Stone impact simulator

#This document relates generally to the field of product testing devices and, more particularly, to a stone impact simulator for testing the impact resistance of a test sample such as a windshield for a motor vehicle.

#It is known in the art of product testing devices to provide a stone impact simulator for testing the impact resistance of a test sample. This is done by discharging a projectile, of known size, shape and weight, at a given angle to impact the test sample with a known velocity.

#This document relates to a new and improved stone impact simulator that is quieter in operation and less self-destructive so as to provide a longer service life than such devices found in the prior art.

#The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the stone impact simulator and together with the description serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing figures:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stone impact simulator.

#FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the stone impact simulator illustrated in FIG. 1.

#Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the stone impact simulator, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.

#Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3 illustrating a new and improved hand-held stone impact simulator 10. As shown the stone impact simulator 10 includes a housing 12 that holds a projectile propulsion section, generally designated by reference numeral 14, and a projectile capture section, generally designated by reference numeral 16. As should be appreciated, the projectile propulsion section 14 functions to propel a projectile, such as a steel ball bearing, toward a test sample such as the windshield W. The projectile capture section 16 functions to capture the projectile after the projectile ricochets off the test sample/windshield W in a manner that dissipates energy and protects the simulator and projectiles from unnecessary wear and possible damage.

#As illustrated, the housing 12 includes a support 18 at one end for engaging the test sample/windshield W. The projectile propulsion section 14 includes a regulated air feed 22 that is connected to a source of pressurized air (not shown). The projectile velocity is directly related to the applied pressure. Further, the projectile propulsion section 14 includes a feed tube 24 for feeding projectiles/ball bearings 26 from a supply chamber 27 into the charge modified Swagelok valve 34.