Child safety - force to access lighter

Case study

Force measurement test to access a cigarette lighter mechanism

Measurement graph of force to access a cigarette lighter mechanism

Solution

Software-controlled test stand and software
Clamping fixtures and accessories designed for the product tested

Benefits

Approved product safety testing to customer specification
Simple and reliable test procedure
Verstility to create other programs for R&D

Requirement

The customer manufactures lighters and is currently developing a case/guard designed to increase the safety for children.

The test consists of checking the maximum push force necessary to open the guard and access the lighter. The expected force is 10 N at the point of the lock. As part of an R&D project, the customer required a system which would offer versatility in the test and calculation program. The data and graphic representation would also need to be captured at a high resolution, i.e. 2000 Hz.

Solution

As per specification, Mecmesin supplied the Imperial computer-controlled test system with an intelligent loadcell. A special accessory, developed by the client, holds the patented child-guard horizontally. The holding accessory, fixed to the anvil plate of the test stand, keeps the lock of the sample in the loadcell axis. A pin, attached to the loadcell via an extension rod, is applying a compression force on the lock of the lighter. The lock of the patented child guard is released at a compression force of 10 N at 2.5 mm/min.