Apparatus for testing wiring harness by vibration generating means

Claim 1

Apparatus for testing a wiring harness for faulty connections and breaks wherein said harness includes a plurality of shielded or unshielded conductors and associated terminal devices, said apparatus comprising: acoustic vibration generating means for outputting acoustic energy acting on a portion of at least one conductor of said wiring harness and having a selected power level; said acoustic vibration generating means comprising a variable frequency oscillator capable of generating electrical signals within the audiofrequency range, an adjustable amplifier means operatively coupled with said oscillator for amplifying the electrical signals of said oscillator and loudspeaker means electrically coupled with said amplifier means and positioned immediately adjacent to said portion of the conductor of the harness being tested for directing acoustic waves toward the wiring harness to effect vibration of the conductor; a load impedance means connected in series with said conductor of said wiring harness; a DC voltage source adapted for electrical connection with said load resistor and across said conductor to form an electrical circuit therewith; electrical noise indicating means electrically coupled to said conductor of the wiring harness for providing an indication of electrical noise produced by the vibration of said conductor as induced by said acoustic vibration generating means; and means for sweeping the oscillator signals across the audiofrequency range whereby points of mechanical resonance in the apparatus may be detected as the loudspeaker means is moved along the length of said conductor, said loudspeaker means being characterized by generation of an alternating electromagnetic field in addition to said acoustic energy for further enhancing vibration of said harness.