Press Head Locking Mechanism for Electronic Device Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms for electronic device testing apparatuses are bulky, complex, costly, and inefficient, requiring persistent energy to maintain the locking state, which leads to energy wastage and material fatigue due to excessive pressing forces.

Innovation Solution

A press head locking mechanism with an actuator, slider, and locking pin that securely locks the press head to the test socket substrate, allowing energy consumption only during locking or unlocking, and achieving internal force equilibrium to reduce deformation and fatigue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a traditional locking mechanism is used to secure the press head to the test socket substrate, then the pressing force can be maintained, but the mechanism becomes bulky, complex, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing forceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into independent modular components: a locking member with first and second locking portions, a pressing member, and a driving member. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is disposed within the pressing member, and the driving member is integrated within the pressing member structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall footprint and eliminating the need for separate bulky locking mechanism housings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the press head can be locked, but the mechanism is bulky and occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function and pressing function are merged into a single integrated assembly. The locking member works in conjunction with the pressing member to provide both locking and pressing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate locking and pressing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a single driving power source actuates a two-stage pressing operation with locking mechanism, then the press head can be pressed downward, but the mechanism is complicated to assemble and manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing operation capabilityVSAvoidassembly and manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing operation is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressing member for applying force, a locking member for securing position, and a driving member for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes and assembled through simple coupling, reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member serves multiple functions: it applies pressing force to the chip, provides a mounting structure for the locking member, and acts as a guide for the driving member. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the locking mechanism is in a locked state, then the press head is secured, but energy is wasted and material fatigue increases due to persistent pressing force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking state stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member, once actuated into the locked position by the driving member, maintains the locked state through its own structural configuration without requiring continuous external energy input. The first and second locking portions engage with corresponding features on the press head and test socket substrate, creating a self-sustaining locked state that eliminates the need for persistent pressing force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The driving member provides periodic actuation to transition the locking member between locked and unlocked states, rather than maintaining continuous force. This periodic action reduces energy consumption and eliminates sustained material fatigue while achieving the same locking reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11169178B2Locking mechanism for a press head and electronic device testing apparatus comprising the same

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 CHROMA ATE INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a press head, and an electronic device testing apparatus comprising the same, wherein a slider and a locking pin are disposed on the press head and a test socket substrate, respectively. When the press head is moved and engaged with the test socket substrate, an actuator drives the slider to secure the locking pin, so as to secure the press head and the test socket substrate and prevent the press head and the test socket substrate from being separated from each other. The mechanism is simple in construction, easy to install and maintain, reliable, and can be integrated into the support arms, and occupies a relatively small space. Energy is consumed only when the actuator is actuated to effect locking or unlocking. That is, only when the slider is driven and moved, energy is consumed. No extra energy is needed to persistently press down or drive the locking mechanism.