Wireless portable automated harness scanner system and method therefor

• US 20060043976A1
• Filed: 09/02/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ziota Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ziota Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Gervais, Francois
• Granted Patent: US 7,368,919 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/508
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/008 on air- or spacecraft, railway rolling stock or sea-going vessels
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/086 in power transmission or distribution networks, i.e. with interconnected conductors
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/11 using pulse reflection methods
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/58 Testing of lines, cables or conductors testing of electric windings G01R31/72

Abstract

A method for testing an installed wiring harness is provided. The method comprises providing a signal source testing module at a first node in the wiring harness and a measurement termination testing module at a second node in the wiring harness. A central management module for controlling the testing modules coordinates the testing modules to send testing signals for performing tests and recording test measurements of the installed wiring harness. The testing modules send the test measurements to the management module.

Claims

1. A method for testing an installed wiring harness, comprising:

providing a signal source testing module at a first node in said wiring harness;

providing a measurement termination testing module at a second node in said wiring harness;

providing a central management module for controlling said testing modules to coordinate said testing modules to send testing signals for performing tests and recording test measurements of said installed wiring harness;

said testing modules sending said test measurements to said management module.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said performing tests and recording test measurements comprises obtaining fundamental electrical characteristics of said wiring harness.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said signal source testing module comprises a signal generator for generating a testing signal and a multiplexer for routing said testing signal to one of a plurality of wires connected to said wiring harness node.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coordinating of said testing modules by said management modules is performed over a wireless communication link.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said testing modules performing tests comprises at least one of:

circuit switch and polarity analysis, standing wave ratio test, TDR test and spectrum impedance test.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing a report of said electrical characteristics of said installed wiring harness.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a user providing a type of wiring harness to be tested and testing preferences to said management module;

said management module determining, from said type of wiring harness, a set of testing nodes within said wiring harness;

said management module indicating to said user said set of testing nodes for connecting said testing modules to said wiring harness.

8. A method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:

providing historical electrical characteristics data of said wiring harness;

for each wire in said wiring harness for which electrical characteristic data is available, assessing a change between said current electrical characteristics and said historical data;

considering a use of said wire in said wiring harness and providing a diagnostic for said wiring harness based on said change and use.

9. A method for providing a diagnostic for a wiring harness, comprising:

testing said wiring harness to obtain current electrical characteristics data of said wiring harness;

providing historical electrical characteristics data of said wiring harness;

for each wire in said wiring harness for which electrical characteristic data is available, assessing a change between said current electrical characteristics and said historical data;

considering a use of said wire in said wiring harness and providing a diagnostic for said wiring harness based on said change and use.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said testing said wiring harness comprises:

providing a signal source testing module at a first node in said wiring harness;

providing a measurement termination testing module at a second node in said wiring harness;

providing a central management module for controlling said testing modules to coordinate said testing modules to send testing signals for performing tests and recording test measurements of said installed wiring harness;

said testing modules sending said test measurements to said management module.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said signal source testing module comprises a signal generator for generating a testing signal and a multiplexer for routing said testing signal to one of a plurality of wires connected to said wiring harness node.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said coordinating of said testing modules by said management modules is performed over a wireless communication link.

13. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said testing modules performing tests comprises at least one of:

circuit switch and polarity analysis, standing wave ratio test, TDR test and spectrum impedance test.

14. A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:

a user providing a type of wiring harness to be tested and testing preferences to a management module;

said management module determining, from said type of wiring harness, a set of testing nodes within said wiring harness;

said management module indicating to said user said set of testing nodes for connecting testing modules to said wiring harness.