Stackable Probe System with Magnetic Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probing systems are inflexible and require significant reconfiguration time, limiting their applicability to different sizes of circuit boards and inability to support vertical probing, especially for large boards and tight tolerance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A stackable probe system with height-variable legs, an xyz-axes position adjuster, and a rotary connector that allows for magnetic attachment and precise positional adjustments, enabling quick reconfiguration and support for both horizontal and vertical probing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional probing systems are customized for specific applications, then testing accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different board sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probing system is divided into modular components including adjustable legs, position adjusters, and interchangeable probe holders that can be reconfigured for different board sizes while maintaining testing accuracy through precise adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with xyz-axes position adjusters and height-variable legs that allow real-time reconfiguration for different board dimensions, enabling the same system to adapt to various applications without sacrificing measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular probe system uses mechanical connection elements, then adaptability is improved, but reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical connection elements with magnetic attachment mechanisms that enable quick and tool-free reconfiguration of probe holders and components, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability to different testing scenarios
3Ease of operation
If prior art modular system uses quick-release connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces quick-release connectors with magnetic attachment mechanisms that provide both ease of operation for reconfiguration and precise positioning capability, eliminating the trade-off between operational ease and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system provides self-aligning and self-centering properties that automatically ensure precise positioning when components are attached, eliminating the need for manual alignment while maintaining positioning accuracy
4Device complexity
If probing system is designed for small circuit boards, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to large boards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented, modular components including adjustable legs and position adjusters that can be configured for small or large circuit boards without requiring a completely different system, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability across board sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The probing system is designed as a universal platform with height-adjustable legs and xyz-axes position adjusters that can handle both small and large circuit boards, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems and reducing overall device complexity
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 system provides high flexibility and rapid reconfiguration, supporting various board sizes and enabling precise positioning, thus enhancing testing accuracy and adaptability for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
a platen (20) bridging and magnetically secured to the tops of the legs; two magnetic plates (21) disposed between the platen (20) and the two legs (13), respectively, to magnetically interconnect the platen (20) and the two legs (13)
Implementation Method 2
a pair of spaced apart height-variable legs (13), each of which is composed of a stack of blocks (10) magnetically attached to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A probe system includes a plurality of spaced apart height-variable legs, each of which is composed of a stack of blocks magnetically attached to each other, a platen bridging and magnetically secured to the legs, and a probe positioner magnetically attached to the platen. The probe positioner includes an xyz-axes position adjuster mounted on the platen and connected to a first link, a first ball joint interconnecting the first link and a second link, a rotary connector interconnecting the second link and a third link, and a second ball joint connecting the third link to a chuck unit for holding a probe.