FEATURE TEST & MEASUREMENT
Thanks to its intelligent bus interface concept, Kistler's DTI technology simplifies setup for vehicle safety tests
series of benefits such as reliability, high data quality and reduced space requirements. Far less cabling is needed because only one line is run from the dummy. The advantages: less time is needed to prepare tests and the system is less susceptible to faults, which also increases measurement accuracy.
for sled tests as well as crash tests and head impact tests (Free Motion Headform or FMH for short). Continental – a subsidiary of the international technology corporation – operates its own test and development centre in the Lower Franconia region of Germany. Since it was founded in 1992, the company has completed about 300 series development projects here, as well as over 6,000 crash tests and more than 200 simulated projects. At Continental’s development site, approximately 550 sled tests and 450 crash tests are currently performed per year. Thomas Wild, team manager for Measurement and Video Technology at Continental Safety Engineering, explains: “With so many tests, we wanted to update our test equipment with the latest technology to ensure efficient processes and guarantee accurate, reliable measurement data. Requirements for the scope of testing are generally on the in- crease, and the same applies to the numbers of measuring points on vehicles.” By introducing DTI technology, Kistler offered a straightforward solution for users to fully modernise their existing crash test measuring equipment. So in 2015, Continental Safety Engineering contracted Kistler to expand the data acquisition system (DAS) and upgrade the existing in-dummy sensor systems to the new DTI technology. Early in 2015, Kistler began the DTI integration for ten existing H3 dummies; the WorldSID dummy upgrade followed at the end of the year. The challenge posed by the H3 dummies was to integrate this technology into the existing processes and infrastructure. With analogue measurement technology, each sensor
DTI sensor technology maximises process efficiency for straightforward ABS braking
channel had to be plugged into the data acquisition system by hand. This meant long setup times – and major potential for errors. For the onboard system, Continental opted for the latest generation of Kistler technology: the KiDAU data acquisition unit. Compatibility between existing and newly-integrated hardware was guaranteed, and Kistler also adapted and expanded its CrashDesigner software to meet Continental’s needs.
QUALITATIVE CRASH TESTS OF THE FUTURE DTI technology can be installed in all dummy models, including THOR-M – so now Continental can reliably combine a number of different devices that include both new and tried-and-tested hardware. This avoided the need to convert all technical devices to the new technology, thereby saving the company time and money. Thomas Wild sums up Continental’s collaboration with Kistler: “In this project, Kistler drew on its technical expertise and lengthy experience of vehicle safety. The end result: convincing proof that DTI technology is the most suitable measurement system on the market for in-dummy installations. Kistler knows what matters in highly complex crash tests – especially as regards converting to DTI technology. So now we can guarantee that our crash tests will continue to meet the highest standards in the future, just as they do at present. As well as delivering accurate measurement data, Kistler’s sensors are extremely fail-safe and dura-ble. As far as we're concerned, that’s the perfect combination. That's why we're already involved in intensive discussions about future projects.” Kistler’s flexible measurement technology gives Continental a whole
TESTING VEHICLE DYNAMICS, TYRES AND DURABILITY Over 40,000 DTI channels are now in use for vehicle safety crash tests. But when it comes to testing vehicle dynamics, tyres and durability, the setup required for test series is extremely time-consuming and cost-intensive, both for test bench and in-vehicle applications. Drawing on its accumulated vehicle safety know-how, Kistler has consistently developed its proprietary DTI technology at its Competence Centre in Wetzlar, matching it to the demand-ing requirements for vehicle dynamics and durability tests. Automated sensor detection makes test setup simpler than ever before. The KiCenter (Kistler’s measurement software) automatically detects the installed position, calibration values and relevant physical parameters, which can be configured in the GUI (Graphic User Interface). Guaranteed benefits: maximum process reliability and efficient use of time. To take one example: for brake path
measurement with straightforward ABS braking to DIN 70028, Kistler's portfolio includes a perfected, holistic measurement solution based on our DTI technology. Its components include sensors and triggers, the DTI logger and the KiCenter measurement software. The ‘One cable for everything’ concept ensures that test setup is fast and efficient – including end-to-end configuration of all connected sensors via the KiCenter. The measurement software guides users through the entire test, so they can focus fully on their work and gain valuable time on the test track.
CONNECTIVITY CUTS COSTS Reliable tests and cutting-edge measurement technology provide the essential basis for optimum vehicle development and engineering. Test configurations should be simplified as far as possible to ensure complete acquisition of the measurement data. Improved measurement results, lower material costs and shorter test times: these are the benefits that Kistler’s DTI technology with its ‘One cable for everything’ concept can deliver, in vehicle safety testing as well as vehicle dynamics and durability tests.
Kistler
www.kistler.com
36 SEPTEMBER 2017 | INSTRUMENTATION
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