Rolling-Rail Probing Fixture for Smooth Dual-Side PCB Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal probing fixtures experience frictional resistance due to surface contact between slide blocks and rails, leading to unsmooth movement and the inconvenience of probing both sides of a circuit board requires flipping the board.
Innovation Solution
A low friction horizontal probing fixture with rolling members on rails, a lock mechanism, and a carrier unit that allows simultaneous probing of both sides of a test workpiece without flipping, using a base unit with rails, slide units with rolling members and lock mechanisms, and a carrier unit connected to the slide units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slide blocks are used in surface contact with slide rails, then the structure is simple, but frictional resistance causes unsmooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding contact mechanism with a rolling contact mechanism. Rolling members (such as rollers or ball bearings) are introduced between the slide block and slide rail, converting surface-to-surface friction into rolling friction. This substitution of mechanical interaction mode dramatically reduces frictional resistance and improves movement smoothness while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If only one side of the printed circuit board can be probed, then the device structure is simple, but probing both sides requires flipping the board which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the probing functions for both sides of the circuit board into a single integrated structure. The slide table is designed to support probe holders that can simultaneously access both the top and bottom surfaces of the circuit board without requiring the board to be flipped. This combining of multiple probing functions into one structural configuration eliminates the need for separate probing operations and board flipping, significantly improving operational convenience.
3Productivity
If rolling members are used instead of surface contact, then friction is reduced and movement is smooth, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the slide unit into distinct functional components: the slide block, the slide rail, and the rolling members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rolling members are specifically designed to reduce friction, while the slide block and rail maintain their structural simplicity. The modular segmented design enables easy assembly and maintenance while achieving the productivity benefits of reduced friction.
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
Facilitates smooth and efficient probing of both sides of a test workpiece by reducing friction, enabling simultaneous probing of both surfaces without flipping the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling members that are rotatably connected to the slide seat and that are rollable on the respective one of the rails so that the slide seat is movable along the respective one of the rails
Data Source
AI summary
A low friction horizontal probing fixture includes two rails of a base unit and two slide units respectively disposed on and being slidable along the rails. Each slide unit has a slide seat that is disposed adjacent to a respective one of the rails, rolling members that are connected to the slide seat and that are rollable on the respective rail so that the slide seat is movable along the respective rail, and a lock mechanism that is disposed on the slide seat and that is operable to position the slide seat relative to the respective rail. A guiding member is connected co-movably to the slide units.