How ARMOR Computers Combat Shock and Vibration

Mobile devices are subjected to a broad range of shock and vibration like dropping the unit or operating it while it's mounted in a vehicle. ARMOR Rugged Mobile Computers are designed and tested to resist the effects of shock and vibration.

Mobile devices are subjected to a broad range of intentional and unintentional usage environments beyond office equipment. Unintentional shock includes dropping after sliding off a surface, while expected shocks occur through operations such as a vehicle backing up to a loading dock, a rail car engaging, or a tow truck winch operating. Vibration, on the other hand, is specific to the vehicle or stationary equipment on which the device is mounted. While most applications are typified by random vibration, in some cases, such as onboard a ship, there is an overlay of a strong periodic vibrating component induced by engines, etc.

Careful attention to material properties such as malleability (too malleable leads to wear) and brittleness (such as glass shatter) are required. All components, such as boards, brackets, and cables need to have rigid mounting. Spinning media is also highly sensitive to vibration and shock. Isolation techniques are used to absorb shock and vibration energy so the drive does not crash leading to loss of data. For shock, materials are used that deform and then relax at a slow rate across the entire operating temperature range. For vibration, materials that absorb the vibration energy and dissipate as heat are used.

ARMOR Rugged Mobile Computers have undergone extensive testing for resistance to shock and vibration.

Shock testing involves repeatedly dropping the unit from a height of 36 inches for the C12 to 48 inches for the X10. Vibration testing involves attaching the unit to a test fixture that represents actual conditions, such as a vehicle being operated at a certain speed over a rough road. Transducers measure and monitor vibration throughout the test. When the proscribed time has elapsed the computer is examined for failure, wear, looseness, or other changes attributed to vibration.