Relay Connector Floating Guide Probe Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay connectors for inspecting electronic components have a limited durable engagement and extraction cycle, requiring frequent replacement of the jig-side connector, insulating relay board, and wiring cables, leading to increased inspection costs.
Innovation Solution
A relay connector design featuring a pin block, floating guide, and pressure operating member made of insulating material, allowing probes to directly contact the connector's terminals, enabling the connector and relay board to be exchanged only when necessary, reducing the number of parts to be replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jig-side connector is fixed to the jig-side board by soldering, and wiring cables are soldered to the jig-side board, then the electrical connection is stable and reliable, but the whole unit must be exchanged when the connector reaches its durable limit, increasing inspection cost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate replaceable components: the probe unit with probes can be independently replaced from the jig-side board and connector assembly. This segmentation allows only the worn probe unit to be exchanged rather than the entire soldered assembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable electrical connections and enabling easy replacement.
2Strength
If the jig-side connector, jig-side board, and wiring cables are soldered together as a fixed assembly, then the structural integrity is high, but the cost for measuring and inspection increases due to frequent exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static soldered assembly to a dynamic configuration where the probe unit can be detached and replaced. The connector maintains structural integrity through its design with engagement protrusions and recesses, while the overall system becomes adaptable to replacement needs, reducing inspection costs without compromising where strength is needed.
3Ease of repair
If probes are brought into direct contact with the connector to be inspected, then only the broken probe needs to be exchanged, but the connector must be precisely positioned and held during contact
Solution Approach 1:
The jig-side connector acts as an intermediary component between the probe unit and the connector to be inspected. It provides the positioning function through its guide holes and engagement features, allowing probes to make direct contact with terminals while the connector handles the complex positioning and holding requirements, thus simplifying the overall device structure.
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
This design reduces inspection costs by allowing only the broken probe to be exchanged, extending the life of the jig-side connector and insulating relay board, and minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a floating guide, comprised of insulating material, the floating guide arranged so as to approach and separate with respect to the pin block and resiliently urged in a separating direction
Data Source
AI summary
A relay connector connects a terminal of a connector to be inspected provided on a board for inspection to a measuring instrument. The relay connector includes: a pin block; a floating guide, arranged so as to approach and separate with respect to the pin block and resiliently urged in a separating direction, the floating guide formed with a guide hole; a plurality of probes, each of which is provided in the pin block so as to be opposed to the terminal of the connector to be inspected having been inserted into the guide hole; and a pressure operating member, adapted to be operated between an open state in which the connector to be inspected is allowed to be inserted into the guide hole in the floating guide, and a pressed state in which the connector to be inspected having been inserted into the floating guide is pressed toward the pin block.