Patent · US Expired

Method for the remanufacturing of a sealed module

US6192570A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
16References
15Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 23, 1999
Grant dateFeb 27, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 23, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T408/85892
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A system and method is provided for opening a sealed engine control module in which the module includes a substrate bent around and sealed to a central housing. In one aspect of the invention, the housing is machined around its perimeter, without damaging the substrate, to expose the sealing bead. The sealing bead is disrupted by cutting a groove in the bead, in one embodiment. The modified module is placed within an opening fixture that supports the substrate against buckling or folding while the substrate is unbent about the housing. In another aspect of the invention, a handling support can be attached to the unbent substrate to prevent buckling or folding while the circuit board supported by the substrate is evaluated or modified, and while the substrate is being transported. A closing fixture is also contemplated that supports the substrate while applying a force to fold or close the substrate about a new housing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.