Automated Power Supply Testing With RFID Universal Jig
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply unit testing requires manual changeover of unique test jigs for different models, leading to significant downtime and inefficiency, as well as increased space and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing system with a robotic arm, multiple power supply interfaces, and RFID-tagged power supply units, allowing the automated test equipment to identify models and select corresponding interfaces and test scripts for seamless testing across various models without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual changeover of unique test jigs is used for different power supply models, then each model can be tested with a dedicated interface, but significant downtime occurs during changeover and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test jig that can accommodate multiple power supply models through automated interface selection. The system uses a single multi-functional test jig equipped with multiple electrical interfaces that can be automatically selected and configured based on the detected power supply model, eliminating the need for manual changeover between dedicated test jigs while maintaining model-specific testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the test jig configuration based on the power supply model being tested. An RFID reader detects the model identifier, and the system automatically selects the appropriate electrical interface and test parameters, enabling the test jig to dynamically reconfigure itself without manual intervention, thus maintaining versatility while eliminating downtime
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique test jigs are maintained for different power supply models, then each model has a dedicated testing interface, but space requirements and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple dedicated test jigs into a single universal test jig that incorporates multiple electrical interfaces within one structure. This universal interface module can be automatically configured to work with different power supply models, reducing the total number of physical test jigs from multiple units to one while maintaining the ability to test all models
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests multiple electrical interfaces within a single test jig structure. The universal test jig contains multiple interface configurations that can be selectively activated, effectively nesting the functionality of multiple dedicated jigs within one physical device, thereby reducing space requirements and maintenance burden
3Reliability
If automated test equipment is replaced during changeover to accommodate different models, then the new model can be tested properly, but the automated test equipment becomes unavailable during the changeover period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the power supply model using RFID technology before the actual testing begins. This allows the system to pre-configure the appropriate electrical interface and test parameters in advance, so that when the power supply unit is placed on the test jig, the correct configuration is already in place, eliminating changeover downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The automated test system performs self-configuration based on RFID detection. The system automatically identifies the power supply model, selects the appropriate interface, and configures test parameters without requiring external intervention or physical changeover of equipment, thereby maintaining continuous operation and eliminating downtime
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
Enables continuous operation with reduced changeover time, eliminates the need for multiple test jigs, and automates the testing process, allowing multiple power supply unit models to be tested simultaneously with minimal downtime and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
identifying a model of a power supply unit in response to an RFID tag associated with the power supply unit
Data Source
AI summary
An automated testing system for power supply units includes a frame, automated test equipment supported by the frame, a test jig supported by the frame and coupled with the automated test equipment, and a robotic arm coupled to the frame. The robotic arm is configured to move a power supply unit onto the test jig to interface with the automated test equipment. The automated test equipment is configured to perform one or more tests on the power supply unit when the power supply unit is interfaced with the automated test equipment, and the robotic arm is configured to move the power supply unit off of the test jig after the one or more tests are completed. Methods of performing automated testing for power supply units are also disclosed.