Cable Assembly Pliable Spine Probe-DUT Interface Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical test and measurement instruments face mechanical stress issues due to cable resistance to bending and twisting, which can compromise the connection or damage the interface between the probe and the device under test, and existing solutions either require extra work or may cause damage when disconnecting.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a pliable spine that counteracts the resistance to bending and twisting, combined with a flexible boot to allow for motion without damaging the assembly, reduces mechanical stresses and protects the cable from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is made more formable by changing the outer jacket material, then the cable's flexibility is improved, but the cable's protection against damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly uses a composite structure combining a pliable spine (first material) with a flexible boot (second material) that has different mechanical properties. The boot material is specifically selected to be more formable than the spine material, allowing the cable to bend and twist while the spine maintains structural integrity and prevents complete collapse or damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable resistance to bending and twisting is reduced, then the mechanical stress on the DUT interface is improved, but the cable stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pliable spine acts as an intermediary element between the flexible cable and the probe connection. It absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses from cable bending and twisting, preventing these stresses from being transmitted to the DUT interface, while simultaneously providing enough structural support to maintain cable position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the cable assembly by introducing a spine with specific rigidity properties. The spine's resistance to compression and its ability to return to its original shape after deformation allow the cable to flex within a controlled range while maintaining overall position stability and preventing excessive stress transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved cable assembly for connecting an electrical test and measurement probe to a device under test. One end of the probe is connected to a device under test ("DUT"), while the other end is connected to the instrument through one or more cables. To prevent mechanical stresses to the probe-DUT interface caused by the cables' resistance to bending and twisting, embodiments of the improved cable assembly use one or more pliable spines to hold the cable assembly in position after it has been bent or twisted. This provides a more secure connection to the DUT and prevents damage to the probe-DUT interface. Each spine is anchored to the tip of the probe, and may be further secured by an outer housing or additional anchors. A flexible boot may surround the cable assembly and/or outer housing, further protecting the cables from damage. Alternatively, one or more spines may be placed inside the boot.