Adhesive Probe Support Device for Crowded Circuit Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for electrical test probes are limited by their size and adaptability, particularly on crowded circuit boards, and often require manual handling, making it difficult for a single user to monitor multiple channels or maintain connections during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A support device with positionable and shape-retentive support members that can be bent to fit various orientations, combined with a locater tool for precise positioning, allowing hands-free operation and secure attachment to the circuit board, enabling the use of advanced test probe tips that do not require the entire probing head to be supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional test probe tips are used requiring manual holding, then the user can maintain contact with electrical components, but the user cannot monitor multiple channels or make adjustments simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The support device enables the test probe tip to maintain its own position and contact with electrical components without requiring continuous manual holding. The device provides self-supporting capability through adhesive attachment to the circuit board, allowing the user to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If off-board support devices like PROBE BUDDY are used, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the device requires extra space adjacent to the circuit board and is difficult to position correctly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the support device off-board or adjacent to the circuit board, the invention attaches the support device directly to the circuit board surface in the vertical dimension. This eliminates the need for extra lateral space while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If medium proximity solutions like Janko or Campbell devices are used, then the device can sit on the circuit board surface, but they still use gravity to keep the connection and are limited in adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the gravity-based mechanical support system with an adhesive attachment system. The adhesive mechanism provides secure attachment to the circuit board surface, enabling the support device to maintain connections in various orientations including vertical surfaces where gravity would cause the probe to detach.
4Ease of operation
If grabber tips are used to maintain position without manual holding, then hands-free operation is achieved, but bandwidth performance is limited and the tips are delicate and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the support function from the probing function. The support device provides hands-free positioning while the test probe tip maintains its original design characteristics for optimal bandwidth performance and durability. The support device and probe tip are distinct components working together.
Data Source
AI summary
A locater tool for positioning a support device for supporting a test probe head or a test probe tip, the locater tool including a template, means for indicating a support device position associated with the template, and means for indicating an achievable probing zone on a surface having connection points when the support device is in the support device position. The locater tool may be a device-attachable locater tool or a pre-positioning locater tool.