Expandable Electronic Test System With Programmable Relay Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic test systems lack the capability to safely and efficiently interface with a variety of systems under test, particularly those containing explosive or combustible elements, requiring multiple test sets and connectors, and struggle to analyze faults across different connection variables and system types.
Innovation Solution
An expandable electronic test system with reprogrammable relay circuit cards and safety interlock cable assemblies that isolate electrical signals, using a common interface to connect systems under test safely, allowing for automated testing and fault analysis with limited measuring instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test sets and connectors are used to interface with different systems under test, then the capability to measure a variety of systems is improved, but the device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test interface structure with standardized connectors and cable assemblies that can interface with multiple types of systems under test (aviionics, weapons, vehicles, etc.). The common interface structure accepts various cable assemblies with different connectors, allowing a single test set to perform multiple measurement functions across different system types, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized test sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable assemblies as intermediary components between the common test interface structure and the systems under test. These cable assemblies contain safety interlock structures that mediate the electrical connection, allowing the test equipment to interface with various systems while maintaining safety isolation. The intermediaries enable versatility without requiring direct complex connections from the main test equipment to each system type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test sets and connectors are used to interface with different systems under test, then the capability to measure a variety of systems is improved, but the safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cable assemblies as intermediary components between the common test interface structure and the systems under test. These cable assemblies contain safety interlock structures that mediate the electrical connection, allowing the test equipment to interface with various systems while maintaining safety isolation. The intermediaries enable versatility without requiring direct complex connections from the main test equipment to each system type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical connection into multiple isolated parts: the common test interface structure, the cable assembly with safety interlocks, and the system under test interface. This segmentation creates electrical isolation barriers that prevent harmful electrical signals from reaching explosive or combustible elements in the systems under test, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining measurement capability.
3Device complexity
If limited measuring instruments are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to test multiple channels increases the difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability through programmable relay circuit cards that can be programmed via software to route electrical signals between different channels and the common measuring instruments. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt its measurement configuration based on the specific test requirements, enabling limited instruments to efficiently test multiple channels without manual reconfiguration or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates automated control and monitoring systems that provide feedback between the software controller and the relay circuit cards. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically manage the routing of electrical signals to and from multiple channels, reducing the operational difficulty of using limited measuring instruments across multiple test channels through automated signal management.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic test set embodiments and related methods are provided that can include a variety of safety components and/or processes which permit expandable or scalable automated testing of different types of equipment with or without installed sensitive, dangerous, vulnerable or expendable equipment. Embodiments can programmably or interface share measuring systems using expandable programmable interface systems that can scalably test a large number of components or electrical channels or bus lines. Embodiments can include multiple circuit board slot connectors adapted to receive programmable relay circuit cards that can selectively couple individual pins on ETS interface structures (e.g., cable connectors) to selected test equipment. Programmable relay circuit cards can be added to the ETS based on how many channels or bus connections are needed to interface with a system under test.