Test Socket Alignment via Elastic Conductive Sheet and Through-Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test sockets limit space utilization on test boards, degrade signal transmission characteristics, and incur high costs due to increased size and potential damage from soldering, as well as complexity in alignment and component interference.
Innovation Solution
A test socket with an alignment member and an elastic conductive sheet featuring conductive particles in an insulating material, where protruding conductive parts align with through-holes in the alignment member for direct contact and simplified assembly, and an optional pogo connector system for efficient space use and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a socket housing is used to align contactors on the test board, then alignment is achieved, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the bulky socket housing and implements it through a separate alignment member with through-holes. This alignment member is attached directly to the inspection apparatus and works with protruding conductive parts on the elastic conductive sheet, eliminating the need for a large socket housing and maximizing space utilization on the test board.
2Reliability
If an interface substrate with soldering is used to connect test board, then electrical connection is established, but cost increases due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive interface substrate with soldering with a reusable alignment member and elastic conductive sheet system. The elastic conductive sheet with conductive particles provides reliable electrical connection through direct contact without requiring soldering, making the system more cost-effective and easier to manufacture while maintaining connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are arranged around inspection area, then functionality is increased, but component interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by using protruding conductive parts that extend downward from the elastic conductive sheet to contact pads on the inspection apparatus. This vertical arrangement allows components to be stacked in different layers, increasing functionality while minimizing horizontal interference between components.
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
Maximizes space utilization, improves signal transmission efficiency, reduces costs by simplifying alignment and allowing easy replacement of the elastic conductive sheet, and ensures reliable inspections without component interference.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic conductive sheet including conductive parts that are disposed at the points corresponding to the terminals of the device to be inspected and include an insulating elastic material and a plurality of conductive particles that are distributed in the insulating elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a test socket which allows for ease of alignment, and more particularly, to a test socket that is interposed between a device to be inspected and an inspection apparatus so as to electrically connect terminals of the device to be inspected and pads of the inspection apparatus, the test socket including: an alignment member that has a plurality of through-holes formed at points corresponding to the terminals of the device to be inspected or the pads of the inspection apparatus and is attached to the inspection apparatus such that the through-holes are located at the pads of the inspection apparatus; and an elastic conductive sheet including conductive parts that are disposed at the points corresponding to the terminals of the device to be inspected and include a plurality of conductive particles that are distributed in an insulating elastic material, insulating support parts that support the conductive parts and disconnect an electrical connection between adjacent conductive parts, and protruding conductive parts that protrude downward from the conductive parts and are inserted into the plurality of through-holes of the alignment member, wherein when the protruding conductive parts are inserted into the through-holes of the alignment member, the elastic conductive sheet is aligned in the the alignment member.