Floating Probe Device With Elastic Guide For Inclination Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional probe devices face issues with overcurrent phenomena due to point contact, terminal inclination during assembly, and lack of compensation for external forces applied to needles, leading to product defects and bending issues.

Innovation Solution

A probe device with a floating structure incorporating an elastic portion and guide portion that transmits external forces and provides a restoring force to compensate for inclination, featuring a guide member with a spherical shape and an accommodation space, and a spring member to restore the device to its original state when the force is removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If point contact is used for electrical connection, then contact precision is improved, but overcurrent phenomenon and sparks occur causing product defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact precisionVSAvoidovercurrent phenomenon and sparks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contact tip is designed with a specific geometric shape (spherical or conical) to concentrate the contact area at a precise point while maintaining controlled electrical current distribution. This local geometric optimization allows point contact precision while managing current density to prevent overcurrent phenomena and sparks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If surface contact is used for electrical connection, then overcurrent phenomenon is prevented, but terminal assembly becomes inclined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovercurrent phenomenonVSAvoidterminal assembly inclination
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact tip uses a precisely engineered spherical or conical geometry that provides a point contact interface. This localized contact geometry ensures accurate terminal positioning and assembly alignment while the contact surface area is optimized to distribute current evenly, preventing overcurrent phenomena.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If needle is rigidly fixed without compensation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but needle bends under external force affecting terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidneedle bending
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The needle assembly incorporates a floating structure with elastic components that allow dynamic adjustment and compensation for external forces. The elastic portion enables the needle to return to its original position after deformation, maintaining contact precision while absorbing mechanical stresses without requiring complex rigid compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If floating structure with elastic portion is added to compensate for external force, then needle bending is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle bending compensationVSAvoidfloating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating structure incorporates an elastic portion that provides dynamic compensation for external forces applied to the needle. This elastic component allows the needle to flex temporarily under load and automatically return to its original position, maintaining precise contact alignment without requiring complex mechanical compensation systems with multiple moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 probe device effectively compensates for inclination caused by external forces and restores the device to its original state, preventing product defects and ensuring stable contact and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic portion (160) provided to transmit the external force applied to the needle to the guide portion (140)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring member (440) provided in the plate unit (400) to provide a restoring force when the external force is removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring restoring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3696555B1Probe device of floating structure
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 PHOENIXON CONTROLS INC
  • EP3696555B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3696555B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3696555B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a probe device of a floating structure comprising a probe unit having a groove formed at one end thereof into which a needle for transmitting an electrical signal is inserted, and a guide portion formed at the other end thereof and a plate unit having an inner space which is inserted with the guide portion and formed to support a part of the guide portion, wherein the guide portion is spaced apart from the inner space at a predetermined interval by an external force applied to the needle.