Adaptable Test Interface Using Virtual Wire Harness Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test benches for electronic devices are complex, costly, and not reusable, leading to increased waste due to the need for custom wiring harnesses for each device configuration, limiting their shareability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An adaptable interface system comprising a controller, memory, and bridge with connector pins, along with edge and cloud services, to facilitate communication and emulate virtual wire harnesses, reducing the need for physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a custom wiring harness is designed for each device configuration, then the testing can be performed with direct physical connections, but the complexity and cost increase significantly and reusability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting connection reliabilityVSAvoidwiring harness complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal interface device as an intermediary between the test equipment and various electronic devices under test. This interface device includes a controller that can be configured to interface with different device types through a standardized connector, eliminating the need for custom wiring harnesses for each device configuration while maintaining reliable testing connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device is designed with universal functionality to support multiple electronic devices under test through a single standardized connector. The controller can be programmed to adapt to different device configurations, allowing the same physical interface to serve multiple purposes across different testing scenarios without requiring device-specific wiring harnesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a custom wiring harness is designed for each device configuration, then the testing can be performed with dedicated connections, but the cost and waste increase due to non-reusability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting connection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding custom wiring harnesses after use, the patent enables recovery and reuse of the universal interface device. The standardized interface and configurable controller allow the same physical hardware to be reused across different testing campaigns, eliminating material waste associated with manufacturing and disposing of dedicated wiring harnesses for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal interface is used for all devices, then reusability and cost-effectiveness improve, but the ability to handle complex device configurations may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reusabilityVSAvoiddevice configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device incorporates a dynamic controller that can be programmed to adapt to different device configurations. This dynamic capability allows the universal interface to handle complex device arrangements by configuring connection patterns and communication protocols according to the specific electronic devices under test, maintaining versatility while managing configuration complexity through software rather than hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intelligent intermediary that translates between the standardized universal interface and the specific requirements of different electronic devices. It manages the complexity of device configurations by interpreting device-specific protocols and mapping them to the universal connector interface, thereby preserving adaptability without exposing the user to configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If physical wiring harnesses are used for testing, then direct device access is achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice access easeVSAvoidwiring harness maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The universal interface device serves as a maintained intermediary that simplifies device access. Instead of maintaining complex custom wiring harnesses, users interact with a standardized connector that provides consistent access points. The controller manages the complexity of device connections, making the system easier to operate while reducing maintenance requirements for physical wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260019296A1Adaptable hardware interface for device testing

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving the testing of electronic devices using adaptable interfaces. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, within an interface device, an initialization request to access a test device, the test device connected with a bridge in the interface device via connector pins. The method includes retrieving from a memory within the interface device configuration information about the test device that includes at least a mapping of the connector pins with the bridge. The method includes providing the configuration information to facilitate mediating communication with the test device.