Probe Unit Conductive Block for Large Current Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contact probes are not suitable for allowing large currents to flow due to contact points with small sectional areas and increased resistance, making them unsuitable for inspecting semiconductor integrated circuits in vehicle control systems.
Innovation Solution
A probe unit with expandable and contractible contact probes and a conductive block, along with an insulating block to prevent loosening, allows for large current flow by electrically connecting both ends of the probes to electrodes via a conductive pin and metal block, minimizing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil spring is used to couple conductive members in the conduction path, then the contact probe can maintain electrical connection, but the conduction path develops contact points with small sectional areas causing increased resistance and unsuitability for large current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the coil spring from the conduction path entirely. Instead of using a coil spring to couple the first and second conductive members, the patent employs a compression spring that couples the contact unit to the probe holder, while the conduction path directly connects the first conductive member to the second conductive member through the probe holder without intermediate contact points, thereby eliminating the resistance issue while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functional components: the compression spring handles mechanical coupling and contact force, while the conductive members handle electrical conduction separately. This separation allows the conduction path to be optimized for low resistance by using large-sectional-area conductive members without the need for coil springs in the electrical path
2Device complexity
If a plate-shaped or wire-shaped member is used for conduction, then the structure is simple, but the sectional area in the conduction path is small resulting in increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the conductive members by using block-shaped or plate-shaped conductive members with large cross-sectional areas instead of thin wires or small plates. This parameter change increases the conduction path area, reduces resistance, and allows large current flow while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction where conductive members with large cross-sectional areas (such as block-shaped or plate-shaped conductors) are integrated into the probe holder structure. This composite approach combines mechanical support functions with low-resistance conduction paths, achieving both structural integrity and efficient electrical conduction
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
Enables reliable conduction of large currents through the probe unit, reducing heat generation and maintaining conduction characteristics by using a conductive block and insulating materials to stabilize the contact points.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit that is coupled to a conducting wire
Implementation Method 2
the first and the second contact units each come into contact with the conductive block
Implementation Method 3
the insulating block at least prevents the first contact probe from loosening
Data Source
AI summary
A probe unit according to the present invention is suitable for allowing a large current to flow. In the probe unit that accommodates a plurality of contact probes for electrically connecting an inspection target object and a signal processing device used to output an inspection signal, both ends of a large current probe (3) are electrically connected to electrodes of a contact target object, and a large current is made to flow via a metal block (50) that comes into contact with both end portions of the large current probe (3).