Probe Assembly Elastic Connection and Contact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical testing devices require manual visual inspection to determine probe contact with the testing area, leading to increased labor costs, potential probe damage, and risk of damaging the testing device or its surface films due to rigid contact and deformation-based contact determination.

Innovation Solution

A probe assembly with an elastic connection structure that reduces pressure through deformation, a rigid supporting structure, and a contact state detecting unit to intuitively indicate contact status, including a normally-closed switch and conductive material for accurate and efficient contact detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid contact is used between probe and testing area, then contact stability is improved, but risk of damage to probe or testing device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic connection structure between the probe body and fixing base that acts as a cushioning element. This elastic structure absorbs excessive pressure and prevents direct rigid contact between the probe tip and the testing device surface, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining contact stability through the elastic connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If manual visual inspection is used to determine probe contact, then device complexity is reduced, but labor cost increases and measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontact detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated detection system comprising a contact state detecting unit. This unit includes sensors that automatically detect whether the probe is in contact with the testing area, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If elastic connection structure is added to reduce pressure, then damage risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage riskVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic connection structure that functions as a flexible element between the rigid probe body and fixing base. This elastic component (which could be an elastic plate, spring, or flexible membrane) reduces pressure and damage risk while adding minimal structural complexity, as it integrates seamlessly into the existing probe assembly architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Measurement precision

If contact state detecting unit is added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact detection accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact state detecting unit is designed to automatically detect and indicate the contact state without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The detection unit may include simple sensors, indicators, or feedback mechanisms that self-activate when the probe contacts the testing area, providing accurate measurement while minimizing additional complexity through automated self-service operation.

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 probe assembly reduces damage to both the probe and the testing device by using an elastic connection to absorb pressure and provides an intuitive contact state indication, enhancing testing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic connection structure configured to be deformed in the case that the probe body is subjected to a pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

conductive material for accurate and efficient contact detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10782314B2Probe assembly and testing device

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A probe assembly is provided, which is applied to an electrical testing device. The probe assembly includes a probe body, which includes a testing end configured to contact with a to-be-tested device and a connection end opposite to the testing end; an elastic connection structure configured to be deformed when the probe body is subjected to a pressure; and a fixing base. The connection end is fixedly connected to the fixing base via the elastic connection structure. A testing device is further provided.