Electronic Assembly Carrier With Built-In Shunt for Error-Free Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional testing of electronic assemblies requiring different operational modes involves manual setting of jumpers or switches, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and failing to reset devices to operational mode post-testing can result in unsuitable products.
Innovation Solution
A carrier with integrated engagement structures and activators, such as shunts, automatically configures electronic assemblies to a test mode during insertion and returns them to normal operation upon removal, eliminating the need for manual jumper or switch settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual setting of jumpers or switches is used to configure test modes, then the electronic assembly can be tested in different operational modes, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with engagement structures and activators that automatically set the electronic assembly to test mode upon insertion. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual jumper or switch settings during the testing process, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining the ability to test in different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly, when engaged with the carrier, automatically configures itself into test mode through the interaction with the carrier's activators. The assembly self-adjusts its configuration without requiring external manual intervention, thus speeding up the testing process while ensuring correct mode selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual setting of jumpers or switches is used to configure test modes, then the electronic assembly can be tested in different operational modes, but the risk of incorrect configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier's engagement structures are pre-designed to automatically position and activate the appropriate test mode configuration when the electronic assembly is inserted. This preliminary setup ensures that the correct test mode is selected every time, eliminating human error in configuration while maintaining versatility across different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly automatically configures itself into the correct test mode through mechanical or electrical interaction with the carrier's activators. This self-configuration mechanism ensures high reliability by eliminating manual intervention, thereby preventing incorrect configuration while still allowing testing in multiple operational modes.
3Ease of operation
If manual resetting of devices to operational mode is required after testing, then the device can return to normal operation, but the process is time-consuming and may be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with engagement structures that automatically reset the electronic assembly to its normal operational mode upon removal from the carrier. This preliminary reset action occurs as the assembly is extracted, eliminating the need for separate manual resetting steps and reducing the time required to return devices to operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly automatically resets itself to operational mode when disengaged from the carrier. The removal action triggers the reset mechanism, allowing the assembly to self-restore its normal configuration without requiring manual intervention, thereby saving time and ensuring consistent operational readiness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of test modes is performed, then flexibility in testing different modes is achieved, but the complexity of the testing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier's engagement structures are pre-configured to automatically select and activate the appropriate test mode based on the electronic assembly being tested. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for operators to manually navigate through multiple configuration steps, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining the ability to test in different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly automatically configures itself into the correct test mode through interaction with the carrier's activators. This self-configuration capability reduces testing process complexity by eliminating manual configuration steps, while still providing flexibility to test in multiple operational modes through the carrier's design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient, error-free testing by automatically setting and resetting the operational mode of electronic assemblies, ensuring consistent quality and reducing manufacturing defects.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer may include an activator such as a shunt that automatically contacts a configuration component of the assembly to set the assembly in a test mode
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier (220) for insertion of a device under test (210) into a tester (110) includes engagement structures (226, 234) and an integrated activator (236). The engagement structures (226, 234) are shaped to engage and hold the device under test (210) in the carrier (220) for insertion in tester (110). The activator (236) is positioned to automatically contact and activate a configuration component on the device under test (210). The activator (236) may particularly include a shunt positioned to electrically contact and short together configuration pins (216). The shorting or other activation sets an operating mode of the device under test (210) during testing.