Probe Structure Rotation Restriction for Connector Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe structures for inspecting connector terminals suffer from accuracy issues due to displacement between terminals and center conductors, leading to decreased inspection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A probe structure featuring a plunger with a groove portion, coaxial probes, a flange, and a housing with a spring mechanism that restricts rotation, allowing precise contact between conductor pins and terminals, enhancing inspection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple center conductors simultaneously contact multiple terminals, then inspection efficiency is improved, but displacement between terminals and center conductors occurs causing inspection accuracy to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is divided into multiple independent coaxial probes, each with its own center conductor and housing. Each coaxial probe independently contacts one terminal, eliminating displacement issues while maintaining the ability to inspect multiple terminals simultaneously. The housing further divides each coaxial probe into inner and outer conductor portions, ensuring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the center conductor and the terminal. It provides a stable mounting structure that prevents displacement, while the spring mechanism serves as an intermediary force element to maintain consistent contact pressure between the center conductor and terminal without causing misalignment.
2Device complexity
If a simple probe structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but rotation and displacement occur causing inspection accuracy to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The housing has an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that matches the corresponding recess in the plunger, preventing rotation of the housing relative to the plunger. This asymmetric design is simple yet effective in eliminating rotational displacement without adding complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the center conductor to maintain optimal contact pressure with the terminal while accommodating minor position variations. This dynamic element compensates for manufacturing tolerances and prevents displacement without requiring overly rigid and complex structures.
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 proposed probe structure improves the accuracy of terminal inspection by ensuring consistent and precise contact between coaxial probes and connector terminals, thereby enhancing the reliability of the inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that is attached to a portion between the plunger and the flange, that is disposed at a position surrounding the housing, and that urges the plunger in a direction away from the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A probe structure for inspecting characteristics of a connector having at least one terminal includes a plunger, a coaxial probe, a flange, a housing, and a spring. A first end portion of the housing and the flange are configured to restrict rotation of the housing in the circumferential direction in a state in which the first end portion of the housing is fitted into the through-hole of the flange. Thus, inspection of characteristics of the terminal of the connector can be performed with higher accuracy.