Test fixture customization adapter enclosure

Measuring and testing – Instrument casing

Reexamination Certificate

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Reexamination Certificate

active

06170329

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to test fixture adapter enclosures. In particular, the invention relates to various modular components that embody a test fixture customization adapter enclosure which holds a device under test.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An automatic testing machine (ATM) operates in a production environment to rapidly and accurately test the operation and performance of various types of devices under test (DUT). The DUTs could be a finished product or a component of a larger system The ATM is programmed to perform various tests on the DUT.
ATMs are made flexible by the use of test fixtures. A test fixture provides an interface between the DUT and the ATM. Thus, a single ATM can perform tests on devices with different interfaces when connected via different test fixtures. Fixtures typically have a drawer mechanism, which opens up and allows the DUT to be placed inside the fixture. The fixture may have a RF cable that is fixedly mounted within. Also, fixtures may use pneumatic actuators that are constructed directly onto the drawer mechanism of the fixture. These hardwired aspects makes fixtures extremely difficult to reconfigure, because all of the fixture elements are integrally built into the fixture.
Furthermore, test fixtures tend to be large and bulky. Moreover, they have numerous connections to the ATM to allow testing of various parameters, e.g., power, electronic signals, RF signals, and pneumatic air pressure. Thus, changing test fixtures is time consuming, because individual connection to the ATM must be separated. In addition, the current fixture must be removed, and then the new fixture installed. During the replacement process, the production line is shut down, which results in lost production time.
If the fixture needs to be repaired, then lost production time is unavoidable. However, if the fixture is to be changed merely to accommodate a different DUT, then the lost production time can be mitigated by using an adapter. An adapter is a DUT holder that is coupled to the fixture on the drawer mechanism. The adapter is customized to hold a specific type of DUT.
However, the adapter is comprised of a set of machined base plate and side rails. These parts incorporate all the features required to interface a DUT to the fixture. With this design the pneumatic tubing and electrical connections are routed through channels and ports machined in the base plate and side rails. Thus, a unique adapter design is required for each device to be tested in the fixture. Device specific positioning of actuators and sensors and routing of air lines and cables results in a complex assembly, thus driving increased prototyping, fabrication and assembly time and high component cost.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method that allows for reduction in the complexity and quantity of the interface components and a standardized enclosure to reduce overall design time and material cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the difficulties and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a test fixture customization adapter enclosure comprised of various modular components. The test fixture is preferably comprised of a chassis assembly, fixture interconnect assembly, customization base and a cover. The chassis assembly forms the foundation for the enclosure. The fixture interconnect assembly is a modular component which includes elements common to a design family. The customization base is a modular component which holds a custom DUT engagement mechanism. Both the fixture interconnect assembly and the customization base are connected to one another and mounted to the chassis assembly. The cover completes the enclosure by covering the fixture interconnect assembly and DUT engagement mechanism. The use of modular components with common and customized elements on separate components solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention may be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4812754 (1989-03-01), Tracy et al.
patent: 4978914 (1990-12-01), Akimoto et al.
patent: 4980636 (1990-12-01), Romanofsky et al.
patent: 5828223 (1998-10-01), Rabkin et al.
patent: 5926027 (1999-07-01), Bumb, Jr. et al.
patent: 6018249 (2000-01-01), Akram et al.

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