Expectations and reality can sometimes differ radically. To help ensure that products will in fact operate successfully in their intended environment, design validation is driven whenever possible by tangible and quantifiable data. Such baseline operating data is collected in numerous ways.
Unattended Testing is one reliable method for collecting real-world operating data. In the process vehicles and equipment are instrumented with data collection and recording equipment and put through operation. Gathering large sets of data over an extended period of time ensures that usage is accurately reflected and the occasional anomaly is captured. Armed with this information, designers/manufacturers can explore a range of design alternatives and validate the design for manufacturability, durability and reliability.
It’s important to understand that, when in the customer’s hands, a product/sub-system/component may be pushed and exceed the limits for which it was intended. Likewise, harsh conditions and excessive forces to which the equipment may be subjected often far exceed that for which it was designed.
Understanding sometimes vague or unanticipated customer usage scenarios and operating environments directly influence durability targets. Whether exceeding maximum load limits, traversing excessively rugged terrain, brutal climate conditions or neglecting maintenance schedules, product design must account for scenarios that often go far beyond the expected.