Contactor Spring Recesses for IC Testing Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactor springs in IC test handlers face challenges in maintaining high mechanical and electrical performance while enhancing thermal conductivity, leading to issues with contact resistance and thermal stability during IC testing.
Innovation Solution
A contactor spring with a U, C, or S shaped body featuring outwardly directed protrusions and recesses that increase cross-sectional area for improved heat conductivity without stiffening, along with hook-shaped support protrusions for secure fixation and easy assembly, enhancing both mechanical and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cross-sectional area of the contactor spring is increased to improve heat conductivity, then thermal properties are improved, but the spring becomes stiffer and mechanical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor spring body is segmented by introducing at least one recess that extends through the spring body from one outer surface to the opposite outer surface. This segmentation creates multiple separate spring regions that collectively provide both thermal conduction pathways and maintained mechanical flexibility, resolving the contradiction between heat conductivity and spring flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the contactor spring design is simplified for easy manufacture, then manufacturing ease is improved, but thermal conductivity and mechanical performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor spring incorporates hook-shaped support protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the contactor socket during assembly. This self-aligning and self-securing mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps, providing both ease of manufacture and maintained thermal conductivity through proper spring design.
3Reliability
If the contactor spring is designed with features for secure fixation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support protrusions are integrated directly into the spring body structure itself, merging the fixation function with the spring structure. This eliminates the need for separate fixation components while maintaining both reliability through secure engagement and simplicity by avoiding additional parts.
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 provides reliable contact pressure, low contact resistance, and stable thermal parameters during IC testing, ensuring efficient and reliable IC testing even under varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the spring body comprises at least a first U or C shaped or S shaped or Z shaped, respectively, recess which extends from close to the first free end to close of the second free end thereof... increases the overall heat conductivity
Data Source
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AI summary
Contactor spring of an IC contactor socket, the contactor spring having a U or C shaped or S shaped or Z shaped spring body, wherein at least one of the first and second free ends of the spring body comprises an outwardly directed contactor protrusion, and wherein the spring body comprises at least a first U or C shaped or S shaped or Z shaped, respectively, recess which extends from close to the first free end to close of the second free end thereof.