Elastic Contact Pin Structure for Stable Narrow-Pitch Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically conductive contact pins face issues with inconsistent contact stability, damage to inspection objects, and limitations in responding to narrow pitch technology trends, particularly in semiconductor testing due to separate construction and excessive pressure requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electrically conductive contact pin features an elastic part with straight and curved parts, slit and groove structures, and stoppers to facilitate easy deformation and prevent damage, allowing precise alignment and stable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pogo-type socket pin with separate barrel and pin part is used, then contact pressure can be applied and shock can be absorbed, but the gap between outer surface of pin part and inner surface of barrel cannot be precisely managed, causing signal loss and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barrel and pin part into a single integrated structure, eliminating the gap between separate components. The pin is formed as one piece with the barrel, ensuring precise alignment and consistent gap control for reliable signal transmission while maintaining contact pressure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin structure is segmented into functional zones: a tapered tip section for contact, a cylindrical shaft section for signal transmission, and a flared base section for mechanical support. This segmentation optimizes each zone's function while maintaining overall structural integrity and precise dimensional control.
2Reliability
If a pointed tip is used to increase contact effect, then contact stability is improved, but the pointed tip produces impressions or grooves on the external terminal, causing damage and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The pin tip features a localized tapered geometry with a small radius of curvature that concentrates contact force on a minimal area, improving contact stability without creating damaging grooves. The local quality of the tip surface is optimized to distribute pressure evenly while maintaining precise contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin tip geometry parameters are precisely controlled with a specific taper angle and radius of curvature. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the contact pressure is distributed in a manner that ensures stable electrical contact without causing mechanical damage to the external terminal surface.
3Ease of operation
If the pogo-type socket pin is formed with separate barrel and pin part, then assembly flexibility is provided, but the pin cannot be formed into a small size, limiting response to narrow pitch technology
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel and pin are combined into a single monolithic component formed by precision casting or machining. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly operations while enabling miniaturization, as the entire structure can be optimized as one piece for narrow pitch applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The overall dimensions of the pin are scaled down with optimized geometric parameters to accommodate narrow pitch requirements. The tapered tip angle, shaft diameter, and base flare dimensions are all precisely controlled to maintain functional performance at reduced size.
4Reliability
If rubber-type socket pin with conductive micro balls is used, then electrical connection can be achieved, but excessive pressure must be applied to ensure contact stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rubber matrix with conductive micro balls mechanism with a solid metallic pin structure that provides inherent electrical conductivity. The rigid metallic construction maintains stable electrical contact without requiring the excessive pressure needed to compress rubber and force conductive particles into 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 design enhances inspection reliability by preventing damage to inspection objects and ensuring stable electrical connections, even with narrow pitches, through controlled elastic deformation and precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part, wherein the elastic part may include: a plurality of straight parts; a plurality of curved parts each connecting upper and lower adjacent straight parts to each other among the plurality of straight parts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrically conductive contact pin provided with an elastic portion, wherein the elastic portion includes: a plurality of straight portions; and a plurality of curved portions connecting the straight portions adjacent to each other above and below, and further includes a slit portion for dividing the curved portions into split beam portions, a stopper for limiting an elastic deformation position, or a groove portion for forming a cut portion on the inner surface of the curved portions. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the inspection reliability of an inspection object and to prevent damage to the inspection object by facilitating elastic deformation.