Contact Socket Module With Retracting Plate for Jam-Free ATE Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated test equipment for electronic components often experiences jams during testing, which reduces efficiency and requires a trade-off between testing speed and jam prevention.
Innovation Solution
A contact socket module with a retracting plate mechanism and controller that moves spring contacts between test and release positions, allowing independent control of contact tips to prevent jams and enhance testing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If testing speed is increased using carriers with multiple DUTs, then productivity is improved, but jams occur more frequently reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The contact socket module employs a retracting plate mechanism that dynamically adjusts the position of spring contacts between a test position (extended) and a retracted position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt during the testing process, enabling the carrier to be removed or repositioned without causing jams, thus maintaining both high productivity and reliability
2Productivity
If spring contacts remain in contact position during testing, then testing efficiency is maintained, but jams occur when carrier is removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by controlling the retracting plate to move between extended and retracted positions at specific intervals in the testing process. The spring contacts are extended during testing for efficiency, then retracted before carrier removal to prevent jams, creating a rhythmic cycle that optimizes both productivity and reliability
3Reliability
If independent control of contact tips is added to prevent jams, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the control of multiple spring contacts into a single retracting plate mechanism. By combining all individual contact control functions into one unified mechanical element, the system achieves independent control capability without proportionally increasing complexity. The retracting plate simultaneously controls all spring contacts, reducing the need for separate actuators for each contact
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces jams and increases the overall output of correctly tested electronic components by allowing controlled movement of contact tips, optimizing the balance between testing speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of groups of spring contacts, wherein each spring contact comprises a DUT sided contact tip
Data Source
AI summary
A contact socket module for use in an automated test equipment (ATE) for testing electronic components (DUTs) being carried by a carrier comprises: a plurality of groups of spring contacts, wherein each spring contact comprises a DUT sided contact tip, a retracting plate being moveable, and a controller controlling the movement of the retracting plate, wherein the retracting plate and the spring contacts act mechanically on each other. In a first position the DUT sided contact tips are adapted to contact to contact portions of the electronic components, and in a second position, the DUT sided contact tips are adapted to release the contact to the contact portions of the electronic components.