Integrally Formed Spring Contact for Fine-Pitch IC Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring contacts with outer diameters of 0.2 mm or less face challenges in manufacturing due to fine dimensions, making mass production and quality control difficult, which increases production costs and limits commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A spring contact is integrally formed by blanking and bending a metal plate, featuring a zigzag spring portion with a core for enhanced elasticity, allowing for a smaller outer diameter and simplified manufacturing, with components optimized for improved conductivity and reduced current resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the outer diameter of the spring contact is reduced to 0.2 mm or less, then the fine pitch requirement is met, but the manufacturing difficulty increases and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple components (upper contact pin, lower contact pin, and spring) into a single integrally formed metal plate member. This eliminates assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing while achieving the required fine dimensions of 0.2 mm or less outer diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing approach by using blanking and bending processes on metal plate members to create the spring contact. This parameter change in manufacturing method enables mass production of fine-pitch spring contacts with outer diameter 0.2 mm or less while maintaining quality standards.
2Volume of moving object
If the spring thickness and contact pin dimensions are reduced to achieve fine pitch, then the outer diameter is minimized, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the spring and contact pins into a single integrally formed component, the invention eliminates assembly operations entirely. The spring contact is installed as one piece into the test socket, dramatically simplifying the assembly process despite the fine dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the spring contact is manufactured with fine dimensions, then the outer diameter is reduced, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by using blanking and bending processes on metal plate members, which are suitable for mass production. This enables cost-effective production of spring contacts with outer diameter 0.2 mm or less, reducing the price and enabling commercialization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the spring contact components are made separately, then the design flexibility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spring and contact pins into a single integrally formed component, reducing device complexity from multiple separate parts to one unified structure. This simplification is achieved while maintaining the necessary functional characteristics through integral design.
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 enables higher elasticity and easier design optimization, increasing productivity and reducing production costs while ensuring reliable electrical connections for IC testing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion (16) extending in a zigzag pattern from an upper connection portion (15)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spring contact, which is integrally formed by blanking and bending a metal plate member, the spring contact comprising: an upper head portion 32 having an upper tip 31 protruding upward; a spring portion (36) formed by a strip cylindrically bent, the strip extending in a zigzag pattern from an upper connection portion 35 extending downward from the upper head portion 32; a lower head portion 39 extending downward from a lower connection 37 extending from the lower end of the spring portion 36; and a lower tip 40 being provided on the lower end of the lower head portion 39. The present invention is advantageously suitable for manufacturing a fine-pitch spring contact and can improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs.