Magnetic Jig for Probe Head Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric connecting apparatuses require a special holding device to detach and reattach the probe head, which is cumbersome and impractical due to their weight, especially when probes need replacement.

Innovation Solution

A jig with a plate and a magnet is used to secure the probe head, allowing for detachment and reattachment without a holding device, by using screws through holes in the plate to attach to the probe head and utilizing a magnetic force to prevent axial movement of probes, facilitating easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a special holding device is used to detach and reattach the probe head, then the probe head can be securely held during replacement, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of probe headVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a jig as an intermediary tool between the operator and the probe head. The jig includes a plate with holes corresponding to screw holes in the support body, allowing screws to pass through and secure the probe head during replacement. This intermediary device provides secure holding without requiring complex specialized equipment, as the jig can be easily attached and removed using standard screws

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic body attached to the plate performs self-service by automatically attracting and holding the probes in place during the replacement process. The magnetic force continuously acts on the magnetic probes, preventing them from falling or moving incorrectly without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the electric connecting apparatus is held by a special holding device for probe replacement, then the probe head can be safely detached, but the process requires heavy equipment and increases operational difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe detachment of probe headVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jig serves as a simple intermediary device that eliminates the need for complex holding equipment. The plate with screw holes provides a straightforward attachment mechanism that can be secured to the support body using standard screws, enabling safe detachment and reattachment without heavy specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical holding systems with a simpler screw-based attachment system combined with magnetic holding. Instead of using heavy mechanical clamps or specialized holding devices, the solution uses basic screws passing through holes in the plate, combined with the inherent magnetic attraction between the magnetic body and magnetic probes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If probes are allowed to move freely in axial direction for replacement, then probe replacement is easier, but probes may stick out of the lower plate holes and cause misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe replacement easeVSAvoidprobe alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic body attached to the plate performs self-service by continuously attracting the magnetic probes. This magnetic force automatically prevents the probes from moving out of alignment or sticking out of the lower plate holes during the replacement process, maintaining precision without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic body acts as an intermediary force between the plate and the probes. It provides a continuous holding force that allows probes to be replaced while maintaining their positional relationship with the plate, preventing misalignment without requiring mechanical constraints or complex alignment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the detachment and reattachment of the probe head without a special holding device, simplifying the process and reducing the effort required for probe replacement, while maintaining the vertical orientation of the probe head.

Implementation Method 1

the magnet is opposed to the lower end portion of each of the probes. Consequently, the probes are subject to a magnetic attraction force of the magnet and are in states of being attracted toward the plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10962568B2Jig

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 NIHON MICRONICS KK

AI summary

Provided is a jig enabling detachment and attachment of a probe head from and to an electric connecting apparatus without using a special holding device. A jig (50) is applied to an electric connecting apparatus (10) electrically connecting a device under test to a testing apparatus for the device under test. The electric connecting apparatus includes a wiring substrate (22) and a probe head (28) secured to the wiring substrate with a plurality of set screws (26) and including a plurality of probes (34) made of a magnetic body. The jig (50) includes a plate (52) and a magnet (54) attached to the plate. The plate can detachably be attached to the probe head, and the magnet is opposed to a lower end portion (34b) of each of the probes.