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Load Cell - Trackpad / Touchpad Test Stand

Why load cells are an important component of Touchpad Test Stands?


As technology continues to advance, touchpads have become an integral part of computing devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Users rely heavily on these touchpads to navigate and interact with their devices, making it crucial to ensure that they deliver optimal performance. One of the most important aspects of touchpad testing is the evaluation of tactile feedback. This is where a touchpad test stand equipped with precise load cells and linear actuator motors comes in handy.

A touchpad test stand is a specialized device that is designed to perform touchpad mechanical testing, including touchpad tactile feedback testing. This device is equipped with load cells that are used to quantify the force required to stimulate touchpad response. By measuring the force required for user click, for example, manufacturers can determine whether their touchpads are responsive enough for the end-user.

The load cell is fixed onto a testing actuator to record tactile feedback and run cycle tests. The cycle test simulates the usage of a touchpad over a period of time. It is designed to determine whether the touchpad can withstand continuous usage without losing its responsiveness. The tactile feedback test, on the other hand, determines the pressure required to activate the touchpad. By quantifying the force required, manufacturers can optimize the sensitivity of their touchpads for optimal performance.

How linear actuator motors are used in conjunction with load cells?

In addition to force sensors and load cells, touchpad test stands often include a precise linear actuator motor to test the touchpad on the x, y, and z axes. The linear motor is mounted in the arms of the test stand and moves the end effector and load cell with high precision in the x, y and z directions,  simulating different types of touchpad interactions. Jenny Science is a global manufacturer of compact linear motors and this application was inspired by their products.

Testing the touchpad on the x, y, and z axes is important because it allows manufacturers to evaluate the touchpad's accuracy and responsiveness in different directions. For example, the x-axis test evaluates the touchpad's horizontal movement, while the y-axis test evaluates the vertical movement (dragging and/or scrolling). The z-axis test evaluates the touchpad's sensitivity to pressure (single or double-click).

How it Works
  1. Trackpads / Touchpads are a common feature of desktop computers and laptops.

  2. FUTEK’s LSB200 is fixed onto a testing actuator to quantify the force required to stimulate touchpad / trackpad response. The linear actuator allows to test the touchpad on the x, y, and z directions. For example, the x-axis test evaluates the touchpad's horizontal movement, while the y-axis test evaluates the vertical movement (scrolling, dragging). The z-axis test evaluates the touchpad's sensitivity to pressure (clicks).

  3. During R&D, a test stand can be set up to record the force of pressing and dragging motion of a finger in relation of the position on trackpad.

  4. During quality checking processes, the gantry setup can be automated to inspect each trackpad to make sure the tactile feedbacks of a trackpad are within tolerance.

  5. These force measures can be streamed to a computer for control and analysis utilizing FUTEK's USB Solutions.

Products in Use

Jr. Miniature S-Beam Load Cell (LSB200) paired with Instrumentation (USB220).


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All FUTEK application illustrations are strictly conceptual.
Please Contact Us with questions.

Why load cells are an important component of Touchpad Test Stands?


As technology continues to advance, touchpads have become an integral part of computing devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Users rely heavily on these touchpads to navigate and interact with their devices, making it crucial to ensure that they deliver optimal performance. One of the most important aspects of touchpad testing is the evaluation of tactile feedback. This is where a touchpad test stand equipped with precise load cells and linear actuator motors comes in handy.

A touchpad test stand is a specialized device that is designed to perform touchpad mechanical testing, including touchpad tactile feedback testing. This device is equipped with load cells that are used to quantify the force required to stimulate touchpad response. By measuring the force required for user click, for example, manufacturers can determine whether their touchpads are responsive enough for the end-user.

The load cell is fixed onto a testing actuator to record tactile feedback and run cycle tests. The cycle test simulates the usage of a touchpad over a period of time. It is designed to determine whether the touchpad can withstand continuous usage without losing its responsiveness. The tactile feedback test, on the other hand, determines the pressure required to activate the touchpad. By quantifying the force required, manufacturers can optimize the sensitivity of their touchpads for optimal performance.

How linear actuator motors are used in conjunction with load cells?

In addition to force sensors and load cells, touchpad test stands often include a precise linear actuator motor to test the touchpad on the x, y, and z axes. The linear motor is mounted in the arms of the test stand and moves the end effector and load cell with high precision in the x, y and z directions,  simulating different types of touchpad interactions. Jenny Science is a global manufacturer of compact linear motors and this application was inspired by their products.

Testing the touchpad on the x, y, and z axes is important because it allows manufacturers to evaluate the touchpad's accuracy and responsiveness in different directions. For example, the x-axis test evaluates the touchpad's horizontal movement, while the y-axis test evaluates the vertical movement (dragging and/or scrolling). The z-axis test evaluates the touchpad's sensitivity to pressure (single or double-click).

Trackpad / Touchpad Test Stand
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Multi Axis Sensor, Force, Torqueapplications Trackpad-Touchpad-Test-Stand
+
Z540-1 ANSI Certified17025 ISO Certified9001 ISO Certified13485 ISO CertifiedU.S. Manufacturer
+
Please follow us on linked inPlease follow us on twitterPlease follow us on youtubePlease Email us for additional info
+
10 Thomas, Irvine,
CA 92618 USA
All other trademarks, service marks and logos used in this website are the property of their respective owners.
© 1998–2024 FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.