System and method for testing linkages

A system for testing a linkage for defects, the system comprising:

• a platform system having a first mount that receives a first end of a linkage;
• a torque system coupled to the first mount that applies torque to the first end of the linkage without substantially rotating the first end or a second end of the linkage;
• one or more first articulation members coupled to a drive mechanism, the first articulation members substantially aligned along a first member plane, the first articulation members being substantially symmetrical with respect to each other;
• a second articulation member coupled at a first end to one of the first articulation members, coupled at a second end to another one of the first articulation members and coupled at a substantially center portion to a second mount that receives the second end of the linkage, the second articulation member substantially aligned along a second member plane, the drive mechanism operating to move the second end of the linkage along a substantially circular path without substantially rotating the first or second ends of the linkage;
• and
• a fault detection system that determines one or more conditions of the linkage based upon one or more detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first end is torqued and the second end is moved.

A method comprising:

• receiving a first end of a linkage at a first mount;
• applying torque to the first end of the linkage without substantially rotating the first end or a second end of the linkage;
• receiving the second end of the linkage at a second mount;
• moving the second end along a substantially circular path about a first axis without substantially rotating the first or second ends of the linkage;
• and
• determining one or more conditions of the linkage based upon one or more detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first end is torqued and the second end is moved.

A method for testing a linkage for defects, the method comprising:

• receiving a first end of a linkage at a first mount;
• applying torque to the first end of the linkage without substantially rotating the first end or a second end of the linkage;
• receiving the second end of the linkage at a second mount;
• rotating one or more first articulation members that are substantially aligned along a first member plane, are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other and are coupled to a second articulation member that is coupled at a substantially center portion to the second mount and is substantially aligned along a second member plane to move the second end of the linkage along a substantially circular path about a first axis without substantially rotating the first or second ends of the linkage;
• and
• determining one or more conditions of the linkage based upon one or more detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first end is torqued and the second end is moved.