Multi-function workstation for assembly and repair of printed wiring board assemblies
AssigneeTRW Inc.
InventorsPeter S. Glaser, Jeffery A. Calkins, Jeffrey M. Riggs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus, and a related method for its operation, for integrating selected multiple assembly and repair operations of electronic component packages, such as printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), at a single multi-function workstation. Each PWBA product is uniquely identified by a bar code or similar inscription, and the identification permits product data to be retrieved from a factory or depot database. The retrieved product data controls the various operations to be performed, such as positioning and soldering of surface-mounted components, inspection for defects, desoldering of defective components, and reinstallation of replacement components.
Claims10
A method of operation of a multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising the steps of:
- unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA;
- retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA;
- inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA;
- and
- removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention;
- wherein all of the foregoing steps are performed at a single integrated multi-function workstation and are driven by the retrieved product data.
A multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:
- a single workstation site and a plurality of component means situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each of said component means to operate at said single workstation site;
- said component means including means for unambiguously identifying a PWBA from product code markings on the PWBA;
- said component means also including means for retrieving product data relating to an identified PWBA;
- said component means also including means for inspecting the PWBA at the workstation, based in part on the retrieved product data, and identifying any defects in the PWBA;
- and
- said component means also including means for removing and replacing a defective component in the PWBA with minimal operator intervention;
- wherein all of the component means are driven by the retrieved product data.
An apparatus for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:
- a single workstation site and a plurality of processing systems situated about said single workstation site in a manner permitting each one of said plurality of processing systems to operate at said single workstation site;
- said plurality of processing systems including a PWBA identification system, a PWBA assembly system, and a PWBA inspection system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.