Test Socket Elastomeric Rolling Contact Reduces Trace Abrasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test sockets cause excessive abrasion and damage to electronic components during testing, leading to reduced lifespan of both the test sockets and load boards, as they rely on excessive wiping action for effective contact, which is inefficient and detrimental.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates elastomerically mounted contacts with an arcuate surface that rolls across the load board traces with minimal sliding, using a housing with angled walls and pre-compressed elastomers to minimize abrasion and extend the life of both contacts and load boards, and employs precious metal contacts like Neyoro G for added durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiping action is used at contact ends to provide good transmission path, then contact reliability is improved, but abrasion and damage to component parts increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is designed with an arcuate surface that rolls across the load board trace during engagement and disengagement. This curved geometry transforms the traditional sliding wiping action into a rolling motion, significantly reducing abrasion between the contact and the load board while maintaining effective electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact incorporates an elastomeric material that changes its physical state from rigid to compliant. This elastomeric property allows the contact to deform and roll rather than slide rigidly, reducing friction and wear while ensuring reliable electrical transmission through the compliant connection.
2Reliability
If excessive wiping action is applied to ensure good contact, then electrical transmission is improved, but lifespan of test socket and load board decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate surface geometry enables the contact to roll across the load board trace rather than slide, dramatically reducing wear on both the contact and the load board. This rolling action maintains effective electrical transmission while minimizing damage accumulation that would otherwise shorten component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the contact material to elastomeric, the system transforms from rigid sliding contact to compliant rolling contact. This parameter change in material properties reduces friction and wear rates, extending the operational life of both the test socket and load board while preserving electrical transmission quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional contact design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but abrasion between contact and load board cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate surface is integrated into the contact structure as a fundamental geometric feature rather than a separate mechanism. This curved design is incorporated directly into the elastomeric contact body, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the beneficial rolling action that minimizes abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact combines elastomeric material properties with an arcuate geometric structure to create a composite solution. The elastomeric base provides compliance and durability, while the integrated arcuate surface provides the rolling motion, together achieving low-abrasion operation without complex assembly or additional 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
This solution significantly reduces abrasion and extends the lifespan of test sockets and load boards by ensuring minimal sliding contact, thereby maintaining efficient electronic communication while doubling the load board life compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The contact is elastomerically mounted in its slot such that, when the front end of the contact is engaged by the lead or the pad of the device to be tested and urged into its slot, the arcuate surface of the contact rolls across its corresponding trace on the surface of the tester load board with virtually no translational or rotational sliding.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved test socket for use in testing integrated circuits. The test socket includes a housing having one or more slots formed therein. Contacts can be received within respective slots and maintained therein with rear ends of the contacts in engagement with traces on a load board. Mounting is accomplished by means of a pair of elastomers, and the elastomers maintain each contact such that, when the front end of a contact is engaged by the lead or pad of the device to be tested and urged into its corresponding slot, an arcuate surface at a rear end of each contact rolls across its corresponding trace with virtually no translational or rotational sliding.