Vehicle body panel deflection test device and method

A test device comprising:

• a frame including a first handle, a second handle, and a main body, the first and second handles extending from a perimeter of the main body and being configured to be gripped by opposite hands of an operator, wherein the main body includes a housing portion and a support portion, the housing portion being configured to hold a display device such that a display screen of the display device is visible from a rear side of the main body, wherein the support portion is disposed on a front side of the main body;
• a force applicator extending in a forward direction away from the support portion;
• a force sensor mounted to the support portion and coupling the force applicator to the support portion, the force sensor being configured to detect a push or pull force applied via the force applicator to a location on an object;
• and
• a data acquisition module mounted to the support portion, the data acquisition module being in electrical communication with the force sensor to receive signals from the force sensor indicative of the push or pull force.

A method of testing a vehicle panel, the method including:

• supporting a force applicator, a force sensor, a data acquisition module, at least one non-contact sensor, and a display device on a frame, wherein the frame includes a first handle, a second handle, and a main body, the first and second handles extending from a perimeter of the main body and being configured to be gripped by opposite hands of an operator;
• wherein the main body that includes a housing portion and a support portion, wherein the display device is mounted to the housing portion such that a display screen of the display device is visible from a rear side of the main body, wherein the support portion is disposed on a front side of the main body, wherein the force applicator is mounted to the support portion and extends in a forward direction therefrom;
• positioning the frame such that the force applicator contacts the vehicle panel;
• moving the frame relative to the vehicle panel until the vehicle panel deforms or until a force detected by the force sensor reaches a predetermined threshold force;
• and
• measuring a deflection amount of the vehicle panel with the at least one non-contact sensor during the step of moving the frame relative to the vehicle panel.