Magnetic Pre-Alignment of Test Contacts for Single-Tool Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test contacts in microtechnology are difficult to handle reliably due to their design, requiring multiple tools and manual corrections to ensure correct alignment, which is time-consuming and prone to damage.

Innovation Solution

A test contact with a ferromagnetic core positioned below its center of gravity, allowing it to be erected in a magnetic field for easy and safe gripping, facilitated by a table device with a magnetic field unit or a test contact holder with a magnetic field unit, enabling quick and reliable handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the test contact is handled in its natural resting position on its side, then the handling process requires multiple tools and manual corrections, but this increases the complexity of the handling process and the time required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of grippingVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test contact erects itself automatically when placed on the table device with magnetic field unit, eliminating the need for external tools or manual corrections to achieve the correct gripping position. The self-erecting mechanism serves the alignment function that would otherwise require complex tooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field unit replaces complex mechanical handling tools and manual alignment procedures. Instead of using multiple mechanical tools to grip and align the test contact, a magnetic field is used to automatically erect it to the correct position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple tools are used to handle the test contact, then correct alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidhandling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field unit performs the alignment action preliminarily and automatically as soon as the test contact is placed on the table device. The test contact is erected to the correct gripping position before any handling tool needs to interact with it, eliminating subsequent alignment corrections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test contact self-aligns through the magnetic field effect, performing its own positioning function without requiring external alignment tools or manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simultaneously achieves both precision and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual corrections are made to ensure correct gripping, then alignment accuracy improves, but the risk of damage increases and handling becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping accuracyVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field unit replaces manual mechanical correction operations. Instead of physically manipulating the test contact with tools that could cause damage, a non-contact magnetic field is used to achieve precise alignment, eliminating mechanical damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The test contact achieves correct alignment through self-erecting in the magnetic field without external mechanical intervention. This self-alignment process eliminates the harmful effects of manual handling and tool contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 test contact can be gripped and handled efficiently with a single tool, minimizing tool usage and labor, ensuring correct alignment and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

the test contact comprises a core made of a ferromagnetic material... the magnetic force pulls the core more strongly than the surrounding material of the test contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260036607A1Test contact, table device, test contact holding device, and method for receiving a test contact in a simplified manner with an active pre-alignment process using electromagnetic manipulation

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PAC TECH PACKAGING TECH

AI summary

The invention relates to a test contact (10) comprising a contact tip (11) and a contact body (12), the test contact (10) having an erecting direction (13) and the test contact (10) comprising a core (14) made of a ferromagnetic material, the core being disposed below a center of gravity (15) of the test contact (10) in the erecting direction (13). Furthermore, the invention relates to a table device (20) for handling a test contact (10) and to a method for handling a test contact (10) by means of the table device (20). The invention also relates to a test contact holding device comprising a test contact holder (40) for handling a test contact (10) and to a method for handling a test contact (10) by means of the test contact holding device comprising the test contact holder (40).