Generalized method for characterizing mechanical loads in mobile devices

This paper presents the concept and design of a test vehicle for characterizing applied mechanical loads on small form-factor devices. These loads can include forces, moments, and torques. A case-study utilizing a version of this test vehicle is discussed. The test vehicle weighs 100 grams and has a form factor similar to commonly available media players like Zune HD. Specific usage scenarios were selected to represent extreme loading conditions. The resulting multivariate, stochastic data were analyzed using the Bounded Johnson System distribution. This statistical treatment eases the use of the empirical data in subsequent analysis, such as determination of the appropriate in-lab loading conditions to quantify the mechanical robustness of a product.