Modular Probe Mount for Dense Circuit Board Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing signal integrity on circuit boards face challenges in securely and reliably attaching probes to small, numerous pad locations without requiring a vast array of jigs, which is impractical and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a base, crossbar, and adapter plate with alignment features allows for precise placement of probe tips at various locations on a circuit board, enabling secure and reliable testing of signal paths without the need for multiple jigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing probes are used to test signal paths on circuit boards, then signal integrity can be tested, but it is difficult to securely and reliably attach probes to small pad locations while maintaining flexibility to locate probes at any pad position
Solution Approach 1:
The probe attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a base plate with first alignment features, a crossbar with second alignment features, and an adapter plate with third alignment features. Each component can be independently positioned and secured, allowing reliable probe attachment while maintaining flexibility to access different pad locations through the modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar acts as an intermediary element between the base plate and the adapter plate, providing alignment features that facilitate secure attachment while allowing positional adjustment. This intermediary structure enables reliable probe connection to pads while maintaining the flexibility needed to reach various pad locations on the circuit board.
2Measurement precision
If multiple jigs are used to cover different pad locations, then probe placement precision is improved, but the quantity of jigs required becomes vast and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The modular probe attachment system serves multiple functions through a single configurable structure. The base plate, crossbar, and adapter plate can be arranged in different configurations to access various pad locations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized jigs. This universal structure provides precise probe placement at any pad position without requiring a vast quantity of different jigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the probe attachment structure by adjusting the positions and orientations of the base plate, crossbar, and adapter plate. This dynamic adaptability enables the same physical structure to serve multiple pad locations with different spatial requirements, providing precise probe placement without needing static, location-specific jigs for each position.
3Measurement precision
If multiple jigs are prepared for different pad locations, then probe placement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases due to extensive jig preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate, crossbar, and adapter plate are pre-configured with alignment features that enable rapid assembly and positioning. This preliminary preparation of the modular components allows for quick setup at different pad locations without time-consuming jig preparation, while maintaining accurate probe placement through the pre-designed alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfigurability of the modular system allows operators to quickly adjust the probe attachment structure to match different pad locations without preparing multiple static jigs. The ability to rapidly reposition and reconfigure the same components significantly reduces the time required compared to preparing and switching between multiple dedicated jigs for each location.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a system. The system may include a base configured to be removably coupled to an electrical component. The base may include a first plurality of crossbar alignment features arranged in a first pattern. The system may also include a crossbar configured to be removably coupled to the base using a portion of the first plurality of crossbar alignment features. The crossbar may include a first plurality of adapter plate alignment features arranged in a second pattern. The system may also include an adapter plate configured to be removably coupled to the crossbar using a subset of the first plurality of adapter plate alignment features. The adapter plate may include a plurality of measurement device mounting features.