MIMO Force-Response Testing via Automated SIMO Exciter Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing the structural dynamic properties of complex devices and assemblies, such as automotive components, are labor-intensive, prone to experimental errors, and require costly high-channel-count DAQ systems, making them inefficient for multiple specimen testing.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) force-response characterization using a test system with a plurality of exciter devices and response sensors, an exciter router, a data acquisition system, and an electronic controller, which iteratively couples excitation signals to each exciter device and collects sensor data in parallel or serially to determine a system response function, reducing the need for labor-intensive instrumentation and costly DAQ systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MIMO testing methods are used to characterize structural dynamic properties, then comprehensive system response data can be obtained, but the testing process becomes labor-intensive and requires costly high-channel-count DAQ systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIMO testing process into multiple SIMO or SISO tests performed sequentially. Instead of simultaneously measuring all input-output combinations with a high-channel-count DAQ system, the method divides the characterization into separate single-input tests, each requiring minimal DAQ channels. This segmentation maintains comprehensive system response data collection while dramatically reducing the required DAQ system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an exciter router as an intermediary device that selectively couples the excitation signal to different exciter devices. This router enables sequential activation of individual exciters while using a single-channel or low-channel DAQ system, thereby mediating between the need for comprehensive MIMO characterization and the limitation of affordable DAQ hardware.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive MIMO characterization is performed with multiple exciters and sensors, then complete system response data is obtained, but the instrumentation setup becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary automated routing configuration where the exciter router and sensor router are pre-programmed with the test sequence. Before actual data collection begins, the system automatically configures the appropriate exciter-sensor pairings for each test iteration, eliminating manual instrumentation setup time. This preliminary automated configuration maintains complete SRF data collection while dramatically reducing labor-intensive setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated routing and sequential test execution. The electronic controller automatically manages the exciter router and sensor router, sequentially activating exciters and coupling sensors without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to manually reconfigure instrumentation between tests, reducing both setup and teardown time while maintaining comprehensive characterization.
3Measurement precision
If iterative SIMO or SISO tests are performed sequentially for each exciter, then comprehensive MIMO SRF data is collected, but the total test duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing automated sequential testing where the electronic controller continuously manages the test sequence without interruptions. As one exciter completes its SIMO/SISO tests, the system immediately transitions to the next exciter through the exciter router, ensuring continuous data collection. This continuous automated operation maintains comprehensive MIMO SRF accuracy while maximizing testing throughput by eliminating idle time between test iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes testing productivity by dynamically changing test parameters such as excitation frequency ranges and amplitude levels based on preliminary structural characteristics. The electronic controller adjusts these parameters mid-test sequence to maximize information gain per unit time, allowing comprehensive MIMO characterization to be achieved more efficiently. This parameter optimization maintains measurement precision while reducing total test duration.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated MIMO force-response characterization of a device/structure-under-test. A SIMO exciter router is operated to selectively couple an excitation signal input to an exciter device while the sensor data indicative of a sensed response to the imparted excitation force is collected from a plurality of response sensors. The SIMO exciter router operates to collect sensor data for each of a plurality of different exciter-sensor combinations (i.e., sensor data is collected from each individual response sensor while the excitation force is applied by each individual exciter device). The sensor data is collected by a data acquisition system with a plurality of signal input channels each coupled to a different response sensor or a sensor router is used to selectively couple each individual sensor output to a shared signal input channel of the data acquisition system.