Electronic Component Handling With Push-Pin DUT Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic component handling apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning a DUT with respect to a socket when the test tray is in a vertical state due to potential irregular inclinations of the insert with respect to the frame.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a pressing device with a pusher and an abutting part that contacts the insert, utilizing a push pin and a biasing member to correct the insert's posture to a vertical state, ensuring accurate positioning of the DUT with respect to the socket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the test tray is held in a vertical state, then the DUT can be pressed against the socket, but the insert may become irregularly inclined due to its own weight, making accurate positioning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical testing capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a push pin as an intermediary element between the pressing device and the insert. This push pin transmits the pressing force through the insert to the socket while maintaining proper alignment, solving the positioning accuracy problem that occurs when the insert is directly pressed in a vertical state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The push pin is designed to abut the insert before the main pressing force is applied. This preliminary action ensures the insert is properly positioned and aligned with the socket before the DUT is pressed, preventing irregular inclination during the pressing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the insert is made movable to accommodate the DUT, then the DUT can be inserted and removed, but the insert cannot maintain a stable vertical position due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert removabilityVSAvoidvertical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The push pin acts as a counterbalancing element that opposes the gravitational force on the insert. By providing an upward pressing force through the push pin, the system compensates for the insert's weight and maintains stable vertical positioning during the pressing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

This solution enables precise alignment of the DUT with the socket, enhancing the accuracy of electrical testing by maintaining the insert's vertical orientation during the testing process.

Implementation Method 1

an abutting part that abuts the insert... a push pin that contacts the insert; and a biasing member (a spring) that biases the push pin toward the insert

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12436187B2Electronic component handling apparatus, and electronic component test apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

An electronic component handling apparatus includes: a pressing device that presses a device under test (DUT) or a carrier containing the DUT against a socket while a test tray having an insert containing the DUT or the carrier is in a vertical state. The pressing device includes: a pusher that contacts the DUT or the carrier; and an abutting part that abuts the insert.