Test Contactor for Ribbon Cable Using Rotatable Pressure Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test contactors for electronic components are complex to handle and have a short service life due to the need for connectors that wear out from frequent plugging and unplugging.
Innovation Solution
A test contactor design that allows direct electrical contact between ribbon cable strands and contact pins, eliminating the need for connectors and enhancing service life by using a rotatable pressure plate and prestressing elements for controlled clamping and guiding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are used to connect ribbon cable strands to test electronics, then electrical connection is achieved, but service life is reduced due to wear from frequent plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the connector component from the test contactor system. Instead of using traditional connectors that require plugging and unplugging, the invention implements direct contact between ribbon cable strands and contact pins through a clamp mechanism, thereby removing the source of wear and extending service life while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of connection and clamping into a single integrated structure. The contact pins are directly integrated with the clamp body, eliminating the need for separate connector components. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct strand-to-pin contact.
2Ease of operation
If traditional test contactors with connectors are used, then electrical connection is established, but handling becomes complex and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable pressure plate mechanism that allows dynamic opening and closing of the clamp. The pressure plate can be rotated between a closed position (for clamping and testing) and an open position (for cable insertion and removal). This dynamic mechanism simplifies handling by providing easy access for cable replacement while maintaining secure clamping during testing, thereby extending service life through repeated operations.
3Reliability
If connectors are used for ribbon cable connection, then electrical contact is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complementary connector from the test contactor system. Instead of requiring a connector on the test contactor side, the invention uses exposed ribbon cable strands that directly contact the contact pins. This extraction of the connector component simplifies the structure and reduces cost while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats the ribbon cable strands as disposable elements that can be easily replaced, while the test contactor structure itself becomes a durable, long-lasting fixture. By eliminating the need for expensive, wear-prone connectors on the test contactor side, the system achieves long service life for the test equipment while allowing economical replacement of cable strands if needed.
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 solution simplifies handling and significantly extends the service life of test contactors by reducing wear on contact points and ensuring reliable connections without the need for connectors, while also facilitating easy ribbon cable insertion and correct positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The test contactor has a prestressing element which exerts a prestressing on the pressure plate in the direction of the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the pressure plate presses the ribbon cable against a bearing surface of the base and the contact pins, thus clamping the ribbon cable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test contactor (1) for a flat ribbon cable (4), comprising: - a base (6) with a plurality of pin recesses (22); - a plurality of contact pins (26), each of which is arranged in the pin recesses (22) of the base (6); - a pressure plate (8), which is movably mounted relative to the base (6) and can be moved between an open position and a closed position;wherein the base (6) and the pressure plate (8) form a cable guide (12) in the open position, the cable guide (12) having an insertion opening (34), side guides (36) and an end stop (38), wherein a ribbon cable (4) can be inserted along its longitudinal direction through the insertion opening (34) into the cable guide (12) and can be brought into an insertion position, wherein in the insertion position a leading edge of the ribbon cable (4) rests against the end stop (38), and wherein in the closed position exposed strands of the ribbon cable (4) in the insertion position can be pressed against the respective contact pins (26) by the pressure plate (8).