PCB Test Status Verification in Fire Pump Control Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods lack effective quality control for printed circuit boards (PCBs) in fire pump control systems, leading to faulty PCBs being inadvertently installed and causing costly and time-intensive replacements, as no records are maintained of test results, resulting in inefficient and costly retesting processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that store test results on non-volatile memory for each PCB, allowing for remote verification of test status, including pass/fail flags, to ensure post-assembly fitness and prevent untested or improperly tested PCBs from being used in fire pump control systems, utilizing EEPROM for data storage and wireless communication for efficient testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ink-stamping or marking methods are used to indicate passed PCBs, then the manufacturing process remains simple and quick, but quality control is insufficient and faulty PCBs can be inadvertently shipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of test results stored in non-volatile memory on each PCB rather than using physical ink-stamping. This digital copy serves as a permanent, verifiable record of test status, preventing faulty PCBs from being shipped while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where test results are automatically stored in non-volatile memory on each PCB and can be later retrieved and verified. This feedback loop ensures that test status is permanently recorded and can be checked at any time, improving quality control without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
2Loss of time
If no test records are maintained for PCBs, then the manufacturing process remains simple and fast, but time-intensive retesting is required when faults are discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing test results in non-volatile memory on each PCB during the manufacturing process. This advance recording of test status eliminates the need for time-intensive retesting later, as the recorded history is immediately available when faults are discovered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a permanent digital copy of test results stored in non-volatile memory on each PCB. This copy can be instantly retrieved and verified, replacing the time-consuming manual retesting process while adding minimal complexity to the system.
3Productivity
If the entire faulty fire pump control system is replaced, then all faulty PCBs are quickly removed, but fully functional PCB components are discarded unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by storing individual PCB test results in non-volatile memory, allowing the system to identify and replace only specific faulty PCBs rather than the entire control system. This targeted approach maintains high replacement speed while preventing unnecessary loss of functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into individual replaceable PCB modules, each with its own test history stored in non-volatile memory. This segmentation allows faulty components to be identified and replaced independently, improving productivity while reducing waste of functional components.
4Reliability
If manual testing of each PCB component is performed, then thorough quality control is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having each PCB store its own test results in non-volatile memory. The PCB essentially tests itself during manufacturing and records the results, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual testing of each component while maintaining thorough quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of test results stored in non-volatile memory on each PCB, replacing manual testing records. This digital copy provides thorough quality control information instantly, eliminating time-consuming manual verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing untested or improperly tested printed circuit boards from being used in a fire pump control system by interrogating each printed circuit board to ensure post-assembly fitness. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise retrieving test status information stored on non-volatile memory of a printed circuit board, verifying the test status information stored on the non-volatile memory of the PCB, determining if all tests performed on the PCB have passed, outputting a message regarding the status of the PCB, and continuing to interrogate each additional PCB in the fire pump controller. A pass flag is set and recorded on the non-volatile memory of a respective PCB if all tests on the respective PCB have passed. Whereas, an error flag is set and recorded on the non-volatile memory if at least one test on a respective PCB has failed.