Sentek Dynamics is proud to announce the development of a groundbreaking safety apparatus for single-degree-of-freedom electrodynamic shaker systems. Further details are provided in U.S. Patent Application (US 2025/0020536 A1) published on January 16, 2025. This invention was led by Dr. James Zhuge to improve the safety and reliability of vibration testing, a critical process for industries ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics.
U.S. Patent Application (US 2025/0020536 A1) published on January 16, 2025
The new safety apparatus addresses longstanding challenges in vibration testing by incorporating advanced, non-contact displacement monitoring technology. Unlike traditional systems that rely on acceleration-based feedback, which can miss low-frequency displacements or angular deviations, Sentek Dynamics’ solution uses remote laser sensors positioned outside the control loop to directly measure linear and angular movements of the shaker’s armature or support table. This ensures precise detection of over-travel, tilting, or other anomalies that could damage test units or equipment. Key features of this new patented apparatus include:
Enhanced Safety: The system automatically ramps down or halts the shaker’s drive signal when preset displacement limits are exceeded, preventing costly damage to both the test unit and the shaker.
Accurate Monitoring: Three strategically placed laser sensors, such as those from Micro Epsilon, provide real-time data on the support table’s motion, enabling precise calculation of tilting and linear displacement in all directions.
Versatile Application: The apparatus is compatible with both single-axis shakers and multi-exciter single-axis (MESA) configurations, offering flexibility for diverse testing needs.
Error Reduction: By measuring displacements outside the control loop, the system avoids numerical errors associated with digital integration of acceleration signals, ensuring reliable performance.
“This innovation represents a significant leap forward in vibration testing technology,” states Dr. James Zhuge, CEO at Sentek Dynamics. “Our safety apparatus not only protects valuable equipment but also enhances the accuracy and efficiency of testing processes, giving our clients confidence in their results.” The apparatus is designed to meet the rigorous demands of industries where vibration testing is essential for product durability and performance. By mitigating risks associated with armature over-travel and misalignment, Sentek Dynamics’ solution sets a new standard for safety and precision in electrodynamic shaker systems.
About Sentek Dynamics Inc.
Based in Santa Clara, California, Sentek Dynamics is a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced vibration testing systems. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Sentek Dynamics serves industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and defense, delivering reliable solutions for product testing and validation.
Sentek Dynamics Inc.
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https://patents.google.com/patent/US20250020536A1/en?oq=US2025%2f0020536
Note: The publication of this patent application (US 2025/0020536 A1) by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office allows for public disclosure of the invention. For additional details, refer to the USPTO database.