Probe Fitting Structure with Segmented Plunger for Dense PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
As component mounting density increases on circuit boards, traditional probe structures with trumpet-shaped tapered portions often interfere with or break nearby components, hindering miniaturization and integration in electronic devices like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A probe fitting structure featuring a flange with a through hole, a coaxial cable, and a plunger with protruding portions that allow for fitting without the need for a trumpet-shaped tapered portion, enabling the probe to be securely attached without increasing space requirements, thus avoiding interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trumpet-shaped tapered portion is used to guide the probe into the connector, then the probe can be easily fitted to the connector, but the probe extends beyond the connector and interferes with or breaks nearby components
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: a fitting portion with protruding portions that engage with recesses in the connector, a body portion, and a tip portion. This segmentation allows the fitting function to be separated from the measurement function, enabling secure connection without the probe body extending beyond the connector boundaries and interfering with nearby components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions of the probe's fitting portion are inserted into recesses formed in the connector, creating a nested configuration where the probe's fitting features are contained within the connector structure. This nesting ensures the probe is securely held without extending beyond the connector's outer dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If space is provided around the connector to avoid probe interference, then component breakage is prevented, but the component mounting density and integration degree of the circuit board are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the probe structure into a fitting portion with protruding features and a separate measurement tip, the invention allows the probe to be contained within the connector's footprint. This eliminates the need for additional clearance space around the connector, maintaining high component mounting density while preventing probe interference with nearby components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is contained within the connector boundaries, then interference with nearby components is avoided, but the probe may not fit securely into the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting portion is segmented into multiple protruding portions that engage with corresponding recesses in the connector. This multi-point engagement provides secure mechanical connection and electrical contact while keeping the overall probe structure compact and contained within the connector boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions are positioned asymmetrically on the fitting portion to match the asymmetric arrangement of recesses in the connector. This asymmetric configuration ensures proper orientation and secure engagement of the probe with the connector, preventing misalignment while maintaining a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe fitting structure includes a connector to be inspected and a probe capable of being fitted to the connector. The connector includes a plurality of connection electrodes. The probe includes a flange having a through hole and used for attaching the probe to a device, a coaxial cable extending through the through hole and including a leading end portion to which a probe pin is attached, a plunger including a leading end through which the probe pin is exposed, and a spring housing the coaxial cable between the flange and the plunger and including a first end portion fixed to the flange and a second end portion fixed to the plunger. The plunger includes a plunger-side fitting portion in a leading end portion of the plunger. The connector includes a connector-side fitting portion (opening portion) capable of being fitted to the plunger-side fitting portion.