Abstract

Project Description:

Magna Mirrors designs and manufactures trailer-tow mirrors for the automotive industry, which provide better visibility when towing. However, due to their size and weight, they are prone to greater vibration leading to faster component wear. To identify failing components, Magna requires a testing apparatus that is capable of measuring displacement under the application of a force.

The current testing process suffers from downtime and inconsistency. Multiple configurations are required for both left-hand and right-hand mirrors in their retracted and extended positions. Setting up each configuration takes upwards of 15 minutes, even for experienced personnel. In addition, the lack of fixed positions introduces human error and variation in test results.

The objective of this project is to develop a more reliable, precise, and user-friendly tester for measuring the force and displacement relationships on Magna's trailer-tow mirrors. The principal challenge is to develop a universal test system that can accommodate all of Magna's mirror variations, each of which has a unique mounting base and position. This necessitates the development of a system that permits expedient and uniform configuration alterations while maintaining the capacity to accommodate disparate mirror designs.

“Advancing mobility for everyone and everything. Forward. For all.”