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.

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.