Autopin2.0 part 1
The pin is mightier than the sword
Autopin2.0 is a software upgrade project that I am conducting for my employer MGA Research Corporation. These blog posts will document my progress and share insights as the project unfolds.
What is Autopin?
Autopin is a specialized desktop application software for developing the metering pins that go inside of pneumatic crash sled systems. Autopin was originally written by S. J. Song in C in 1996. Limin Luo upgraded the software to Visual Basic in 2000. The software has been vital to innovation in safety compliance and research & development testing in the automotive industry.
What is a pneumatic crash sled?
A pneumatic crash sled is a high-speed testing device that uses compressed air and nitrogen to propel a carriage holding a test subject (such as a car seat, instrument panel, or aerospace component) along a track to simulate the forces and kinematics of a vehicle collision. It is a key tool in safety engineering, allowing for precise, repeatable testing of restraint systems, airbags, and occupant impact without destroying a full vehicle in every test.
Why upgrade?
Autopin needs to be upgraded into a modern software for multiple reasons not limited to the following:
- Software rot is making controls on Autopin unusable.
- The Visual Basic IDE is no longer maintained by Microsoft.
- The Visual Basic language lacks many features of modern languages.
- The algorithm used for pulse calculation does not always produce an accurate output.
- Pin design rework is common, expensive, and time consuming.
Project goals
- Full rewrite in C# and .NET Core 8.0 Windows Forms.
- Utilize Auto update and logging frameworks for improved DevOps.
- Simplify user interface.
- Implement new gas dynamics algorithms.
- Work closely with lead sled engineer on improved workflow and features.
- Contact previous software owners and sell new version.