Thermally Insulated Test Recess for Electronic Component Temperature Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature-dependent testing machinery for electronic components is complex and costly due to the need for the entire system to withstand extreme temperature variations, causing mechanical stress on robotic arms and increasing energy consumption with extensive insulation requirements.

Innovation Solution

A machinery design where the temperature-dependent test area is thermally insulated from the rest of the system, allowing only the test recess to be brought to extreme temperatures, while the robotic arms and other components remain at ambient temperature, using a thermally insulated test recess with means for generating predetermined thermal conditions via fluid circulation and a laminar gaseous flow to prevent thermal leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the whole machinery is brought to testing temperature, then temperature-dependent tests can be performed, but the machinery becomes complex and costly due to extreme temperature variations affecting all mechanical and electronic parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting temperatureVSAvoidmachinery complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the testing system into two distinct zones: a temperature-controlled testing chamber and a ambient-temperature operational zone. The testing chamber is isolated thermally from the rest of the machinery, allowing only the necessary testing components to be exposed to extreme temperatures while robotic arms and control systems remain in the stable ambient environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the thermal testing function into a separate, isolated chamber that is thermally decoupled from the main machinery. This extraction allows the core testing capability to be maintained while removing the harmful thermal effects from the robotic arms and electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If the whole machinery is brought to testing temperature, then temperature-dependent tests can be performed, but production and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting temperatureVSAvoidproduction and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the thermal loading so that only the testing chamber undergoes extreme temperature cycles, while the majority of the machinery operates in the stable ambient environment. This dramatically reduces the number of components requiring temperature-resistant materials and design, lowering both production and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If handling robotic arms operate in extreme temperature environment, then temperature-dependent tests can be performed, but the robotic arms experience high mechanical stress and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting temperatureVSAvoidrobotic arm reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the robotic arms from the extreme temperature environment and places them in the ambient-temperature operational zone. The arms transfer components to the testing chamber through a thermally isolated interface, ensuring they never experience the extreme temperatures that would cause thermal expansion, contraction, and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Temperature

If the environment to heat or cool is wide, then temperature-dependent tests can be performed, but more powerful and expensive air conditioning systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting temperatureVSAvoidair conditioning energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal control locally only to the small testing chamber volume rather than the entire machinery environment. This localized approach dramatically reduces the energy required for heating or cooling, as the thermal mass to be controlled is minimal and the chamber can be efficiently isolated with insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

5Temperature

If the environment to heat or cool is wide, then temperature-dependent tests can be performed, but the cost of air conditioning systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting temperatureVSAvoidair conditioning system cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent confines the thermal control requirement to a small, localized testing chamber rather than a large environmental volume. This reduces the capacity requirements for air conditioning equipment, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive systems that are energy-efficient for the reduced thermal load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces energy consumption, simplifies the machinery, and extends the lifespan of components by isolating them from temperature fluctuations, allowing efficient testing within a controlled environment while minimizing thermal stress on mechanical parts.

Implementation Method 1

Said test recess (25) being configured for being substantially thermally insulated from the surrounding environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

said means for generating a predetermined temperature condition within the test recess (25) comprise at least one duct (27) arranged within the wall (30, 31) delimiting this recess for enabling the circulation of a fluid at a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation for thermal conditioning: Convection

Implementation Method 3

wherein a barrier element is comprised suitable for preventing and/or reducing the thermal dispersion through said upper opening and being arrangeable so as to be positioned above the component under test

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentEP3830590B1Built-in machinery to carry out temperature- dependent tests on electronic components such as chips
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 MICROTEST SPA
  • EP3830590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3830590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3830590B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machinery (1) for testing one or more electronic components (DUT) at a predetermined controlled temperature (T), the machinery comprising: - A surface (4); - At least a recess for the test (25) obtained in said surface (4) and in which the component under test can be arranged and within which the thermal conditions set for the test are generated; - Means (27, 28a, 28b, 200) for generating a predetermined thermal condition within said recess for the test (25); - Said recess for the test (25) configured for being substantially thermally insulated from the surrounding space, external to the est.