Gravity-Tilt Probe Stand Assembly for Fast PCB Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe stand systems are inconvenient and prone to damage due to the need for frequent re-location and adjustment of the probe holder and X-axis rail during circuit board measurements, which can result in damage to the probe or the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A portable probe stand assembly featuring a hand-held frame with a gravity tilt unit and a probe holder that allows for easy conversion between a hand-held state and a usage state, reducing the need for re-adjustment and minimizing contact with the circuit board during measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the probe holder is moved on the guide rail arrangement to different measurement positions, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder is designed to be movable along the Y-axis rails while maintaining a fixed X-axis position. The entire assembly can be quickly repositioned by moving the X-axis rail assembly as a unit, rather than adjusting individual components. This dynamic design allows flexible measurement coverage while simplifying the repositioning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into independent modular components: the X-axis rail assembly, Y-axis rails, and probe holder. Each module can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the operator to move only the necessary component to achieve measurement coverage without reconfiguring the entire system.
2Measurement precision
If the probe holder is re-located before each measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder is pre-positioned at optimal measurement locations along the Y-axis rails. Before measurement begins, the system is configured with multiple measurement points already established, allowing the operator to simply move to the next pre-defined position rather than performing complex alignment procedures during measurement.
3Productivity
If the probe holder is moved without proper retraction, then the measurement efficiency is improved, but the damage rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and detection mechanisms that monitor the probe holder's position and the circuit board's location. Before the probe holder moves to a new position, the system automatically detects whether the probe needs to be retracted, providing feedback control that prevents collisions while maintaining measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically retracts the probe or positions the holder at a safe distance before movement begins. This preliminary protective action prevents potential damage by ensuring the probe is clear of the circuit board before any repositioning occurs, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
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 portable probe stand assembly simplifies the measurement process, reduces damage rates, and allows for convenient multi-point measurements without re-adjusting the probe position, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A distance between the pivot portion and the front end portion is shorter than that between the pivot portion and the rear end portion such that the movable part tends to pivot due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A portable probe stand assembly including a hand-held frame, a gravity tilt unit, and a probe holder. The hand-held frame includes a frame body with a cut-out and two gripping handles. The gravity tilt unit includes a movable part that has a pivot portion rotatably connected to the hand-held frame. The movable part tends to pivot due to gravity to turn the portable probe stand assembly to a hand-held state where a portion of an underside abutting surface of the movable part is disposed out of the cut-out. The portable probe stand assembly is convertible from the hand-held state to a usage state where the movable part is leveled via a pivot movement of the movable part upon engaging the underside abutting surface with a surface of an object.