Finger Tester Test Head with Direct-Drive Swivel for PCB Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger testers are either complex and expensive due to air-bearing technology or require costly adapters for each PCB type, limiting their cost-effectiveness and throughput for testing printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A test head design for a finger tester featuring a swivel device with a direct-drive torque motor and a rolling bearing system, allowing for a long swivel arm and rapid movement of test probes without torsional vibrations, combined with a granite rack for stable traverses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air-bearing technology is used for vertical movement of the test head, then test speed is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive air-bearing components with more economical rolling bearing components that can be manufactured at lower cost while still achieving the required performance for high-speed testing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes air-bearing technology with a rolling bearing mechanism, replacing a complex pneumatic system with a simpler mechanical bearing system that reduces manufacturing complexity and cost
2Speed
If air-bearing technology is used for vertical movement of the test head, then test speed is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive air-bearing components with more economical rolling bearing components that can be manufactured at lower cost while still achieving the required performance for high-speed testing applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for pneumatic air-bearing systems by using a mechanical rolling bearing solution, thereby removing the complexity and cost associated with pneumatic system components
3Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel tester with adapter is used for each PCB type, then testing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal test head configuration that can accommodate different PCB types without requiring separate adapters for each PCB variant, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable test probe positions and configurations that can be repositioned for different PCB types, replacing the need for static, PCB-specific adapters with a flexible, reconfigurable system
4Manufacturing precision
If swivel arm length is increased for better positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a counterweight mechanism that compensates for the increased leverage and stress on the swivel arm, allowing longer arms to be used for improved positioning precision without proportionally increasing the risk of damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with high strength-to-weight ratios for the swivel arm construction, enabling the arm to be longer for better positioning precision while maintaining sufficient strength and resistance to damage
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
Enables high-throughput testing of printed circuit boards with reduced manufacturing costs and improved test speed by minimizing oscillation delays and maintaining precise positioning of test probes.
Implementation Method 1
a swivel device for rotating the holding module and thus the pivoting arm about a vertical axis of rotation, wherein the swivel device comprises a motor for rotating the swivel device
Implementation Method 2
the motor is formed as a direct motor, wherein the rotating member forms the rotor of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a test head for a finger tester for testing printed circuit boards, a finger tester and a method for testing printed circuit boards. The test head comprisesa slide, which can be movably arranged on a traverse of the finger tester,a holding module for holding a swivel arm, which is formed at the free end remote from the holding module for receiving a test probe,a lifting device, by means of which the holding module is formed to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the slide, the lifting device comprising a vertical guide rail with a rolling bearing, anda swivel device for rotating the holding module and thus the pivoting arm about a vertical axis of rotation, wherein the swivel device comprises a motor for rotating the swivel device.The test head is characterized in that the swivel device comprises a shaft or axis, wherein a rotating member of the swivel device is arranged concentrically to the shaft or axis so that the rotating member surrounds the shaft or axis, and the rotating member is either mounted on the axis with at least one bearing or the shaft is mounted on the slide with at least one bearing, and the motor is formed as a direct drive, wherein the rotating member forms the rotor of the motor.