Spring-like Probe with Curved Stroke Arms for Compact Test Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probe card devices face limitations in structural design, making it difficult to develop new conductive probes with spring functions, as they require multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A probe card device with a first and second guiding board unit and spring-like probes, where the probes have a fixing end and testing end portion, and include two curved stroke arms spaced apart with projection regions that have at least one intersection point, allowing for a spring-like function and improved structural design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conductive probe structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but spring function cannot be achieved without multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring function and conductive probe function into a single integrated structure. The probe body itself is designed with a curved shape that provides spring-like elasticity, eliminating the need for separate spring components while maintaining both mechanical compliance and electrical conductivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive probe is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the electrical conductor and the spring mechanism. The single probe structure provides both signal transmission capability and mechanical compliance through its curved geometry, making it a multi-functional component.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing conductive probe design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but structural innovation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved geometry in the probe structure to provide spring-like functionality. The curved shape allows the probe to flex and return to its original position, creating elastic behavior without complex mechanical components. This curved design maintains manufacturability while introducing structural innovation.
3Device complexity
If conventional probe structure is used, then design simplicity is maintained, but new conductive probe structures are difficult to develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the probe structure through its curved geometry, enabling the probe to flex and deform elastically during operation. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to variations in contact pressure and alignment while maintaining electrical connectivity, providing both simplicity and development flexibility.
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 spring-like probes provide a new conductive probe structure with consistent electrical conductivity, enabling effective signal transmission and current handling through a simplified design.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of each of the spring-like probes arranged between the fixing end portion and the testing end portion includes two stroke arms that are spaced apart from each other and that are respectively located at two opposite sides of the separation plane. In each of the spring-like probes, each of the two stroke arms is in a curved shape
Data Source
AI summary
A probe card device and a spring-like probe are provided. The spring-like probe defines a longitudinal direction and a separation plane that is parallel to the longitudinal direction, and includes a fixing end portion, a testing end portion, and two stroke arms that are arranged between the fixing end portion and the testing end portion. The two stroke arms are spaced apart from each other and are respectively located at two opposite sides of the separation plane. Each of the two stroke arms is in a curved shape. Two projection regions defined by orthogonally projecting the two stroke arms onto the separation plane have at least one intersection point. In a cross section of the two stroke arms perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an area of any one of the two stroke arms is 95% to 105% of an area of another one of the two stroke arms.