Solution
The latch mechanism is comprised of two parts:
(a) the mating latch and
(b) the moving spring mechanism.
The difficulty in this test is to capture the force at the precise position when the "mating latch" causes the "moving spring mechanism" to engage, but BEFORE the latch hits the solid base (causing the peak force to increase). A holding fixture equipped with a microswitch device was designed to trigger when the "moving spring mechanism" contacts the switch. The microswitch sends a signal to the "Freeze Reading Input" of the AFG that records the true force precisely when the latch engages. Even if the operator continues to apply a little more compressive force, the true reading remains frozen on the force gauge display. The MWD manual test stand with fine positioning (due to 0.5mm movement per hand wheel revolution), offers exceptional control of the test and minimizes the risks of accidental loadcell overload damage.

System
MWD manual test stand
AFG 250N force gauge
Latch holder with microswitch device
Freeze reading cable