Elastically Deformable Contact Terminal for Electrical Testing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact technologies for electrical connection testing are prone to damaging testing members due to their rigidity, which results in unstable contact forces and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A contact terminal with an elastically deformable axle and a contact section that rotates about the axle, featuring arms and slots to enhance elastic deformability and prevent damage to testing elements, made of elastic material for improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid contact is used, then the contact force is strong, but the testing element may be scraped and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The contact changes from a rigid structure to an elastically deformable structure, fundamentally changing the mechanical parameter of rigidity to flexibility. This allows the contact to deform under load, distributing the contact force and preventing concentrated stress that would damage the testing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation capability of the contact serves as a built-in cushioning mechanism that activates before damage can occur. The contact absorbs excess force through deformation, protecting the testing element from scraping and damage during the contact process.
2Strength
If a rigid contact is used, then the structural strength is high, but the contact reliability is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The contact transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastically deformable structure. This dynamic capability allows the contact to adapt to variations in positioning and dimensional tolerance, maintaining stable contact force and improving reliability despite manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material or structural parameters to enable elastic deformation, the contact can compensate for dimensional tolerances and positioning variations, resulting in more stable and reliable electrical connection compared to rigid contacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If dimensional tolerance is small, then the contact precision is high, but the contact force becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformability introduces a dynamic compensation mechanism that counteracts the negative effects of tight dimensional tolerances. Small variations in dimensions are absorbed through elastic deformation, maintaining stable contact force rather than causing instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic structure provides a cushioning effect that compensates for dimensional variations before they can cause contact force instability. This built-in compliance allows the contact to maintain stable force despite variations in manufacturing precision.
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 ensures a reliable and soft contact that prevents damage to testing elements while improving contact reliability compared to rigid materials, with enhanced elastic deformability and supporting strength.
Implementation Method 1
a support section for holding an elastically deformable axle so as to rotate about the axle with an elastic deformation of the axle
Implementation Method 2
the contact section is designed to deform elastically as it rotates with the support section by the contact of the contact portion with the testing element
Data Source
AI summary
A contact terminal has a support section that holds an elastically deformable axle so as to rotate about the axle with an elastic deformation of the axle, and a contact section extending from the support section. The contact section has, at a distal end thereof, a contact portion configured to make a contact with a testing element. The contact section deforms elastically while rotating with the support section by the contact of the contact portion with the testing element.