Torque tester for windows and sunroof controls

Torque screwdriver, rotary sensor and AFTI mounting solution

The portable AFTI torque measurement display

Requirement

The customer requested a portable system which would quickly and easily allow him to test the torque required to open and close windows in a car. The maximum torque required to start the rotation of the window mechanism should be recorded. In addition the 'running torque' required to maintain the rotary movement of the mechanism should be displayed.

Solution

A rechargeable battery-powered drill was adapted to fit a rotary torque transducer and an AFTI torque display. The drill was set to operate at a fixed speed equivalent to 30 rpm. A female adaptor was fitted to the square drive of the rotary torque transducer, which held the spline of the window mechanism. The AFTI was set to 'normal' display to monitor the running torque required to operate the mechanism. The alarm band of the AFTI was set to upper and lower limits to visually indicate if the running torque was within the prescribed tolerances. Upon completion of the test, the peak torque to start the rotation was recalled by pressing the 'MAX' key on the AFTI display.