Test Socket Insertion Portion Prevents Lid Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test sockets for IC packages require high pressing forces to ensure reliable contact, which can lead to accidental release of the lid part during testing, potentially causing damage to the IC package and injury due to unintended opening.
Innovation Solution
A test socket design featuring a swingable engaging member with a pivot axis, a reciprocating member, and an insertion portion that restricts movement to prevent accidental disengagement, ensuring the lid part remains securely connected during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock lever with engaging portion is used to fasten the lid part, then the lid part can be securely retained in pressed state, but the lid part may be accidentally released when the IC package is still pressed, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion is preliminarily positioned to block the movement of the engaging portion before the pressing force is fully applied. When the pressing body presses the IC package, the insertion portion moves together and automatically blocks the engaging portion from disengaging, preventing accidental release before the test begins
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion acts as an intermediary element between the pressing body and the lock lever. It transmits the pressing force and uses this force to block the engaging portion, creating a safety mechanism that prevents accidental release without requiring additional control systems
2Reliability
If great pressing force is applied to ensure contact for 1000+ contacts, then reliable conduction is achieved, but the risk of accidental lid part opening and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety blocking function is activated preliminarily with the pressing force. As the pressing body applies force to ensure contact conduction, the insertion portion simultaneously blocks the engaging portion, so the safety mechanism is already in place before any accidental release could occur
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion provides beforehand protection by blocking the engaging portion before any accidental release can happen. This preventive measure cushions against the harmful effects of vigorous opening by preventing the release mechanism from activating under high pressing force conditions
3Device complexity
If the engaging member is swingable with pivot axis, then compact configuration is achieved, but the proximal end portion may move and cause disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion portion preliminarily blocks the movement of the proximal end portion of the engaging member. By restricting this movement in advance, the swingable engaging member maintains both its compact configuration and reliable engagement stability during the pressing operation
Data Source
AI summary
The test socket includes: a pressing body for pressing an IC package housed in a device housing portion in a direction toward a board; a lid-part main body holding the pressing body while allowing reciprocating movement in the direction toward and from the board, and to be connected to a housing-part main body; a stopper attached at an intermediate point to the lid-part main body so that the stopper is swingable, the stopper having an engaging portion 5a coming into engagement with the housing-part main body, and a proximal end portion approaching and separating from a side surface of the lid-part main body; and an insertion portion to be inserted into a gap between the proximal end portion and the side surface of the lid-part main body according to an action of the pressing body pressing the IC package in the direction toward the board.