Modular Electrical Assembly Test Fixture for Fast Module Swaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test systems for electrical assemblies require time-consuming reconfiguration and deep knowledge to adapt to different designs, and there is a need for a modular system that can be easily and quickly adapted to various electrical assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A modular test system comprising a lockable base module, interchangeable test module, and interface module, allowing for rapid assembly testing and easy replacement of test modules without disrupting connections to the test fixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the test system is reconfigured or modified to test assemblies of different designs, then the system can accommodate different electrical assemblies, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires in-depth knowledge of the test system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different electrical assembliesVSAvoidtime required for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test system is divided into separate functional modules: a base module that remains stationary and contains the test fixture connection, and interchangeable test modules that can be quickly swapped. Each test module is a self-contained unit with contact sections for electrical connection, allowing rapid replacement without reconfiguring the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different test modules. The standardized interface and receiving space allow any test module to be connected to the same base module, enabling one base module to perform multiple testing functions by simply changing the test module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the test system is modified to accommodate different electrical assemblies, then the system can test new designs, but in-depth knowledge of the test system is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different electrical assembliesVSAvoidease of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test modules are designed as disposable or easily replaceable units. Rather than modifying a permanent test system, operators can simply replace the entire test module when testing different assembly types, reducing the need for deep system knowledge and minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the test module is replaced, then the system can be adapted to new assemblies, but connections to the test fixture may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability through module replacementVSAvoidconnection stability to test fixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base module integrates the test fixture connection with the receiving space for test modules. This merging ensures that the connection to the test fixture remains stable and uninterrupted during test module replacement, as the base module itself remains in place and provides continuous electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base module acts as an intermediary between the test fixture and the interchangeable test modules. It provides a stable interface that maintains connection to the test fixture while accommodating different test modules, ensuring that replacement of test modules does not disrupt the fundamental connection to the testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3819646B1Modular test system for testing electrical modules

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

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AI summary

One aspect relates to a modular test system (10) for testing electrical assemblies, comprising: - a lockable base module (14); - a test module (16) that can be arranged in a receiving space (26) of the base module (14) and that is interchangeable when the base module (14) is open; and - an interface module (18) that can be electrically connected to the test module (16); wherein the test module (16) comprises: - a first contacting section (20) for receiving and electrically contacting an electrical assembly to be tested, and - a second contacting section (40) electrically connected to the first contacting section (20) for electrically connecting the electrical assembly to be tested to the interface module (18), and wherein the interface module (18) is configured to connect the test module (16) to a test device (12) for testing the electrical assembly.