Multi-Component Marker Sequencing for Miniaturized PCB Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marking technologies for devices, especially miniaturized electronic assemblies like printed circuit boards, face challenges in space constraints and inefficiency in providing multiple identifying information, as they require reserved space for serial numbers or codes, limiting miniaturization and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a plurality of markers on components or portions of an assembly, which can be read in a predetermined sequence to generate identifiers, allowing for the combination of proxy values to form multiple identifiers without dedicating specific markers to specific components, thus optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a complete serial number or identification code is marked on a single surface of the device, then the identifier can be easily read and accessed, but it requires reserving significant space on the device surface
Solution Approach 1:
The identification code is divided into multiple segments or portions, each marked on different components or surfaces of the assembly. Instead of placing the complete identifier on one surface, the system segments the code and distributes it across multiple locations, reducing the space required at any single location while preserving the complete identification capability when all segments are combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification system transitions from a two-dimensional surface marking approach to a multi-dimensional assembly-level approach. By distributing marker portions across multiple components in three-dimensional space rather than confining them to a single surface, the system reduces the surface area requirement while maintaining full identification capability through spatial distribution.
2Reliability
If space is reserved for identification markings on miniaturized devices, then the device can be identified and tracked, but the usable space for functional components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The identification marking is segmented across multiple components of the assembly rather than requiring a dedicated space on a single component. This allows the identification function to be distributed throughout the assembly structure, utilizing otherwise unused spaces on multiple components and minimizing the impact on functional component volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components in the assembly serve dual purposes: they function as functional elements of the device while simultaneously serving as carriers for portions of the identification marking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated identification space, as existing components are repurposed to carry marking information.
3Loss of information
If a single identifier is provided on the device, then the device can be identified, but additional information about device characteristics must be obtained from external data stores
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system encodes multiple dimensions of information (device identity, characteristics, and features) within the spatial arrangement and combination of marker portions across the assembly. Instead of requiring a single comprehensive identifier plus external lookup, the system embeds multiple information layers in the physical configuration of markers, reducing dependency on external data stores.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for marking components of an assembly and/or portions of an assembly including at least one of the components with a plurality of markers, each component and/or portion including its own marker or markers, to be read in an operational sequence so as to generate at least one identifier representative of a characteristic and/or feature of the assembly. Any marker can be a certain type of marker, the combination of which can be used to generate an identifier. A certain type of marker 1 need not be dedicated to a certain component. Each marker can be associated with a proxy value, which can be obtained by reading the marker with a reader. An identifier of the assembly can then be generated by employing a predetermined sequence of reading the markers.