Wireless Probe Test Device Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex mechanical test structures for wireless communication devices are error-prone, difficult to calibrate, and expensive, making them inefficient for simplified testing.

Innovation Solution

A test device with a device support, a movable position determination device, and mechanically coupled wireless probes, which eliminates the need for a separate complex mechanical movement apparatus for the probes, allowing precise positioning and measurement without additional movement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot arm is used to move probes around the device under test, then measurement coverage from different positions is improved, but device complexity and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidmechanical test structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the probe support with the position determination device, eliminating the need for a separate robot arm mechanism. The probes are mechanically coupled to the probe support, which is in turn coupled to the position determination device, creating an integrated system that reduces complexity while maintaining measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The position determination device serves dual functions: it determines the position of the device under test and simultaneously serves as the support mechanism for the probes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical movement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a robot arm is used for probe movement, then positioning capability is improved, but calibration difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidcalibration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the probe support and position determination device into a single integrated component, the system eliminates the calibration complexity associated with separate robot arm positioning systems. The probes inherit the positioning accuracy directly from the position determination device without requiring additional calibration steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate mechanical movement apparatus is used for probes, then probe positioning flexibility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe positioning flexibilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The position determination device is designed to perform both position determination and probe support functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional mechanical movement apparatus, thereby reducing cost while maintaining probe positioning flexibility through the inherent movement capabilities of the position determination device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10470009B2Test device and test method

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A test device for a wireless communication device comprises a device support that accommodates the wireless communication device, a movable position determination device, a number of wireless probes for communicating with the wireless communication device, and a mechanical probe support, wherein the wireless probes are mechanically coupled to the probe support and the probe support is mechanically coupled to the position determination device.