Large-scale interconnection bonding device

Abstract

A bonding device in a large scale interconnect provides an apparatus and method of changing a test adapter for a test application. A massively interconnected engagement device comprises an interchangeable test adapter (ITA) (2) and a locking mechanism (4). The locking mechanism (4) comprises a plunger (5) having a plunger head (6) at a first end of the plunger, a leaflet insert (10) arranged over the plunger (5), a sleeve (12) arranged over the leaflet insert (10), an over-dead-center (ODC) link (8) connected to the plunger (5) at a second end of the plunger opposite the first end, and a rotatable handle (9) connected to the ODC link (8). When a user rotates the rotatable handle (9), the plunger (5), leaflet insert (10) and sleeve (12) of the locking mechanism (4) engage or disengage the ITA (2).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,071, filed on May 10, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments relate to an engagement device for use in large-scale interconnection. In particular, exemplary embodiments relate to an engagement device that provides a simplified method of connecting a test adapter interconnect panel to a device under test (DUT). Background Art

[0004] Automatic test equipment (ATE) is used to verify the design and functionality of electronic devices. ATE may include electronic instruments connected to the DUT and use different interconnections between the ATE and the DUT. Test adapters provide direct connections to the DUT. The test adapters can be wired directly to the measuring instrument or connected to an intermediate connector. The intermediate connectors can be separate or grouped with electromechanical devices on a large scale to engage the individual connectors. This type of intermediate device is generally referred to as a large-scale interconnect. Large-scale interconnects provide a quick way to replace test adapters for other test applications. Depending on the DUT requirements, large-scale interconnects appear in different sizes and configurations.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments provide a coupling device for a large-scale interconnect system that simplifies the process of connecting and disconnecting an interchangeable test adapter (ITA) to facilitate efficient and reliable testing of electronic devices. The coupling device includes an ITA and a locking mechanism that together ensure secure connection and ease of use. The interconnect panel is separate from the coupling device itself, which allows the flexibility of using different interconnect panels in the same ATE system.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment provides a mass interconnection engagement device, the engagement device including an interchangeable test adapter (ITA) and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a plunger having a plunger head at a first end of the plunger, a leaflet insert disposed on the plunger, a sleeve disposed on the leaflet insert, an over dead center (ODC) link connected to the plunger at a second end of the plunger, and a rotatable handle connected to the ODC link. When a user rotates the rotatable handle, the plunger, leaflet insert, and sleeve of the locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged with the ITA.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments also provide a locking mechanism for engaging and disengaging with an interchangeable tool assembly (ITA). The locking mechanism includes a plunger having a plunger head at a distal end of the plunger, and a plurality of leaflets each having a locking tab at a tip thereof, the plurality of leaflets being arranged on the plunger. The locking tabs each have a 45° angled surface, and the plunger head has an inner surface having a complementary 45° angle that fills the space between the locking tabs at the 45° angled surfaces of the locking tabs.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment also provides a method of engaging an engagement device, the engagement device including an interchangeable test adapter (ITA), the interchangeable test adapter including a locking bushing and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a plunger (the plunger having a plunger head at a first end of the plunger), a leaflet insert (the leaflet insert including a locking tab, a leaflet disposed on the plunger), a sleeve (the sleeve is disposed on the leaflet insert), an over dead center (ODC) link (the ODC link is connected to the plunger at its second end) and a handle (the handle is connected to the ODC link). The method includes rotating the handle 90° from an unlocked position to a locked ODC position by a user, wherein the locking mechanism locks with the ITA during the full 90° rotation of the handle.

[0010] The engagement device allows for quick and safe engagement and disengagement of the ITA, significantly reducing setup time and ensuring a reliable connection during testing. The interchangeable nature of the ITA enables compatibility with a variety of test configurations and electronics, making the engagement device a versatile and essential tool for efficient and accurate testing.

[0011] Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an engagement device including a locking mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the locking mechanism.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded side view of the locking mechanism.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Insertion cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism.

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an engagement device including a locking mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism.

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of the locking mechanism.

[0022] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism.

[0023] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 Exploded side view of the locking mechanism.

[0024] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 Insertion cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism.

[0025] Fig.13 , Fig.14A , Fig. 14B , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16 , Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig.18 and Fig.19 2 is a view illustrating an engagement / disengagement process of an engagement device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of different exemplary embodiments. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. The present disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, for the purpose of clarity and description, the relative sizes of the dimensions and layers, regions, etc. may be exaggerated. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. When an element or layer is mentioned as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers.

[0028] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used herein, and thereby describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as being "under" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" may include both orientations of "above" and "below." In addition, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0029] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0031] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0033] The bonding device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is designed for use in applications that require more I / O and more compact size than existing solutions. Figure 1 As shown, the coupling device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment has an interchangeable test adapter (ITA) 2 and a receiver 3, wherein the interchangeable test adapter 2 is configured to be attached to a test fixture and the receiver 3 is configured to be wired to a test instrument designed for desktop applications and rack-mounted applications.

[0034] While the engagement device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment features a manually operated, linkage-based over-dead-center locking mechanism 4, the locking mechanism of the engagement device according to other exemplary embodiments may be directly attached to the pneumatic cylinder, thereby allowing the engagement device to be used in a fully automatic setting. A parallel locking mechanism 4 having handles connected by a grip may be used to engage the ITA 2, ensuring that the two handles move together. This synchronized motion ensures that the ITA 2 and receiver 3 surfaces remain substantially parallel during the engagement and disengagement process.

[0035] The engagement device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a locking mechanism 4 that relies on a plunger driven movement to engage and disengage the ITA from the receiver. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking mechanism 4 comprises a plunger 5 having a head 6 connected to a plunger base 7 on opposite sides of the plunger head 6. The plunger base 7 is connected to an over dead center (ODC) link 8, and the ODC link 8 is also connected to a rotatable handle 9.

[0036] The locking mechanism 4 further includes a leaflet insert 10 that is press-fit into the sleeve 12 and is arranged above the plunger 5. A leaflet 11 is arranged at the end of the leaflet insert 10, and the leaflet 11 has a locking tab 11a on its tip. The leaflet insert 10 can be made of thin metal, which allows the locking tab 11a to easily snap into / pop out of the locking bushing 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the locking bushing 13 can be 0.025 inches smaller than the outer diameter of the locking tab 11a on the leaflet. The leaflet 11 can bend inward to enter / leave the locking bushing 13, but is firmly grasped when the plunger 5 is in the locked position (such as Figure 6 shown).

[0037] The plunger 5 is configured to engage and disengage the leaflet 11 with the locking bushing 13 positioned in the ITA 2. During the engagement process, as described in detail below, once the plunger 5 is engaged with the ODC link 8 in an over-dead center position, the plunger 5 is in a locked position and prevents the leaflet 11 from bending inwardly, and pulls the receiver 3 into engagement with the ITA 2.

[0038] The plunger head 6 fills the space between the leaflets 11 to prevent the leaflets 11 from sliding out of the locking bushing 13 when the locking mechanism 4 is engaged and locked. Figure 6As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment, the plunger head 6 can have a 0.030 inch portion that has the same diameter as the main axis of the plunger 5 and is arranged behind the recessed portion in the plunger 5 and in front of the angled surface of the plunger head 6 that matches the angle on the locking tab 11a. When the locking tab 11a is engaged or disengaged with the locking bushing 13, the recessed portion allows the leaflets 11 to flex inwardly. Therefore, the plunger head 6 fills the space between the leaflets 11. The plunger head 6 can have a 45° angle to smoothly transfer force from the plunger 5 to the locking bushing 13 with minimal strain in the leaflets 11. The plunger 5, ODC link 8, rotatable handle 9 and sleeve 12 can withstand substantially all of the force required to engage and disengage the ITA 2 (i.e., about 90% or more). The leaflet 11 may not be subjected to significant stress during the engagement / disengagement process because the locking tab 11a at the tip of the leaflet 11 transfers force directly from the plunger 5 to the locking bushing 13 upon engagement.

[0039] Thus, the leaflets 11 may not be subjected to significant longitudinal forces without being in contact with the plunger head 6 and the locking bushing 13 simultaneously. The only strains that may be generated in the leaflets 11 are when they bend inwardly when the leaflets 11 are inserted into the locking bushing 13 on the ITA 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the leaflets 11 allow 0.025 inches of interference when the plunger 5 is in the locked position. For example, when the plunger 5 is in the engaged position, filling the interior of the leaflet 11, the diameter of the locking tab 11a may be 0.025 inches larger than the opening of the locking bushing 13. The leaflet insert 10 may be protected from bending to the point of plastic deformation by the shaft of the plunger 5 on the inside and the protective sleeve 12 on the outside into which the leaflet insert 10 is press-fitted.

[0040] The locking mechanism 4 also includes a ball plunger 14 that can provide resistance to keep the sleeve 12 fully forward until engaged by the plunger 5, thereby ensuring that the locking mechanism 4 is not locked when attempting to clamp into the locking bushing 13. The spring plunger 15 can apply pressure to keep the plunger 5 forward while docking with the locking bushing 13 to prevent the locking mechanism 4 from locking before being acted upon by the ODC link 8 and the rotatable handle 9. The elements of the locking mechanism 4 described above can be enclosed or partially enclosed in a body having a first body section 16a and a second body section 16b. According to an exemplary embodiment, the engagement device 1 has an adjustable positioning 17 having a space of 0.075 inches to allow the locking mechanism 4 to move forward or backward for adjusting the engagement depth.

[0041] According to the exemplary embodiment, the bonding device 101 is Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The joining device 101 according to this exemplary embodiment may be substantially similar in various aspects to that described in connection with the present application. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The described joining device 1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and any repetitive disclosure may be omitted for the sake of brevity. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The disclosure of the described engagement device 101 is incorporated by reference into the Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiments described.

[0042] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the locking mechanism 104 according to an exemplary embodiment includes several key components and assembly steps. First, the handle 109 is connected to the over dead center (ODC) link 108 using a first locating pin (not shown). The ODC link 108 has a "folded line" shape that allows the handle 109 to articulate without interference from the first locating pin about which the handle 109 rotates. Next, the ODC link 108 is connected to the plunger base 107 via a second locating pin (not shown), and the plunger 105 is screwed onto the threads on the plunger base 107 until the plunger 105 is flush with the plunger base 107. A thread locking band or coating can be used to prevent the plunger 105 from unscrewing from the plunger base 107 during repeated cycles.

[0043] The locking mechanism 104 also includes a leaflet insert 110 that is press-fitted into a sleeve 112, which then floats above the plunger 105 between the plunger base 107 and the plunger head 106. Once the plunger 105 is screwed onto the plunger base 107, the sleeve 112 can move laterally along the plunger 105 within a range of about 0.050 inches to about 0.055 inches. This range of lateral movement can allow the leaflets 111 connected to the front of the leaflet insert 110 to close freely above the plunger 105, while the locking tabs 111a of the leaflets 111 lock outward when the angled portion of the plunger head 106 meets the angled portion on the inner side of the locking tabs 111a.

[0044] For example, Fig.12 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the plunger 105 can have a smaller diameter than the inner diameter between the leaflets 111. When the angled portion of the plunger head 106 meets the corresponding angled portion on the inner side of the locking tab 111a, the locking tab 111a locks outwardly against the locking bushing 113. Figures 1 to 6 As described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the plunger 105 is in the engaged position, the diameter of the locking tab 111a can be 0.025 inches larger than the opening of the locking bushing 113. The leaflet insert 110 can be protected from bending to the point of plastic deformation by the shaft of the plunger 105 on the inside and the protective sleeve 112 on the outside into which the leaflet insert 110 is press-fitted.

[0045] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the leaflets 111 can have a tapered, increased thickness in a thickened portion where the leaflets 111 connect to the locking tabs 111a. The thickened portion of the leaflets 111 corresponds to an area where the leaflets 111 extend over a recessed portion of the plunger 105 that has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the plunger 105. The thickened portion can further protect the leaflets 111 from bending outwardly if the plunger 105 is retracted into the sleeve 112 when the plunger 105 is in the engaged position. This sometimes occurs, for example, with a misaligned ITA 102 where only one set of leaflets 111 engages with the locking bushing 113 when the sleeve 112 remains fixed.

[0046] The entire locking mechanism 104 assembly (including at least the ODC link 108, plunger base 107, plunger 105, leaflet insert 110, leaflet 111, and sleeve 112) is then enclosed in a body having a first body section 116a and a second body section 116b. The handle 109 is connected to the body using a first locating pin about which the handle 109 rotates. The first cylindrical channel in the body constrains the plunger 105 to linear horizontal movement with a tight clearance around the sleeve 112. The body can be fastened together with a connector such as a screw.

[0047] like Fig.10 As shown, a smaller second cylindrical passage in the body houses a spring (not shown) and a spring plunger 115. The spring is loosely placed on the thinner end of the spring plunger 115, and the two components are loaded into the assembled body, with the thicker end of the spring plunger 115 being loaded into the assembled body first. A set screw (not shown) inserted into the body behind the spring holds the spring and spring plunger 115 in place, and can compress the spring and apply pressure on the flange of the plunger base 107 to hold the plunger 105 forward without other forces on the handle 109.

[0048] A spring loaded ball plunger 114 is threaded into the top of the body so that when the locking mechanism 104 is in the open position, the ball of the ball plunger 114 can rest in a groove on the sleeve 112, such as Fig.10 This can hold the sleeve 112 in place until the angled portion of the plunger head 106 contacts the angle on the inside of the leaflet 111. The ball plunger 114 can hold the sleeve 112 in the retracted position, preventing friction between the plunger 105 and the sleeve 112, and pulling the sleeve 112 back before the leaflet 111 is locked outward by the plunger head 106. This design prevents the leaflet 111 from sliding out of the locking bushing 113 (or "grab ring") of the ITA 102 during the engagement process.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 104 can operate in four main steps. First, during the attachment process, the ITA 102 slides onto the tool pins of the leaflets 111 / sleeve 112 and receiver 103. The leaflets 111 collapse inwardly and then spring back to the open position once they move past the locking bushing 113. Second, during the engagement process, the handle 109 is pulled back by the user until the handle 109 stops, rotating the handle 109 approximately 90°, which in turn pulls the plunger 106 back via the plunger base 107 and the ODC link 108.

[0050] The angled surface on the rear of the plunger head 106 contacts the angled surface on the inside of the locking tab 111a, preventing the leaflets 111 from collapsing inward again. When the handle 109 pulls back the plunger 105, the plunger 105 simultaneously pulls back the sleeve 112. The angled surface on the rear of the locking tab 111a contacts the angled surface on the distal side of the locking bushing 113. The plunger 105 pulls the leaflets 111, which then pulls the locking bushing 113, thereby pulling the ITA 102 closer to the receiver 103.

[0051] The electrical contacts of the ITA 102 and receiver 103 can be fully connected once the handle 109 is fully pulled back (rotated 90°) and the sleeve 112 approaches or contacts the backstop inside the locking mechanism 104. The handle 109 is aligned with the plunger 105, providing an over dead center (ODC) lock to prevent any movement on the ITA 102 side from disengaging the contacts.

[0052] Third, during the disengagement process, the lever 109 moves forward, pushing the plunger 105 and sleeve 112 forward and disengaging the ITA 102 from the receiver 103. The plunger 105 is pushed forward until the plunger head 106 loses contact with the leaflet 111. The plunger 105 then continues to move forward until the plunger base 107 pushes the base of the sleeve 112 forward. The rounded shoulder on the front of the sleeve 112 contacts the proximal side of the locking bushing 113, pushing the ITA 102 away from the receiver 103. The locking mechanism 104 then returns to the open position, and the ITA 102 again rests on the tool pins of the sleeve 112 / leaflet 111 and receiver 103.

[0053] Finally, during the removal process, the ITA 102 is pulled out as the distal angled face of the locking bushing 113 compresses the leaflets 111. Once the leaflets 111 have a small enough outer diameter to slide out of the locking bushing 113, the ITA 102 can be completely removed from the receiver 103.

[0054] Fig.13 , Fig.14A , Fig. 14B , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig.16 , Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig.18 and Fig.19 The engagement and disengagement process of the engagement device according to the exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The described joining device 1 is substantially the same and its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, and any repeated disclosure may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The joining device of this exemplary embodiment is similar in every respect to the joining device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The described engagement device 101 is substantially similar, and the disclosure of this exemplary embodiment is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] During the joining process of the joining device according to the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 , Fig.14A , Fig. 14B , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B and Fig.16As shown, during a full 90° rotation of the handle, the plunger may travel 0.350 inches. For example, the handle may start in a vertical docked position, and during the engagement process, the handle is rotated 90° to the locked ODC position. All angles other than zero or 90° may fluctuate within a range of approximately + / - 3°, depending on the tolerances and positioning of the components in the locking mechanism assembly.

[0056] During the first docking step (90°), Fig.13 The locking mechanism is shown in the unlocked / open position and can be freely inserted into the locking bushing of the ITA. First, the user aligns the tool pin with the corresponding bushing. Then, the user slides the ITA and receiver side together until there is resistance, indicating that the locking tab has compressed and clicked into place inside the locking bushing.

[0057] In the second docking step (87°-85° of handle rotation), as Fig.14A and Fig. 14B As shown, the locking mechanism is in the locked position. The plunger head may be between the leaflets to hold them open, but the locking tab may not contact the rear of the locking bushing. Fig.13 , Fig.14A , Fig. 14B , Fig.15A , Fig. 15B and Fig.16 As shown, the internal structure of the ITA (including the locking bushing and the portion of the locking mechanism inserted into the ITA) is shown in dotted lines.

[0058] During the engagement step (85°-76° of handle rotation), Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown, the ODC link pushes the plunger 0.050 inches into the locked position, preventing the leaflets from compressing inwardly. For example, when the user begins to pull the handle back, the sleeve of the locking mechanism can be held in place by the ball plunger until the 45° face of the main plunger contacts the corresponding edge of the leaflet. The rear of the locking tab can contact the locking bushing in the ITA, and the plunger head pulls the locking bushing through the material of the locking tab to begin to pull the ITA and receiver together.

[0059] During the 76°-0° period of handle rotation, the plunger travels an additional 0.300 inches into the engaged / locked ODC position, and the ODC link is in the over-dead center position. The plunger pulls the ITA and receiver together to fully engage. In the engaged position, as shown in the Fig.16 As shown, the plunger head completely fills the space between the leaflets, preventing them from bending inward, and the locking tab can contact the locking bushing, also as shown Figure 6When the handle is aligned parallel to the base of the engagement device, the contacts are fully engaged. In an embodiment, an over-dead-center lock prevents the ITA from being pulled away from the receiver side until the engagement device is intentionally disengaged.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the disengagement process of the engagement device may occur in the reverse order of the engagement process described above, such as Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown. Fig.17A and Fig. 17B As shown, when the handle moves from the 0° locked position to the unlocked position (27°-35° of handle rotation), the plunger loses contact with the leaflets and the plunger base begins to push against the bottom of the sleeve. The plunger head can clear the leaflets, allowing the leaflets to collapse inward as the ITA is pulled apart, with the receiver and ITA held together only by the force from the engaged contact.

[0061] During the intermediate disengagement step of travel through the locking bushing (33°-51° of handle rotation), the plunger base pushes the sleeve forward, initially removing the locking tab from distal contact with the locking bushing until the shoulder on the front of the sleeve contacts the receiver-facing side of the locking bushing. Fig.18 When the sleeve moves to the 51° position shown in FIG. 5, the shoulder at the end of the sleeve pushes the locking bushing and can overcome the force holding the contacts together and pushing the ITA and receiver apart. The shoulder on the front of the sleeve contacts the receiver-facing side of the locking bushing in the ITA and begins to separate the ITA from the receiver side, disengaging the contacts.

[0062] When the handle reaches Fig.19 In the 90° forward position shown perpendicular to the base plate, the sleeve is held back by the front inner surface of the body so the leaflets can no longer slide over the plunger head, freeing the leaflets to flex inward and slide out of the locking bushing. The sleeve is again held in place by the ball plunger, and the inner face of the body prevents the sleeve from moving forward any further. The spring plunger keeps pressing the plunger forward to keep the mechanism unlocked so the ITA side can be removed from the receiver.

[0063] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will become apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A large-scale interconnection bonding device, the bonding device comprising: Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA); as well as A locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a plunger including a plunger head at a first end of the plunger; a leaflet insert disposed over the plunger; a sleeve disposed over the leaflet insert; an over dead center (ODC) connecting rod connected to the plunger at a second end of the plunger opposite the first end; and a rotatable handle connected to the ODC connecting rod, Wherein, when a user rotates the rotatable handle, the plunger, the leaflet inserter, and the sleeve of the locking mechanism engage or disengage the ITA.

2. The engagement device of claim 1, further comprising a leaflet connected to the leaflet insert, wherein The plunger head fills the space between the leaflets to prevent the leaflets from sliding out of the locking bushing of the ITA when the locking mechanism engages and locks with the ITA.

3. The joining device according to claim 2, wherein: The ODC link, the rotatable handle, and the sleeve carry substantially all of the force required to engage or disengage the ITA.

4. The joining device according to claim 3, wherein: Locking tabs, respectively disposed at the ends of the leaflets, transfer force directly from the plunger to the locking bushing when engaging the ITA.

5. The joining device according to claim 4, wherein: In the absence of simultaneous contact between the leaflet, the plunger head and the locking bushing, the leaflet is not subject to significant longitudinal forces.

6. The engagement device according to claim 2, wherein: The plunger further includes a recessed portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of a remainder of the plunger; and The leaflets each include a thickened portion corresponding to an area of ​​the leaflet extending above the recessed portion of the plunger, the thickened portion having a tapered, increasing thickness.

7. The joining device according to claim 6, wherein: The thickened portions of the leaflets respectively protect the leaflets from bending when the plunger engages the ITA.

8. A locking mechanism for engaging and disengaging an interchangeable tool assembly (ITA), the locking mechanism comprising: a plunger having a plunger head positioned at a distal end of the plunger; a plurality of leaflets, each of the plurality of leaflets having a locking tab at a tip of the leaflet, the plurality of leaflets being disposed over the plunger; Wherein, the locking tabs each have a 45° angled surface, and the plunger head has an inner surface having a complementary 45° angle that fills the space between the locking tabs at the 45° angled surfaces of the locking tabs.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The plunger tip smoothly transfers force from the plunger to the locking bushing of the ITA with minimal strain in the plurality of leaflets.

10. The locking mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: The locking mechanism further comprises: a leaflet insert disposed over the plunger, the plurality of leaflets being connected to the leaflet insert; a sleeve disposed over the leaflet insert; an over dead center (ODC) link connected to the plunger at a second distal side of the plunger opposite the distal end of the plunger; and a rotatable handle connected to the ODC connecting rod, Wherein, when a user rotates the rotatable handle, the plunger, the plurality of leaflets, the leaflet insert, and the sleeve of the locking mechanism engage or disengage the ITA.

11. A method of engaging an engagement device, the engagement device comprising: an interchangeable test adapter (ITA), the ITA including a locking bushing; as well as A locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a plunger including a plunger head at a first end of the plunger, a leaflet inserter including a locking tab, the leaflet inserter being disposed over the plunger, a sleeve disposed over the leaflet insert, an over dead center (ODC) connecting rod connected to the plunger at a second end of the plunger opposite the first end, and a handle connected to the ODC connecting rod, The method includes rotating the handle 90° by a user from an unlocked position to a locked ODC position, wherein the locking mechanism locks with the ITA during the full 90° rotation of the handle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: In a first engagement step, the handle starts in a vertical (90°) docked position and the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position; the user sliding the ITA and locking mechanism together such that the locking tab is compressed into position inside the locking bushing; as well as A space is formed in the locking mechanism between the leaflet and the plunger head, whereby the locking mechanism is freely insertable into the locking bushing by the user.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: In a second engagement step, the handle is rotated from 87° to 85° by the user; and The plunger head is positioned between the leaflets, holding the leaflets open and the locking tab clear of the locking bushing.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: In a third engagement step, the user rotates the handle from 85° to 76°; The ODC link pushes the plunger into a locked position, thereby preventing the leaflets from compressing inwardly; as well as The locking tab contacts the locking bushing and the plunger head pulls the locking bushing and the locking tab, thereby drawing the ITA and locking mechanism together.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The user rotates the handle from 85° to 76°; The plunger travels into the locked ODC position and the ODC link is in an over-dead-center position; as well as The plunger draws the ITA and locking mechanism together for full engagement of the ITA and locking mechanism.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: In the locked ODC position, the plunger head completely fills the space between the leaflets, thereby preventing the leaflets from bending inwardly; as well as In the locked ODC position, the ITA and locking mechanism continue to have full engagement until the ITA and locking mechanism are disengaged by the user.

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