Circuit Board Probe Fixture With Indexing Guide Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic testing fixtures for circuit boards are cumbersome and require extensive setup due to the need for multiple hardware components and manual alignment, which can be fragile and prone to damage, leading to lengthy delays and high costs for automated solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fixture comprising a board stiffener, guide plate, and probe assembly with indexing markings and removable fasteners for precise alignment and secure mounting, allowing for efficient and stable probing of fine-pitch circuit boards and microcircuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and multiple hardware components are used for probing, then positioning precision can be achieved, but setup time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into modular components including a guide plate with indexing markings, a bridge assembly, and a probe assembly. Each component can be independently positioned and assembled, enabling rapid setup while maintaining precision through the indexing system that provides predefined alignment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate incorporates pre-marked indexing positions and alignment features that establish precise reference points before the probing operation begins. This preliminary preparation of alignment references eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning during actual use.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment and multiple hardware components are used for probing, then positioning precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate, bridge assembly, and probe assembly are merged into a single integrated fixture system that provides both positioning precision and structural stability. The indexing markings on the guide plate work in conjunction with the bridge and probe assemblies to achieve precise positioning without requiring separate alignment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture design incorporates universal features such as the indexing system that can accommodate different probe positions and configurations. The same guide plate and indexing mechanism serve multiple functions including alignment, positioning, and registration across various probing operations.
3Productivity
If automated solutions are used for probing, then productivity increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture enables operators to quickly set up and perform probing operations using the self-aligning indexing system without requiring expensive automated positioning equipment. The pre-marked indices and modular design allow rapid manual configuration that approaches automated efficiency at lower cost.
4Measurement precision
If cantilever beams are used for probing, then signal measurement capability is achieved, but reliability decreases due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture provides structural support and stable positioning for the probe assemblies through the rigid guide plate and bridge structures. This pre-established stable platform reduces the risk of accidental damage to the probe elements during positioning and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for probing circuit boards and microcircuits. A guide plate provides indexing for positioning a probe assembly in one or two dimensions. The guide plate has two opposed mounting sides connected by one or two indexing sides and is mounted to the test unit by screws. The indexing sides and, optionally, the mounting sides have column mounting holes and column markings. A bridge mounts to the indexing sides with its column pointer aligned with the desired column marking. The bridge has row mounting holes and row markings. The probe assembly mounts to the bridge with its row pointer aligned with the desired row marking. Optionally, the bridge is part of the probe assembly and without row indexing elements to be used in one dimension. The probe assembly has a terminator platform and connector plate with electrical cable assemblies extending therebetween.