Flexible Receiver Assembly for Mass Interconnect Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cable-based automatic test equipment systems require significant time for calibration and are prone to performance issues upon reinstallation, and mass interconnect systems face challenges in flexible organization and integration without the drawbacks of traditional methods.

Innovation Solution

A flexible receiver assembly with an integral structural unit and rear-loading adjacent building blocks, featuring modular linkage with needle bearings and interchangeable connection modules, allows for efficient and safe engagement with test adapters, reducing integration concerns and improving system performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable-based automatic test equipment systems are used, then system connectivity is established, but significant time is required for calibration and performance problems occur upon reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performance stabilityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components: a fixed receiver assembly and interchangeable test adapters. Each adapter contains pre-calibrated electrical contacts that can be quickly swapped without requiring system recalibration, eliminating the time loss associated with traditional cable-based reinstallation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Test adapters are pre-calibrated and pre-configured with specific electrical contact arrangements before being installed in the receiver assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when adapters are interchangeably swapped, no additional calibration time is required, maintaining system performance stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If receiver contacts and test adapter align with precision to minimize wear and equipment damage, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of ensuring precise alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test adapter and receiver assembly incorporate asymmetric alignment features including position tabs on the adapter that correspond to asymmetric receptacles in the receiver. This asymmetric design provides automatic self-alignment during insertion, achieving precise contact alignment without complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment pins and corresponding alignment holes serve as intermediary elements between the test adapter and receiver assembly. These intermediaries guide the adapter into precise alignment during insertion, ensuring accurate electrical contact while simplifying the overall alignment mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If mass interconnect systems eliminate conventional wiring harnesses, then system stability and performance are improved, but challenges in flexible organization and integration arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidorganizational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mass interconnect system uses segmented, modular test adapters that can be independently configured and interchangeably swapped within the receiver assembly. This segmentation maintains system stability through fixed receiver architecture while providing organizational flexibility through interchangeable adapter modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver assembly is designed with universal receptacles that can accommodate multiple types of test adapters with different electrical contact configurations. This universality allows the stable receiver platform to support diverse testing requirements through interchangeable adapters, achieving both stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible receiver assembly enhances organizational efficiency, reduces integration time, and minimizes the risk of equipment damage, providing a convenient and stable connection for mass interconnect systems, especially in PXI-based test systems.

Implementation Method 1

The modular linkage assembly may have needle bearings at friction points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8740654B2Flexible organizational connect

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 MAC PANEL

AI summary

A flexible organizational connect is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible receiver assembly for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. Typically, the flexible receiver assembly includes an integral structural unit and an interchangeable connection assembly. In other embodiments, a mass interconnect device includes an interchangeable test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly.