RF Test Fixture With Grid Base Plate And Adjustable Guides

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in efficiently and consistently testing the RF characteristics of various wireless devices due to differences in antenna patterns and positioning, which makes the process time-consuming and difficult, especially when multiple devices need to be tested.

Innovation Solution

A test fixture with a base plate and guides that securely positions wireless devices relative to an RF antenna, allowing for optimal RF testing by adjusting the position of the RF antenna coupler and guides to accommodate different device shapes and sizes, enabling repeatable and accurate measurements across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual positioning methods are used for RF testing, then flexibility in handling different devices is maintained, but testing time increases and consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture pre-establishes precise positioning features including a base plate with grid markings, adjustable guides with locking mechanisms, and a mounted RF antenna at a predetermined optimal position. These preliminary arrangements eliminate the need for time-consuming manual positioning during actual testing, allowing devices to be quickly placed and secured in the correct orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the RF testing process. It includes adjustable guides that can be positioned along the base plate grid, locking mechanisms to secure device placement, and an RF antenna mounted at an optimal fixed position. This intermediary structure ensures consistent, repeatable positioning across multiple tests while maintaining adaptability for different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If custom positioning for each device is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the testing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF testing accuracyVSAvoidtesting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple wireless device types and sizes. The base plate includes a grid system with adjustable guides that can be repositioned along the grid lines, and locking mechanisms that can secure various device orientations. The RF antenna is mounted at an optimal position that works for multiple device configurations, eliminating the need for complex custom positioning procedures while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including guides that can be moved along the base plate grid, locking mechanisms that can be engaged or disengaged, and an RF antenna that can be repositioned if needed. These dynamic features allow the fixture to adapt to different device types while maintaining a simple, systematic approach to positioning through the grid reference system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple test fixtures are used for different devices, then adaptability is improved, but cost and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidfixture configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple wireless device types, sizes, and configurations. The base plate features a grid system with adjustable guides that can be repositioned along the grid lines, locking mechanisms that can secure various device orientations, and an RF antenna that can be repositioned if needed. This single multi-functional fixture replaces the need for multiple specialized fixtures, reducing overall system complexity and setup time while maintaining adaptability across different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9341662B2Method for performing RF testing
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 FEDEX SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS & ELECTRONICS INC
  • US9341662B2 patent drawing
  • US9341662B2 patent drawing
  • US9341662B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. The base plate defines a grid of grooves. One or more guides are received for connection to the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate utilizing the one or more guides to perform the RF testing.