WO2015190914A1

WO2015190914A1 - Smart apparatus for water ingression test and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2015190914A1
Application number: PCT/MY2015/050041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bin Aladin AZMIR; Bin Mohd Idris MOHAMAD RAZIF; Bin Subakin MOHAMAD; Bin Nik Muhammad Arifin NIK AHMAD FADZIL
Original assignee: Mimos Bhd
Current assignee: Mimos Bhd
Priority date: 2014-06-11
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2015-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-11

Abstract

An apparatus for use in a water ingression test of a device comprising: a controller 20 configured to control the movements of the apparatus 100 based on predefined parameters; a support frame 5 having one member being extendible vertically 5b and a support arm 5c being extendible horizontally; a water chamber 10; at least one sensor configured for detecting bubbles 30a and for sending data based on detection for further processing; a cage 35 adapted for accumulating and directing bubbles to the sensor 30a; and for carrying the device under test 1. The cage 35 is connected to the support arm 5c such that it can be automatically released into the water chamber 10 and lifted out from the water chamber with the aid of a pulley assembly 15 driven by a motor 15a. A method thereof is also disclosed.

Description

SMART APPARATUS FOR WATER INGRESSION TEST AND METHOD

THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to protection testing, and more particularly to an automated apparatus for use in a water ingression test of a device, and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] In any device development cycle, immersion testing is one of the arrays of protection type tests, which plays a crucial role in analysing the functional performance of the device in achieving superiority over other devices available in the market. The types of protection tests include for protection from water, dust, or chemical intrusion. Each of these tests has its own specific standards and requirements to be met so as to attain testing accreditations, which adds immense product value to the tested device.

[0003] For dust-proof and waterproof testing, the standard test is known as water immersion or water integrity test. In this test, hydrostatic pressure from duration and depth in water can cause water to penetrate through weakness points and thus jeopardizing the device's functionality. Perceptibly, if the device fails the test, and if failure detected is at a lower than compliant depth may indicate a major re-designing required, while failure at near compliant test duration may indicate a degradation within the device sealing or any form of insulation. It is common practice to conduct a test validation on real field application where the water density, pressure and temperature change over time. In order to achieve a considerably accurate outcome or result, which will be used for further studies, test performers needs to know the exact submersible depth and water environmental conditions.

[0004] Conventional testing methods are performed manually, in the sense that these tests are conducted under human monitoring and handling. Understandably, such manual handling entails low-test integrity due to manual inaccuracies and shortcomings including in failure detection, low-test repeatability and erroneous measurements. Further, manual observation renders inability to detect any form of degradation of the respective enclosure of a device over time. FIGURE 1 generally shows the steps involved in conventional manual testing methods in conducting a water immersion test of a device. In a manual testing method, the device under test is immersed manually, with a height control done manually at 1 meter. The user then waits for the test completion typically nearby the testing area. Upon completion of the testing process, the person in charge then pulls out the device under test manually for drying. Evidently conducting the test manually can become ridiculously cumbersome especially for the user.

[0005] Thus, there remains a considerable need for systems and methods that can conveniently address the above-discussed shortcomings of manual water immersion and ingression testing methods and systems.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a water ingression test of a device, wherein bubbles are released in the event of the device failure, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to control the behaviour and movements of the apparatus based on predefined parameters; a support frame comprising at least one extendible vertical member and a support arm affixed at one end of the extendible vertical member; a cage being movably attached to the support arm; the cage comprising an accumulator for directing the bubbles to an open tip and a base section for carrying the device under test; a water chamber positioned adjacent to the support frame ; at least one bubble sensor affixed on one surface of the cage in a manner such that it is able to detect bubbles; wherein the cage is connected to the support arm such that it can be moved upwards and downwards within the water chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support arm of the apparatus can be extended horizontally relative to the vertical member of the support frame. [0008] In another embodiment, the section for directing bubbles comprises an open tip extending vertically from one surface of the means for directing bubbles the open tip is adapted such that directed bubbles can go through the tip. [0009] In a further embodiment, wherein the sensor of the apparatus is positioned at the open tip such that each bubble that when each bubble goes through the tip it can be detected by the sensor.

[0010] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, both of the sensors are mounted on the cage.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, base section of the cage is a perforated section and is attached to the means for directing bubbles by a plurality of fasteners such that there is a gap to insert the device within the cage.

[0012] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprising a sensor cables housing connected to the support arm. [0013] In a further embodiment, the sensors cable housing is in the form of scissor-type extension cable housing.

[0014] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprising; an indication means to indicate failure of test, a display means for displaying the test results and a harness cord adapted for holding the cage.

[0015] In another aspect, there is provided a method for operating a water ingression test for a device under test, wherein in the event of a failure, bubbles are released from the device, the method comprising providing at least one bubble detection sensor; providing at least one means for directing bubbles to the bubble sensor device; gathering and storing data associated to test profile; initiating the test and providing an indication for initiation of test; automatically immersing the device into a chamber of water at predetermined depth; activating the sensor and directing the bubbles which may be released from the device to the bubble detection sensor; providing an indication for failure of test; detecting and storing all criteria of bubbles released from the device; automatically lifting the device from the chamber of water; fully removing the device from water; and halting the device for drying for a period of time; and displaying all test results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will be more understood by reference to the description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings herein:

[0017] FIGURE 1 shows a prior art system;

[0018] FIGURE 2 A and FI URE 2B show the apparatus for use in water ingression test in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIGURE 2C shows one view of the support frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIGURE 3 illustrates an overall view of the cage of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIGURE 4 illustrates the cage being attached to the support frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00221 FIGURE 5 shows the cage of the apparatus during testing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIGURE 6 shows the overall method for operating the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In line with the above summary, the following description of a number of specific and alternative embodiments is provided to understand the inventive features of the present invention. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however that this invention may be practiced without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described at length so as not to obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures.

[00251 The present invention provides an automated testing apparatus, more particularly an automated water immersion test apparatus and method. In one embodiment, the present invention provides automated features in conducting a water immersion test, these features include submersion and lifting of device under test, automated device under test leak failure detection, analysis and alarm system. Further in one embodiment, the system of the present invention is an adaptable system that can be used for lab and real-field water submersion testing in addition to real-time hydrostatic pressure and underwater temperature monitoring capabilities. [0026] The overall automated apparatus 100 for water immersion test in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown as FIGURE 2A and FIGURE 2B. The system includes an extendible support frame 5, water chamber 10, a pulley assembly 15 driven by a motor 15a, a controller 20, a battery chamber 25, a plurality of sensors 30a, 30b, 30c and a cage 35 having a predetermined dimension sufficient and adapted to serve as a movable carriage for the device under test 1. All of the components are operably interconnected and linked to the controller 20 in a manner such that the controller 20 serves as the central controller in providing automated effects of the apparatus 100. [0027] As seen in FIGURE 2B, in the operational aspect of the apparatus

100, the controller 20 manages all components and is connected directly to the display means 20a, the tower/warning light 40 the motor driver 15a, and powered by direct power supply 25b may be further equipped with a power or voltage regulator 20d with wet-cell based battery 25a. The motor 15a may be equipped with a stepper motor 15b or any other suitable motor type. As mentioned briefly in the preceding paragraph, there are at least three sensors, the first one being the bubble sensor 30a; the second is a temperature sensor 30b and a pressure sensor 30c. These sensors are adapted or configured to be in communication with the controller 20 for sending and receiving of signals based on detections.

[0028] The water chamber 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is generally a rectangular shaped chamber formed with predetermined dimension, whereby the dimension is sufficient to accommodate the size of the cage 35, so as to enable the cage 35 to be effortlessly immersed in the water contained by the water chamber 10. The water chamber 10 may be in the form of various structural means, which is adapted to contain water. In one embodiment, the water chamber 10 is adapted to be removable from the support frame 5. Such features, equipped with the wheels, allow portability of the apparatus 100.

[0029] FIGURE 2C shows a view of the adaptable or extendible support frame 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The support frame 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may be formed from aluminium-based materials. It comprises a base 5a provided with wheels, a vertical support member 5b extending from the base 5a, and a support arm 5c horizontally attached to the vertical support member 5b. The vertical support member 5b is adapted to be vertically extendable to a predetermined length. The support arm 5c is also adapted to be extendable horizontally and pivotally connected at the top end of the vertical support member 5b. The support arm 5c enables the cage 35 to be fully dropped or immersed into the water chamber 10. In order to permit this, the support arm 5c is equipped with a pulley assembly 15 at a top end of the support arm 5c. The base 5a is further adapted to accommodate the water chamber 10 and the battery chamber 25. The pulley assembly 15 is secured to the support frame 5 and is driven by a motor 15a. The pulley assembly 15 and is adapted such that it is able to automatically drop and lift the cage 35 into and out from the water chamber 10 during operation, relative to the support arm 5c of the support frame 5. The movement of the pulley is affected by the motor 15a, subject to the signals or instructions sent by the controller 20. [0030] The motor 15a is configured to receive signals or instructions from the controller 20 and perform tasks based on the received signals. Upon received the signals, the motor 15a automatically performs the relevant tasks during operation, such as to drop, lift, depth distance and staging time for the testing operation. Referring back to FIGURE 2B, the controller 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic micro-controller board 20b, a motor driver 15a, voltage or power regulator 20d and a display means 20a. The controller 20 is attached to the vertical support member 5b and is configured to provide and store user settings based on predetermined parameters and displays the result based on the test analysis outcome. The user settings and predetermined settings, which are inputted to the controller 20, are used to control the behaviour and provide automated movements of the apparatus 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 can be powered by way of batteries i.e. wet cell batteries 25a that are contained within the battery chamber 25 or by way of direct current connection 25b. The power or voltage regulator is configured to send voltage output of 5V and 12V to the micro-controller board and motor 15a, respectively. The controller 20 is further configured to send signal to the motor 15a in moving the cage 35 up and down during operation. All analogue and digital signals transmitted from the bubble, temperature and pressure sensors are converted into digital signal by the controller 20, whereby the controller 20 records and process the digital signal data and display said data on the display means. Further in one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 20 is configured to store all information associated to testing operation, such as, depth, duration etc., apart from sending signals to a tower light in indicating status of operation which may include run, down, failure detected, test completed.

[0031] FIGURE 3 illustrates the cage 35 of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cage 35 may be formed from a lightweight, non-corrosive material, such as, but not limiting to, acrylic or plastic polymer. The cage 35 is adapted to be movably attached to the support frame 5; whereby it is connected in a manner such that the cage 35 can move upwards and downwards relative to the support frame 5. The cage 35 further includes two sections, one section adapted for directing bubbles which is referred herein as the accumulator 35a having an open tip 35b extending vertically from the accumulator 35a and a second section being a base plate 35c. There is further provided a harness-type cord 35d, a sensor cable housing 35e and a plurality of fasteners 35f provided at the perimeter of the base plate for attachment to the accumulator 35a. In one embodiment, the accumulator 35a generally resembles a pyramid shape member having an open tip 35b extending vertically from the top surface of the accumulator 35a. The accumulator 35a is adapted to accumulate and direct bubbles of air released during the testing operation to the open tip 35b. It should be mentioned at this juncture that the choice of the accumulator's overall geometry need not be limited to a pyramid structure or configuration, as it can be of any geometrical structure provided it can serve the purpose which deems fit in relation to accumulating and directing bubbles for the apparatus of the present invention. The open tip 35b is generally a hollowed member extending vertically from a top surface of the accumulator 35a. It is adapted with one open end attached to the surface of the accumulator 35a such that bubbles from the accumulator may enter and the opposite end is equipped with a bubble sensor 30a for detecting bubbles that enters the open tip 35b.

[0032] The base plate 35c in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is a perforated member with a contour corresponding to that of the accumulator 35a. The base plate 35c is attached to the accumulator 35a by way of adjustable fasteners 35f. In this attachment, the fasteners are positioned at the perimeters of the base plate 35c. The adjustable fasteners 35f can be in the form of rod-like telescopic members. In one example, the fasteners are positioned at each corner of the base plate 35c.

[0033] In terms of assembly and still referring to FIGURE 3, one end of the sensors cable housing 35e is secured to the open tip 35b and another end secured to the support arm 5c. As discussed earlier, at least one sensor configured for bubble detection 30a, one sensor configured for signals and data associated to temperature 30b and one sensor configured for signals and data associated to pressure 30c. These sensors can be of ultrasonic sensors type. All of the sensors are configured to receive and send signals from and to the controller 20. The bubble detection sensor 30a is positioned at the open tip 35b of the accumulator 35a, in a manner such that whenever a bubble enters the open tip 35b, the sensor 30a is triggered and generates a feedback. The temperature sensor 30b and hydrostatic pressure sensor 30c are positioned on a surface of the accumulator 35a, thus adjacent to the device under testing. In one example, the pressure sensor 35b and the temperature sensor 35b are mounted on a peripheral surface of the accumulator 35a, as shown in FIGURE 3. The pressure sensor 30c is configured to monitor water pressure during testing operation, as hydrostatic pressure is correlated to the depth of the submersible. Further, the pressure sensor 30c serves to send feedbacks to the micro-controller when the cage 35 reaches the water due to water pressure difference between water and atmosphere. The temperature sensor 30b is configured to monitor and record underwater temperature, so as to detect any changes with temperature that may be affected by pressure.

[0034] FIGURE 4 illustrates the cage 35 being movably attached to the support frame 5. In one embodiment, the cage 35 may be secured to the support arm 5c by way of harness-type cord 35d adapted to hold the cage 35 and is connected to the pulley assembly 15. The base plate 35c is removably attached to the accumulator 35a by the adjustable fasteners 35f in a manner such that there is a gap formed between the parameter regions of the base plate 35c and that of the accumulator 35a. This is to enable the device 1 to be inserted or placed within the cage 35. The adjustable fasteners 35f allow the gap distance to be varied in accordance with the user's requirements.

[0035] The sensor cable housing 35e is built to accommodate at least one of the sensors, which is the bubble detection sensor 30a. In one embodiment, the sensor housing 35e is in the form of an expandable and collapsible type housing, and thus can be extended up to 3 metres during use. In another embodiment, there is further provided an indicator or tower light 40 (shown in FIGURE 4) secured to another surface of the vertical support member 5a, the light is adapted to have two types of indications, whereby one indicates the initiation of the apparatus and a second indication on the detection of failure of the testing operation.

[0036] FIGURE 5 illustrates the cage 35 in operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device under test 1 is placed on the base plate 35c of the cage. The cage 35 is lowered and thus submerged together with the device under test 1 in the water chamber 10. In the event that the device under test 1 has water protection flaws, the device under test 1 generates bubbles due to pressure differential. The released bubbles then rise to the surface and directed towards the open tip 35b by the accumulator 35a. The bubble sensor 30a detects each bubble that goes through the open tip 35b and sends analogue signals on failure severities i.e. frequency and volume bubbles to the controller 20. The controller 20 is configured to record received information and trigger notifications or indication whenever necessary.

[0037] A system incorporating the method of the present invention is shown in FIGURE 6 as a schematic flowchart generalizing the entire testing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A pre-initialization step 600 may be conducted at any time prior to each testing operation, whereby the pre- initialization includes gathering and storing data associated to test profile, such as, depth, soak/dry duration, sequential process, drop/lift speed and etc. All information pertaining to the test and the device under test 1 is inputted to the controller 20. The controller 20 then controls the movement and behaviour of the components in an automated manner based on the predefined parameters configured by the user in performing the test operation. Upon acquired all predefined settings and parameters entered as input at 600, the operation is initiated and thus starts at 601. Then at 602, the controller 20 sends a signal for the tower light 40 to turn GREEN, to indicate that the apparatus is ready. At 603, the device under test 1 cage 35 is released into the water chamber 10. In this step, the controller 20 sends a signal to the motor 15a of the pulley assembly 15 to move the cage 35 towards and into the water chamber 10. The signal is picked up by the motor 15a, to which the motor 15a responded by moving the case downwardly and towards the water chamber 10. As the cage 35 is affixed with the pressure sensor 30c, upon entered the water, the sensor 30c detects the water surface at 604 and thus resetting the cage's 35 motor 15a to zero point level at 605. At

606, the device under test 1 cage 35 continues to drop and thereby fully submerged at

607. At 608, the cage 35 is halted for 10 seconds to release unwanted bubbles, which may come from the cage, cord or device under test 1 mounting means if any. While the cage 35 continues to drop to a desired depth, the bubble detection sensor 30a is activated at 609. At 610, in the event that there is failure with respect to the protection of device under test 1, produced bubbles are directed to the open tip 35b by the accumulator 35a for the detection by the bubble sensor 30a. In the event that there is no bubble released or produced by the device under test 1, the step 609 may be repeated. Upon detected the bubbles, bubble sensor 30a notifies the controller 20 to which the controller 20 automatically responds by switching the tower light 40 to RED to indicate failure at 611. Next at 612, all the bubbles criteria such as size, frequency and detected time are detected by the bubble sensor 30a. All information pertaining the bubbles detected may be inputted to the controller 20. Next at 613, the cage 35 is further released to desired depth for instance, at 1 -meter depth. Meanwhile, the detection criteria are sent to the controller 20 for recording and to be displayed by the display means. At 614, the cage 35 continues to be soaked at a desired duration. After being soaked at a predetermined duration, the cage 35 is lifted to the zero point level at 615. The cage 35 is fully removed from the water at 616. Then at 617, the cage 35 is halted for drying at a predetermined duration, prior to notifying the user on the completion of the test. The operation ends at 618. [0038] The automated apparatus of the present invention further provides portability and adaptability, allowing tests to be conducted at the scene, in-situ, on- site or deployed for field-testing. The water chamber being removable allows the cage to be dropped directly into the water with sturdy support from the support frame. The apparatus further provides a time effective method as all components can be operated via the controller 20.

[0039] As would be apparent to a person having ordinary skilled in the art, the afore-described methods and components may be provided in many variations, modifications or alternatives to existing testing systems. The principles and concepts disclosed herein may also be implemented in various manner which may not have been specifically described herein but which are to be understood as encompassed within the scope and letter of the following claims.

Claims

1. An automated apparatus 100 for use in a water ingression test of a device, wherein bubbles are released in the event of the device failure, the apparatus comprising: a controller 20 configured to control the behaviour and movements of the apparatus 100 based on predefined parameters;

a support frame 5 comprising at least one extendible vertical member 5b and a support arm 5c affixed at one end of the extendible vertical member

5b;

a cage 35 being movably attached to the support arm 5c; the cage 35 comprising an accumulator 35a for directing the bubbles to an open tip 35b and a base section 35c for carrying the device under test 1;

a water chamber 10 positioned adjacent to the support frame 5 ;

at least one bubble sensor 30a affixed on one surface of the cage 35 in a manner such that it is able to detect bubbles;

wherein the cage 35 is connected to the support arm 5c such that it can be moved upwards and downwards within the water chamber 10.

2. An automated apparatus 100 further comprising a pulley assembly 15 driven by a motor 15a secured at the support arm 5c and to the cage 35 such that it provides upwards and downwards motion to the cage 35; wherein said pulley assembly 15 is configured to receive signals from the controller 20 and responding to said signals by way of providing movements to the cage 35.

3. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the support arm 5c can be extended horizontally relative to the vertical member 5b of the support frame 5.

4. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the open tip 35b is adapted such that directed bubbles can go through the tip 35b and wherein the sensor 30a is positioned at the open tip 35b, such that each bubble that goes through the tip can be detected by the sensor 30a.

5. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the support member 5 further comprises a base section 5a.

6. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising a temperature sensor 30b and a pressure sensor 30c, both of the sensors are mounted on the cage 35.

7. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the base section 35c is a perforated section and is attached to the accumulator 35a by a plurality of fasteners 35f such that there is a gap to insert the tested device 1 within the cage 35.

8. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprising a sensor cables housing 35e connected to the support arm 5c.

9. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the sensor cables housing 35e is in the form of scissor-type extension cable housing.

10. An automated apparatus 100 as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising; an indication means 40 to indicate failure of test, a display means 20a for displaying the test results and a harness cord 35d adapted for holding the cage 35.

11. A method for use in a water ingression test for a device under test 1, wherein in the event of a failure, bubbles are released from the device under test 1, the method comprising: gathering and storing input associated to test profile 600;

initiating the test 601 and automatically providing a light indication for initiation of test 602;

automatically releasing the device to enter a chamber of water 603 at a predetermined depth;

detecting pressure differential 604;

resetting the motion the device such that it reaches the water surface 605; further releasing the device into the water chamber until the device is fully submerged 606, 607;

halting the device under water for a predetermined period of time 608;

automatically activating the sensor 609 and directing the bubbles 610 which maybe released from the device to the bubble detection sensor;

providing an indication for failure of test 611;

detecting and storing all criteria of bubbles released from the device 612;

further releasing the device into a predetermined depth 613;

soaking the device to a desired duration 614;

automatically lifting the device from the chamber of water 615;

fully removing the device from water 616; and

halting the device for drying for a period of time 617; and

displaying all test results.