Contact Configuration for Circuit Board Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices become more complex and the number of devices on circuit boards increases, the close proximity of contacts due to reduced width limits proper connection during testing, leading to potential misalignment and improper signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a contact structure with pairs of spaced contacts on opposite sides of a body portion, aligned in the direction of insertion into a connector, allowing for increased contact count without crowding, ensuring proper connection and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the contact width is reduced to increase contact count, then the number of contacts increases, but the risk of misalignment and improper connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row contact arrangement to a multi-dimensional grid pattern where contacts are arranged in multiple rows and columns. This dimensional expansion allows increasing contact count without reducing individual contact width, as contacts are distributed across both horizontal and vertical dimensions rather than being compressed into a single linear sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact array is segmented into multiple independent rows and columns, with each contact positioned at specific intersections. This segmentation allows each contact to maintain adequate spacing while the overall system achieves higher contact density through the distributed grid structure rather than continuous compression.
2Quantity of substance
If contacts are brought closer together to increase contact count, then the contact density increases, but misalignment during insertion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging contacts in a two-dimensional grid rather than a one-dimensional row, the patent achieves higher contact density without requiring contacts to be positioned closer together along a single axis. The additional dimensional space allows maintaining larger inter-contact spacing while increasing overall contact count through the grid expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact grid employs asymmetric positioning patterns where contacts are strategically placed at specific row and column intersections rather than uniform spacing. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes alignment tolerance by positioning contacts where minor misalignments have minimal impact on connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of devices on board increases, then device functionality increases, but the complexity of contact configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid contact structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections for increased device count, establishes precise alignment references through the grid pattern, and enables systematic signal routing through row and column organization. This multi-functional design accommodates higher device functionality without proportionally increasing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the contact grid are assigned specific functions - certain rows and columns are dedicated to power supply, others to signal transmission, and specific intersection points serve as alignment references. This local differentiation allows the overall complex system to be managed through localized, standardized connection patterns rather than monolithic complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic structure (for example a reliability board or a cycling control module) has a body including a body portion insertable into a connector. A plurality of contact structures are provided on a side of the body portion, each contact structure comprising a first contact and a second contact spaced from the first contact, with the first and second contacts of each contact structure being aligned in the direction of insertion of the body portion into the connector. A corresponding second plurality of contact structures is provided on a side of the body portion opposite the first—mentioned side. These contacts connect with respective corresponding contacts of the connector.