Floating Nest Test Socket With Flexure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test sockets face challenges in securely holding and testing devices under test (DUTs) due to limitations in alignment and contact with test board pins, leading to potential misalignment and inefficient electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A test socket design incorporating a holder with a mounting structure, a floating nest, and a flexure that allows the nest to move relative to the mounting structure, ensuring proper alignment and compression of DUT terminals with test board pins, facilitated by attachment features for easy attachment and detachment from the test board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed nest structure is used to hold the DUT, then the structure is simple and stable, but alignment precision with test board pins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nest structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, movable one. The nest is designed to move relative to the holder along the Z-axis through a flexure mechanism, allowing real-time adjustment of the DUT position to achieve precise alignment with test board pins while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid connection between nest and holder is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to alignment adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the nest and holder is changed from rigid to dynamic through the introduction of a flexure mechanism. This allows the nest to move along the Z-axis for alignment adjustments while maintaining structural stability through the controlled flexibility of the flexure.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the connection between nest and holder is changed from rigid (fixed parameter) to flexible (variable parameter). The flexure enables controlled movement and parameter adjustment while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Reliability
If precise alignment mechanism is added to improve connection accuracy, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex alignment mechanisms, the invention uses a simple movable nest structure that can dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves precise alignment and reliable electrical connections without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 design enhances the secure holding and testing of DUTs by ensuring precise alignment and compression, resulting in reliable electrical connections and improved testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The flexure can be located laterally between the mounting structure and the floating nest and can allow the floating nest to move relative to the mounting structure
Data Source
AI summary
A test socket for facilitating testing of a device under test (DUT) includes a holder comprising a mounting structure for attaching the holder to other components of the socket and a floating nest structure in which the DUT can be disposed. The floating nest structure can have a seat cavity sized and shaped to receive and hold the DUT such that at least some of the DUT terminals are in contact with corresponding contacts of a test board while the test socket is attached to the test board. A flexure located laterally between the mounting structure and the floating nest structure and can allow the nest structure to move relative to the mounting structure and thus float.