Remote Cooperative Devices for Automated Circuit Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing electrical circuits deposited on vehicle bodies is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for manual positioning and interface setup with wiring test boards, which limits efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A system of remote cooperative testing devices with machine-operated transportation and transceivers that autonomously locate and position testing components to form electrical connections between circuit nodes, allowing for automated impedance measurements and testing without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wiring test boards are used for circuit testing, then testing can be performed with basic equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming due to manual positioning and interface setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote cooperative testing devices autonomously navigate to circuit locations and self-position their testing components without human intervention. The devices independently establish electrical connections, perform measurements, and return to charging stations, enabling the system to test circuits autonomously and dramatically improving productivity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized device modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operator positioning, cable connection, test board setup) with automated robotic systems that use transceivers for communication, automated navigation, and programmable positioning mechanisms. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive tasks while preserving the essential testing capability through electronic control and automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wiring test boards with multiple electrical interfaces are used, then comprehensive circuit nodes can be tested, but the complexity of locating, identifying, and manipulating the test board increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting completenessVSAvoidtest board manipulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system divides the comprehensive testing task into discrete operations performed by individual remote devices. Each device handles specific circuit nodes independently, breaking down the complex multi-interface test board operation into simpler, modular testing units that can operate autonomously and reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remote cooperative testing devices serve as intermediaries between the operator and the circuit under test. These devices receive high-level commands from operators and automatically handle the complex tasks of positioning, connection establishment, and measurement execution, thereby simplifying the user interface while maintaining comprehensive testing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual operation of testing equipment is used, then flexibility in testing procedures is maintained, but human error increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting flexibilityVSAvoidtesting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The remote cooperative testing devices incorporate sensors and transceivers that provide real-time feedback on their position, connection status, and measurement results. This feedback enables automated error detection and correction, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable testing sequences and adaptive response to test conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11592468B2System and method for circuit testing using remote cooperative devices

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system for testing a plurality of electrical circuits includes a first remote cooperative testing device including a testing component and a first transceiver and a second remote cooperative testing device including a conductive component and a second transceiver. In response to receiving instructions from a remote computing device, the first remote cooperative testing device locates a first electrical circuit and a second electrical circuit and selectively positions the testing component to electrically couple a first portion of the first electrical circuit to a first portion of the second electrical circuit at a first node, and the second remote cooperative testing device selectively positions the conductive component to electrically couple a second portion of the first electrical circuit to a second portion of the second electrical circuit at a second node, thereby forming a testing circuit between the first node and the second node.