Smart Connector Matrix Automates Circuit Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit simulators lack accuracy and require significant manual effort for designing and testing, leading to wear and tear of electronic components during physical manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A hardware apparatus with a micro-controller, software application, and firmware that automates the creation and management of electrical contacts between electronic components, allowing for software-driven circuit design and testing without physical manipulation, featuring a USB interface, reed relays, and data logging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical circuit design and testing is performed manually by moving components and connecting wires, then circuit functionality can be tested, but significant manual effort is required and electronic components undergo wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (moving components, connecting wires) with an automated system using a microcontroller, software application, and firmware that can create and manage electrical contacts programmatically through a USB interface, eliminating physical manipulation of components
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service circuit testing and design by allowing the automated apparatus to perform circuit assembly, testing, and measurement operations without human intervention, with the microcontroller managing communication and contact creation autonomously based on software instructions
2Manufacturing precision
If existing circuit simulators are used, then circuit design can be performed without physical manipulation, but they are merely mathematical formulations with limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical intermediary layer (the automated apparatus with microcontroller and connector matrix) that bridges the gap between virtual circuit simulation and physical circuit testing, allowing accurate physical circuit assembly and measurement while maintaining software-controlled automation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus provides multi-functionality by combining circuit assembly, electrical contact management, voltage measurement, and data logging capabilities in a single system, serving both as a physical circuit builder and a measurement instrument under software control
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
Enhances design agility and accuracy while reducing physical stress on components, enabling precise and efficient creation, measurement, and troubleshooting of electrical circuits through automated contact management and data logging.
Implementation Method 1
an array of reed relays which interfaces with a connector matrix that enables users to mount their electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an electrical device which can be used to design and test electronic circuits with close to null manual intervention. It consists of plurality of reed relays to establish electrical contact between two given points in a connector matrix which is also part of the tool. User can make and break these electrical connections by application software controlling the reed relays. This application is required to be installed on a computer which aids user interaction with the tool. A micro-controller, equipped with firmware, is used to manage interface between the reed relays and the application software. Additionally, an analog to digital converter chip is implemented to measure voltage between two points in a user circuit under test.