Sensor Test System Parallel Segmentation for Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor evaluation devices face low throughput due to the need to repeatedly set temperature conditions for magneto-resistive effect elements during testing under various conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor test system comprising a group of interconnected test apparatuses that allow for efficient transfer and testing of sensors, including application units for physical quantities like pressure and magnetic fields, and temperature adjustment, enabling simultaneous testing under multiple conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single evaluation device is used to test magneto-resistive effect elements under multiple temperature conditions, then the device structure remains simple, but the throughput is remarkably lowered due to repeated temperature setting

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation device is divided into multiple independent evaluation units (first evaluation unit, second evaluation unit, etc.), each capable of independently testing sensors under different conditions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple sensors simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput without requiring a single complex reconfigurable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each evaluation unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple test conditions through standardized interfaces and configurations. The units can evaluate different sensor types (magneto-resistive effect elements, pressure sensors, etc.) under various conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling diverse testing capabilities.

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

2Productivity

If temperature conditions are changed for the same sensor evaluation, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but time is lost due to repeated temperature setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation speedVSAvoidtime for temperature reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Different temperature conditions are pre-configured in separate evaluation units before the evaluation process begins. Each unit is permanently set to a specific temperature condition, eliminating the need for dynamic temperature reconfiguration during testing. Sensors are simply routed to the appropriate pre-configured unit, significantly reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple evaluation units operate simultaneously and continuously, each processing sensors under its designated conditions. This parallel continuous operation eliminates idle time associated with sequential temperature changes, maintaining constant productive action across all evaluation channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple evaluation conditions are applied to the same sensor sequentially, then thorough testing is performed, but the testing process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting completenessVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process is segmented across multiple parallel evaluation units, each dedicated to specific test conditions. Sensors are distributed to appropriate units based on required test conditions, enabling simultaneous execution of multiple test scenarios. This maintains comprehensive testing coverage while dramatically improving efficiency through parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing approach transitions from sequential single-dimension testing to parallel multi-dimensional testing. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple simultaneous evaluation units, the system achieves comprehensive testing across different conditions without the time penalty of sequential execution, effectively moving from one-dimensional sequential processing to multi-dimensional parallel processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system significantly enhances throughput by allowing efficient testing of multiple conditions for the same sensor, improving the efficiency and speed of the testing process.

Implementation Method 1

The evaluation device includes a Peltier element provided below a placing table on which the magneto-resistive effect element is placed, and the Peltier element cools the magneto-resistive effect element through the placing table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11460520B2Sensor test system
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 ADVANTEST CORP
  • US11460520B2 patent drawing
  • US11460520B2 patent drawing
  • US11460520B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor test system having excellent throughput is provided.The sensor test system 1 includes a test apparatus group 20 including a plurality of sensor test apparatuses 30A to 30D coupled to each other so that the sensor 90 can be transferred, and each of the sensor test apparatuses 30A to 30D includes an application unit 40 including an application device 42 including a socket 445 to which the sensor 90 is electrically connected, and a pressure chamber 43 which applies a pressure to the sensor 90, a test unit 35 which tests the sensor 90 via the socket 445, and a conveying robot 33 which conveys the sensor 90 into and out of the application unit 40.