent skips the traditional stabilization waiting periods that are inherent in incremental testing methods. By applying continuous ramped force, the method rushes through what would otherwise be unproductive stabilization time, converting it into active measurement time where data is continuously collected during the force transition rather than waiting for the sensor to settle.

The patent uses feedback from synchronized timing signals to coordinate data collection from multiple sources. The controller receives timing information from the mechanical actuator about when force changes occur and uses this feedback to synchronize the sampling of sensor output data with the corresponding force states, ensuring accurate correlation between applied force and measured response without complex manual coordination.

The patent introduces a timing signal as an intermediary that mediates between the mechanical actuator and the data collection system. This timing signal serves as a common reference that both the actuator and measurement system can use to synchronize their operations, simplifying the coordination of simultaneous continuous measurements by providing a shared temporal reference frame rather than requiring direct complex communication between all components.