Test Coaxial Connector Probe Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test coaxial connectors face challenges in reducing the height of the probe portion while maintaining the ability to prevent breakage of switch-equipped coaxial connectors when not properly fitted, especially when fitted to a board housed in a case, which affects measurement accuracy and waterproofness.
Innovation Solution
A test coaxial connector with a probe formed from a single continuous elastic structure, featuring a contact and connection portion, potentially with a bent, zigzag, or varying diameter/thickness design, which allows for elasticity and reduces the probe height without using a barrel or coil spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil spring and plunger structure is used in the test coaxial connector, then the ability to prevent breakage of the switch-equipped coaxial connector is improved, but the height of the probe portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plunger and coil spring into a single integrated elastic probe structure. The probe is formed as one piece with an elastic portion that integrates the functions of both the plunger (contact element) and the coil spring (elastic recovery mechanism), eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe features localized elasticity in specific portions (the elastic portion with reduced thickness) while maintaining rigidity in other areas. This allows the probe to exhibit spring-like behavior only where needed for preventing connector breakage, while keeping the overall structure compact and low-height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the probe portion is reduced to fit around electronic components, then the adaptability to board layouts is improved, but the ability to prevent connector breakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can deform and recover. The elastic portion allows the probe to adapt its shape and position dynamically when encountering obstacles or during improper insertion, enabling it to fit around electronic components while maintaining the capability to prevent connector breakage through elastic recovery.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid probe structure is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to accommodate improper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The probe's physical parameters are changed by introducing variable thickness sections, particularly reducing thickness in the elastic portion to create flexibility. This allows the probe to maintain precise manufacturing in critical connection areas while having flexible sections that can accommodate improper fitting operations without damage.
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 a lower probe height, maintaining the ability to prevent switch-equipped coaxial connector breakage during improper fitting, allowing for accurate measurements and maintaining waterproofness, while ensuring the connector can be fitted to a switch-equipped connector on a board housed in a case.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is formed of one continuous structure having elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
A test coaxial connector has a probe portion with a small height, and prevents breakage of a switch-equipped coaxial connector even when the test coaxial connector is not properly fitted to the switch-equipped coaxial connector. The test coaxial connector includes a housing and a probe housed in the housing. The probe is formed of one continuous structure having elasticity, the structure including a contact at or near an end portion of the structure and including, at or near another end portion of the structure, a connection portion to which a central conductor of a coaxial cable is to be connected.