Multi-function workstation for assembly and repair of printed wiring board assemblies
First Claim
1. 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.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of operation of a multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising the steps of:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A multi-function workstation for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for assembling and repairing printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification