Test and measurement technology

Applications

Automotive crash test system for data acquisition

Highly reliable measurement results are essential in crash tests and sensor technology – this is the only way to make automotive traffic safer and drastically reduce the number of injuries suffered by vehicle occupants. The 36 ODU MINI‐SNAP® Series L receptacles ensure reliable transmission of signals, even when exposed to extreme shock and vibration. The metal housing is robust; the push‐pull locking protects against unintentional disconnection.

The modular on‐board data acquisition system consists of three independently functioning modules. KiDAU from Kistler includes a crash‐test recorder and interchangeable SD panel attachments.

Quick-change head

In accordance with the ODU QCH (quick‐change head) principle, the socket has a contact pin termination instead of a conventional cable termination. The contact pin can be mated with an ODU SPRINGTAC® or ODU LAMTAC® Socket installed in an assembled connector (base part).  Sockets with a quick‐change head termination are integrated in an insulator (interchangeable part),  which can be front‐mounted to the connector.

This allows the test adapter to be replaced quickly and easily – without the need for reassembly. The use of a wide variety of interchangeable parts ensures maximum flexibility for your production process.

Combination plug for analysis computer

On this flue gas analyzer, an ODU MINI‐SNAP® Push‐Pull connector ensures maximum measuring efficiency. Due to the mixed assembly of the plug, the temperature, analysis results, and tension can be read out via a single measurement.

The device is handy, lightweight, and also robust and intuitive to operate. All measured and calculated values can be read out at a glance.

Replica connector enables a high number of test cycles

Test procedures in the automotive sector often place high demands on connectors – a high number of mating cycles with consistent contact resistance are a must for reliable test results, e. g., when testing field returns.

An economical solution was developed by the customer SMART TESTSOLUTIONS Installed connectors with a low number of mating cycles are replaced by a replica that can withstand significantly more mating cycles. This means that the shape and connector face are reproduced, true to the original, and the interior is equipped with high‐quality ODU SPRINGTAC® Flatsockets.

Benefits for the user:
  • The test wiring harness lasts forever and does not need replacement
  • The test components do not get scratched during testing
  • Wear‐free mating and more than 50,000 mating cycles thanks to springwire technology

Coating inspections

UK‐based Elcometer Ltd is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of test equipment for the coating, concrete, and metal‐detection industries. ODU-UK Ltd. had the opportunity to work with Elcometer’s development team at their headquarters in Manchester – to assist in the development of the MTG2 coating thickness gauge by providing a custom mixing insert for the ODU MINI‐SNAP® Series L circular connector.

The MTG2 mobile coating thickness gauge makes it possible to measure the material thickness directly on site, even in hard‐to‐reach areas. It enables easy measurement of the material thickness and sound velocity of coated and uncoated surfaces.

Interface between the sensors and measurement instrument

The ODU AMC® including an assembly with a spiral cable is used as a resilient interface between the sensors and a measurement instrument. Thanks to the connector’s robust design, the measurement results remain reliable and precise even under severe stress, such as vibrations.

The VIBSCANNER® 2 measuring instrument acts as a high‐speed data collector for condition monitoring and thus ensures optimum system performance, in this case for a roller coaster.

Read more in issue 01/2019 of STECKVERBINDER, starting on p. 24

4‐wire measurement

The ODU SPRINGTAC® Flatsocket is suitable for 4‐wire measurement (Kelvin measurement),  a standard measuring method for precise measurement of low electrical resistance. The special feature of this flatsocket is the two contact halves, which guarantee optimal results.

With more than 50,000 mating cycles, it is ideally suited for use in testing applications.