Probe Card Holder With Biasing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe card transfer cases can interfere with electrical components on the probe card and are difficult to handle, requiring a more operable and stable solution for holding the probe card.
Innovation Solution
A probe card holder with a plate-shaped frame, card bottom surface holding portions, and card top surface supporting portions that prevent interference with electrical components and simplify the handling process by using L-shaped members and biasing mechanisms to securely hold the probe card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plate-shaped top plate is used in the probe card transfer case, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the top plate may come into contact with and interfere with the electrical components on the probe card
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into an upper holder and a lower holder that are separated by a predetermined distance, with the probe card received in the space between them. This segmentation eliminates the need for a continuous plate-shaped top plate, preventing contact with electrical components while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional plate structure to a three-dimensional space utilization, where the probe card is held in the vertical space between the upper and lower holders, allowing electrical components on the card surface to remain exposed and accessible
2Reliability
If two members (upper case and lower case) are used to fix the probe card, then the probe card can be securely held, but the device becomes difficult to handle and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper holder and lower holder are combined into a single integrated holder structure, eliminating the need to separately assemble and coordinate two independent cases. This merging maintains the secure holding capability while significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates elastic members that automatically engage with the probe card when inserted, providing self-servicing holding functionality that eliminates complex manual assembly and operation procedures
3Ease of operation
If a simple single-member structure is used for the holder, then the operation is simplified, but the probe card may not be held stably
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates elastic members that provide dynamic, adaptable holding force rather than rigid fixed positioning. This allows the single-member structure to maintain stable holding of the probe card while remaining easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members automatically adjust to the probe card's presence and provide self-regulating holding force, ensuring stable retention without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components
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 card holder effectively prevents damage to electrical components, simplifies the operation of holding the probe card, and ensures stable retention, allowing for safe handling and mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that is disposed between the knob and the top surface of the frame and that biases the bottom surface supporting member in the L-shaped member upward toward the bottom surface of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a probe card holder including a plate-shaped frame formed with an opening approximately the same size as the probe card, a plurality of card bottom surface holding portions that are provided around a peripheral edge of the opening in the frame and that hold a bottom surface of the probe card while biasing the bottom surface, and a plurality of card top surface supporting portions that support the top surface of the probe card. Each card bottom surface holding portion includes an L-shaped member with a base portion and a bottom surface supporting portion, a knob that is linked to a tip end portion of the base portion and a biasing member that is disposed between the knob and the top surface of the frame and that biases the bottom surface supporting member upward toward the bottom surface of the frame.