Robotic Wireless Test System with Trapdoor Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test systems for wireless electronic devices become overwhelmed when performing tests across multiple frequency bands and antennas, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A wireless test system featuring a robotic arm and a test chamber with pyramidal absorbers, allowing for automated testing and recharging of devices, with movable support structures and a trapdoor for efficient positioning and orientation of devices within the chamber to ensure comprehensive testing without external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional test systems perform tests across multiple frequency bands and antennas, then testing comprehensiveness is improved, but system workload increases leading to delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting comprehensivenessVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operation with automated robotic systems that perform device positioning, orientation changes, and movement between test chambers. The robotic arm automatically positions devices in multiple orientations and transfers them between chambers, eliminating manual intervention and reducing testing delays while maintaining comprehensive multi-band and multi-antenna testing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable test configurations where devices can be automatically repositioned and reoriented during testing. The robotic systems enable dynamic switching between different test chambers and orientations, allowing the system to adapt to various testing requirements without manual intervention and maintain high productivity across multiple frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If robotic arm moves devices through trapdoor into test chamber, then automation level is improved, but device positioning precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddevice positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated positioning system with trapdoor mechanisms and robotic intermediaries that handle device transfer between chambers. These intermediary systems coordinate precise positioning through controlled movement sequences, ensuring devices are accurately positioned in test chambers while maintaining high automation levels through coordinated robotic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pyramidal absorbers are used in test chamber walls, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but chamber complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidchamber complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic reflections from metal chamber walls into beneficial signal absorption by lining walls with pyramidal absorbers. These absorbers transform reflected electromagnetic energy into heat through dielectric loss, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference and improving test accuracy while adding controlled complexity to the chamber structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 efficient and accurate wireless testing of devices across various frequency bands and orientations, reducing testing time and minimizing electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing testing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a test chamber with metal walls lined with pyramidal absorbers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8971821B2Robotic wireless test system

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

A test system may include a wireless test chamber with metal walls lined with pyramidal absorbers. A trapdoor may be provided in a wall opening to accommodate a robotic arm. The robotic arm may have grippers that grip a device under test or a support structure that is supporting a device under test. The robotic arm may move the device under test to a docking station for automatic battery charging during testing. When it is desired to perform wireless tests on a device under test, the robotic arm may move the device under test through the trapdoor into an interior portion of the test chamber. A turntable and movable test antenna may be used to rotate the device under test while varying angular orientations between test antenna and device under test. Emitted radiation levels can be measured using a liquid filled phantom and test probe on a robotic arm.