Probe Pin Grinding Jig for Accurate Flatness Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin grinding machines for probe cards are expensive and have precise structures, making them costly and inefficient for repairing bent or deformed probe pins, which affect the accuracy of wafer detection.
Innovation Solution
A jig and method that uses a carrier with an opening and a connecting part to align and grind probe pins, allowing for precise and efficient pin tip grinding using a standard pin adjusting machine, avoiding uneven force application and reducing equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated pin grinding machine is used to grind probe pins, then the grinding precision can be maintained, but the equipment cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated pin grinding machine is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable jig with opening and support body that can be detached, and a standard pin adjusting machine that is already available. This segmentation allows the complex grinding function to be separated from the expensive dedicated machine while preserving the essential grinding capability through the jig's design features (opening for pin access, support body for horizontal movement guidance).
Solution Approach 2:
The critical grinding function is extracted from the expensive dedicated pin grinding machine and embodied in the simple jig structure. The jig contains only the essential elements needed for grinding (opening, support body, grinding sheet mounting) while eliminating unnecessary complex components. This extracted function can then be implemented on a standard pin adjusting machine, avoiding the need for the full dedicated machine.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated pin grinding machine is used, then accurate grinding can be achieved, but the acquisition cost and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is designed as a universal adapter that can be used on standard pin adjusting machines, making the expensive dedicated grinding function accessible through common equipment. The jig's universal design (connecting part for attachment, opening for pin access, support body for movement) allows it to work with existing machines, eliminating the need for specialized expensive equipment while maintaining grinding precision through its carefully designed geometric features.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig is designed as a simple, inexpensive fixture compared to the dedicated pin grinding machine. While the jig may require replacement after extensive use (short-living), its low cost means that even multiple replacements are far cheaper than acquiring and maintaining an expensive dedicated machine. The jig's simplicity (basic opening, support body, connecting part) makes it cheap to manufacture while still achieving accurate grinding results.
3Productivity
If conventional grinding methods are used without proper alignment, then the grinding process can be performed, but uneven force application and pin length wearing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support body's bottom surface is designed as a horizontal reference plane that creates equipotential conditions for the grinding process. By providing a perfectly horizontal surface (through precision machining or leveling features), the support body ensures that the grinding sheet applies uniform force across all pin tips simultaneously, eliminating the uneven force application that occurs with improper alignment. This equipotential reference plane guarantees consistent grinding pressure and uniform pin length reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body's horizontal bottom surface automatically self-aligns with the pin tips when the jig is properly positioned, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or operator skill. The geometric design (opening position, support body dimensions) ensures that when the jig is attached to the machine, the grinding sheet naturally contacts all pins uniformly without manual adjustment, making the alignment process self-service and reliable.
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 jig and method improve the convenience and efficiency of probe pin grinding, saving time and costs by enabling accurate alignment and grinding of probe pins using existing equipment, thus enhancing wafer detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the grinding sheet can grind the pin tips of the plurality of probe pins
Data Source
AI summary
A jig and a method for grinding probe pins of a probe card. The jig includes a carrier and a connecting part. The carrier carries a support body with a grinding sheet, and the carrier includes an opening. The support body with the grinding sheet straddles above the opening. The opening may expose a plurality of probe pins of the probe card.