Portable ESD Tester Automation with Barcode Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing electrostatic discharge (ESD) monitoring and protection devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring manual resistance measurements for multiple devices, which can lead to tedious and error-prone processes in electronics manufacturing facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable ESD device tester equipped with a megohmmeter, barcode reader, and sensors for temperature and humidity, which allows for automated resistance measurements, unique device identification, and data storage for efficient testing and data management, enabling configuration of test settings and historical data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual resistance measurements are taken for each ESD device using a megohmmeter, then functional testing of devices is achieved, but the testing process becomes tedious and cumbersome when many devices must be tested
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service testing where workers independently perform ESD device testing without specialist assistance. The portable tester automatically guides workers through testing procedures, eliminates the need for manual data logging, and provides immediate results, allowing workers to test multiple devices efficiently on their own
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading megohmmeter values and logging them with automated electronic data capture. The portable tester automatically records resistance measurements, stores them in memory, and can transfer data to central systems, eliminating tedious manual data entry and reducing testing time
2Productivity
If automated testing systems are implemented for ESD devices, then testing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable tester is designed as a universal device that can test multiple types of ESD equipment including wrist straps, footwear, mats, and flooring. It combines identification capabilities (barcode/RFID), automated resistance measurement, data storage, and communication functions in a single portable unit, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediaries such as barcode readers and RFID tags to automatically identify devices and retrieve pre-stored testing parameters. This mediation automates the testing process, allowing workers to simply scan or present devices while the system handles parameter retrieval, measurement configuration, and data recording, thereby improving efficiency without requiring workers to understand complex testing procedures
3Loss of information
If workers manually log resistance measurements on log sheets, then testing data is recorded, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data logging with automated electronic data capture and storage. The portable tester automatically records resistance measurements in its memory, associates them with device identifiers from barcode/RFID scanning, and can transfer data to central systems or print reports, eliminating manual transcription errors and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by displaying test results on the portable tester's display and automatically storing them. Workers receive real-time information about device compliance, and the system can trigger alerts or notifications when devices fail testing criteria, eliminating the delay and potential errors associated with manual log sheet review
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 and consistent testing of ESD devices by automating the measurement process, reducing human error and improving data management, allowing for real-time identification of potential issues and efficient data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A portable ESD device tester equipped with a megohmmeter, barcode reader, and sensors for temperature and humidity, which allows for automated resistance measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device tester (100) and a method of operating the tester. In an embodiment, the method comprises operating the tester by uniquely identifying an ESD device to be tested using identification means (130) provided on the tester; taking at least one test measurement of the uniquely identified ESD device using testing means (120) provided on the tester, the testing means being configurable in dependence upon data associated with the uniquely identified ESD device; and storing the at least one test measurement in a storage means (152) provided in the tester. A running average of test measurements for the uniquely identified ESD device may be stored on the tester in order to compare a test measurement against the running average. A test is repeated if a test measurement falls outside of a predetermined range of the running average.