Non-contact Optic Probe for Back Drilling Profile Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inspecting back drill holes on circuit boards are destructive, time-consuming, and limited to specific angles, making them inefficient for comprehensive measurement.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact optic probe system that includes a retaining device, an optic probe body, and a computer, which emits a light beam to irradiate drilled holes and records reflection points to generate depth plane charts, allowing for non-destructive measurement of hole depth and eccentricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If destructive inspection is used to observe back drill holes, then measurement can be made, but time is consumed and the circuit board is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole depth measurementVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical destructive cutting method with an optical measurement system. An optic probe emits light beams that pass through the circuit board and drilled holes, detecting reflection points to calculate hole depth and profile without physical contact or damage to the board, thereby eliminating time-consuming destructive processes while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the hole structure by detecting light reflection points at different depths. The system reconstructs the hole profile and depth information through light interaction, generating a digital model of the hole geometry without physically altering the actual hole structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If destructive inspection is used to observe back drill holes, then measurement can be made, but the circuit board is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole depth measurementVSAvoidboard damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to obtain measurement information. The light beam serves as a non-contact mediator that carries measurement information through the hole structure, allowing depth and profile detection without direct mechanical interaction that would cause damage to the circuit board

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If observation is made at specific angles only, then measurement can be made, but comprehensive measurement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole profile measurementVSAvoidmeasurement angle flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional angular observation to three-dimensional volumetric measurement. By emitting light beams that traverse the entire depth of the hole and detecting reflection points at multiple depth positions, the system reconstructs the complete hole profile in three dimensions, providing comprehensive measurement capability that is not limited by observation angle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 quick, non-destructive inspection of multiple drilled holes, providing accurate measurements of depth and eccentricity without damaging the circuit boards, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional destructive inspection methods.

Implementation Method 1

the computer activates the optic probe body to emit a light beam, the light beam having a diameter that is smaller than a radius of the first drilled hole, the light beam irradiating the board, and the computer records a plurality of first reflection points from entry of the light beam into the first drilled hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250189304A1Non-contact optic probe for enhancing measurement of back drilling profile depth

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 CIN PHOWN TECH

AI summary

A non-contact optic probe for enhancing measurement of back drilling profile depth is provided, including a retaining device connected with a first moving module that includes a first power source and a reflection fixture on which a board having a first drilled hole is positioned; an optic probe bod arranged above the retaining device; and a compute is electrically connected with the optic probe body and the first moving module and includes an output unit. The computer activates the optic probe body to emit a light beam that has a diameter that is smaller than a radius of the first drilled hole to irradiate the board, and the computer controls the first power source to drive the retaining device to move so as to have the first drilled hole pass under the optic probe body to generate first reflection points that form a first drilled hole depth plane chart.