Interface Apparatus Connector Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface apparatuses for connecting probe cards and testers face challenges in achieving high alignment accuracy due to unstable connector positioning and increased load with multiple connectors, exacerbated by instrument errors during probe card exchanges.
Innovation Solution
The interface apparatus includes a connector supported by a base member and a holder with a spring mechanism and a coupling member, allowing for precise alignment and fitting by adjusting the interval between the base member and holder, enabling high-accuracy alignment and connection of multiple connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fitting structure for collectively fitting multiple connectors is used to ensure electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to high load and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector support structure is divided into separate functional components: a holder for accommodating the connector, a pushing member for applying connection force, and a coupling member for linking the holder to the base member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the alignment accuracy of other connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member acts as an intermediary between the holder and the base member, transmitting the pushing force from the pushing member to the holder while allowing the connector to maintain its aligned position. This intermediary structure ensures that the connection force is applied without compromising the alignment accuracy achieved during the fitting process.
2Ease of operation
If clearance is applied to the connector in a direction perpendicular to its axial direction to facilitate connection, then ease of operation is improved, but position stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing member is configured to dynamically adjust the position of the holder and connector during the connection process. It applies pushing force in the axial direction of the connector to guide the connector into its fitted position with the external connector, while the coupling member maintains stability once the connection is established. This dynamic adjustment mechanism facilitates easy connection while preserving position stability.
3Reliability
If multiple connectors are collectively fitted to ensure electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to high alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate multiple connectors while maintaining their relative positions. The coupling member provides a standardized interface between the holder and the base member, enabling the same structural design to be applied across multiple connectors. This multi-functional design ensures reliable collective fitting without requiring complex individual alignment mechanisms for each connector.
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 solution ensures reliable and precise electrical connections by allowing for rough and precise alignment of connectors, addressing the instability and accuracy issues in existing systems, and facilitating reliable probe inspection in semiconductor device manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a pushing member configured to be interposed between the base member and the holder and configured to push the holder toward the external connector
Data Source
AI summary
In an interface apparatus, when a load is applied to a base member and a connector part is pushed onto an external connector, a spring contracts so that an interval between the base member and a holder is reduced. An inclined surface of a coupling member is separated from an inclined surface of the holder so that fixing of the holder by the coupling member is released and the coupling member can move freely inside a hollow section. As a result, the holder and the connector part can move freely in X-Y directions relative to the base member, and a terminal of a connector can be finely adjusted in the X-Y direction, thus being precisely aligned with the external connector.