LED Self-Test Signaling for Concealed Component Production Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing production line testing methods struggle to effectively test concealed components within devices due to lack of electrical connections or radio communication, making it difficult to assess functionality.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing self-testing protocols, LEDs, and a reader to generate and decode encoded signals for functional testing, allowing concealed components to be tested without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional testing protocols are used with electrical connections, then testing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical connection-based testing with optical signal-based testing using LEDs. The self-test results are transmitted through light emissions rather than electrical signals, eliminating the need for additional electrical connections, contact probes, or wired interfaces while maintaining full testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing LEDs serve dual functions: their original indication function and new data transmission function for self-test results. By encoding test results in LED blinking patterns, the same component performs multiple roles, reducing overall device complexity without adding dedicated testing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional testing hardware is added, then testing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-testing functionality where the device tests itself without external testing equipment. The self-test protocol automatically executes tests and transmits results through existing LEDs, eliminating the need for separate testing devices, probes, or additional hardware that would increase manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical testing hardware with software-based self-testing protocols combined with optical signal transmission. Instead of using external testing equipment with electrical connections, the system uses embedded software protocols and LED optical emissions, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining testing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electrical connections are used for data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device sealing and concealed component testing become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice sealing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through LEDs. This substitution allows the device to maintain its sealed structure while transmitting test data externally through light emissions, solving the contradiction between reliable data transmission and device sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary medium to transmit data from concealed components to external readers. The LED acts as a mediator that converts internal test results into externally readable light patterns, enabling data transmission without breaking the device seal or requiring physical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient functional testing of devices on the production line, providing cost-effective and space-saving diagnostics through encoded LED signals visible only at high speeds, ensuring reliable device authentication.

Implementation Method 1

one or more Light Emitting Diodes configured to generate an encoded signal corresponding to the generated test data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20260043838A1System and method for testing a device on production line

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 PITPATPET LTD

AI summary

A system for performing functional testing of a device (102) on a production line. The system includes a self-testing protocol configured to conduct a functionality test on a plurality of components in the device and generate a test data that corresponds to a result of the functionality test; one or more Light Emitting Diodes or other light emitting means configured to generate an encoded signal corresponding to the generated test data, and provide a user interface for indicating one or more states of the device to an end user; and a reader configured to read and decode the encoded signal to provide a functional test analysis for the device. Disclosed also is a method for performing functional testing of a device on a production line.