Multiple Access Test Points for Unobstructed Probe Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for accessing test points in electrical circuits without opening the environmental housing are hindered by obstructions like power supplies and modules, leading to grounding, isolation, and response issues, and complicate installation, increasing manufacturing and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple access test points with ground contacts provided by module chassis, grounding cans, and extensions, allowing access through apertures in the housing lid and base, enabling unobstructed probe access without opening the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible cable assemblies are used to bypass obstructions and access test points, then access to test points is improved, but grounding, isolation, and test point response problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The test point access structure is segmented into multiple independent pathways: a first pathway through the housing lid and a second pathway through the housing base. Each pathway has its own test point and access port, allowing selective access without interfering with the other pathway's grounding or isolation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing base acts as an intermediary structure that provides a separate access pathway through the bottom of the housing. This intermediary pathway allows probe access to the second test point without requiring the housing lid to be opened, thereby maintaining grounding and isolation integrity while still enabling test point access.
2Ease of operation
If flexible cable assemblies are used to access test points, then test point accessibility is improved, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access ports are merged with the housing structure itself rather than being separate components. The first access port is integrated into the housing lid and the second access port is integrated into the housing base, eliminating the need for separate flexible cable assemblies and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and simultaneously serves as the access pathway for test points. The housing lid and base dual-function as both protective enclosures and access channels for probes, eliminating the need for additional specialized access components.
3Ease of operation
If access ports are provided in the housing lid, then test point access is enabled, but power supplies and modules obstruct the access path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to clear the obstruction in the vertical dimension (through the housing lid), the solution adds a horizontal dimension by providing a second access port in the housing base. This allows access to the test point from a different spatial dimension, bypassing the obstruction completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The access function is segmented into two independent pathways: one through the housing lid (first access port) and one through the housing base (second access port). This segmentation allows the system to provide access even when one pathway is obstructed, as the other pathway remains available.
Data Source
AI summary
Included are systems and methods for providing access of test points. An embodiment of a system includes an electrical module including at least one electrical circuit configured to communicate at least one electrical signal, the electrical module further including at least one multiple access test point configured to provide access for measurements of the electrical circuit. Some embodiments include an environmental housing that includes at least one access port, the environmental housing configured to receive the electrical module such that at least one access port provides access to at least one multiple access test point.