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Applications

Using the GP1 as a training-tool for proper handling

The GP1 is an ideal instrument for educating individuals about proper handling. Manufacturers are realizing that incidents of undesirable handling can be a major cause for shortened service life and decreased customer satisfaction. The GP1 is a 3-axis instrument that measures: acceleration profiles, response periods, vibrations, and reactions to input. The GP1 captures, quantifies, and helps the user understand those elements that are not readily observable. A unique feature of the GP1 is the ability to program the flashing LED to signal preferred and non-preferred handling. When the object the GP1 is attached to is being handled in a preferred manner the LED will flash green, when the object is exposed to undesirable handling the LED will flash red. Being able to objectively measure handling provides a consistent platform for training and qualification.

The GP1 makes it easy to discover and record dynamic handling information and features an internal processor that can be set up to record summary and/or detail type information

The summary information mode is an easy to understand collection mode that gives the user pertinent information without unnecessary detail. This mode automatically calculates and reports: when the motion occurred, what type of motion it was, what the thresholds were and how long the motion lasted. The summary mode has pre-programmed reports that identify drops, tilts, impacts, and heavy landings. In the following example a GP1 records a 2" drop, a 4" drop, a 10" drop and a 20" drop (plus a bounce).

The GP1's summary mode can calculate and report up to 21 different measurements, these measurements take the guesswork out of trying to understand what occurred.

In addition to the calculated values that are generated by the summary mode, the GP1 also records acceleration waveforms; acceleration waveforms are a compilation of individual acceleration samples taken every 10 milliseconds and then stitched together to describe the characteristics of the motion. The waveform files show the details and nuances of the motion and displays exactly what occurred, the ability to visualize dynamic signatures helps the user see complex relationships. The example below illustrates the responses that were recorded during preferred and non-preferred set-down by a fork truck. Notice how the two traces are different. The preferred set-down (left image) shows a desired drop acceleration of around .8g and peak impact below 2.5g vs. almost .5g of drop acceleration and over 4.5g of impact.

The software that comes with the GP1 has an export to csv function that lets the user export the summary and detail data out to other analysis packages.

The GP1 offers an easy way to objectively train individuals for proper handling. The ability to measure human and machine-handling influences increases awareness and results in improved quality and customer satisfaction.

If you would like more information about the GP1 or help in evaluating your application please give us a call; our technical staff is made up of engineers and technicians dedicated to providing you with accurate, relevant information.