PCB Component Verification Sensor Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the presence, brightness, and color of components on printed circuit boards are time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive manual verification or complex test fixtures, especially for determining the color and brightness of LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a sensor module with multiple color receptors attached to fiber optic cables, allowing for easy setup and simultaneous testing of components by biasing LEDs with constant current or current pulses, providing accurate and rapid readings through USB or serial connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual verification methods are used to determine component presence and operation, then verification can be performed without specialized equipment, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with an automated optical detection system. Sensors capture light emissions from components, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and verify component presence and operation, eliminating the need for manual inspection while dramatically reducing verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system uses the light emissions naturally produced by operating components (such as LEDs) to verify their presence and functionality. The system captures and processes this self-emitted light without requiring external illumination or additional component activation, allowing components to verify themselves through their normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional test fixtures with fiber optics are used to determine component brightness and color, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the equipment is bulky, expensive, and requires complex setup and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system that can simultaneously capture multiple wavelengths of light, detect component presence, and measure brightness and color characteristics. This single integrated system replaces multiple specialized test fixtures, reducing both equipment complexity and setup requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy across different component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system uses periodic pulsing of test signals and synchronized capture of light emissions at specific intervals. By applying periodic test currents and capturing emissions at predetermined time points, the system achieves accurate measurements without requiring continuous operation or complex real-time adjustment of test parameters.
3Measurement precision
If extensive calibration and alignment procedures are performed to determine LED color and brightness, then accurate component characterization is achieved, but the setup process becomes time-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of component light emissions during the manufacturing or initial testing phase. By pre-storing reference data about expected light patterns, colors, and brightness levels for different component types, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration during routine verification, as components are compared against pre-established standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system varies test parameters such as current pulse duration, amplitude, and timing to optimize the light emissions from components under different conditions. By capturing emissions across multiple parameter settings, the system builds a comprehensive profile of component characteristics without requiring manual calibration for each individual component.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and cost associated with testing by enabling faster, more accurate determination of component presence, brightness, and color, allowing for multiple components to be tested simultaneously without powering them up individually.
Implementation Method 1
multiple sensors attached to fiber optic cables having a plurality of color receptors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining a presence, color and/or brightness of a plurality of components in a printed circuit board, where the components are biased either with constant current or with a current pulse.