Test Socket Unit Sliding Locking Mechanism for Substrate Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test sockets for semiconductor chips are inconvenient to lock and unlock from a test circuit device substrate, requiring cumbersome screw fastening methods for maintenance and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A test socket unit with support locking pins, a floating plate, elastic members, and locking members that allow for easy locking and unlocking by sliding and elastic pressure, enabling secure and efficient attachment and detachment from the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw fastening method is used to couple the test socket to the substrate, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the ease of operation for locking and unlocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: support locking pins fixed to the substrate, floating plates with locking members, and elastic members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy locking and unlocking while maintaining strong connection through the distributed pin-plate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating plate is designed to move vertically relative to the socket main body, transitioning between locked and unlocked states. The locking member slides along the floating plate surface, and the elastic member provides dynamic force to maintain engagement. This dynamic mechanism enables convenient operation while ensuring secure connection when locked.
2Reliability
If a screw fastening method is used to attach the test socket, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the time required for maintenance and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support locking pins are pre-fixed to the substrate, and the floating plates with locking members are pre-assembled to the socket main body. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid attachment and detachment during maintenance without requiring complex assembly or disassembly operations, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically engages the locking member with the locking engaging portion when the floating plate is pressed downward, providing self-locking functionality. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual screw tightening or additional fastening operations during attachment, enabling quick maintenance while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used for the test socket, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection stability and electrical contact quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the floating plate assembly: the locking member provides mechanical engagement, the elastic member provides continuous contact force, and the floating plate provides structural support and movement. This merging of functions achieves both easy operation through integrated design and stable connection through combined mechanical and electrical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating plate acts as an intermediary between the socket main body and the locking mechanism. It transmits the pressing force from the socket main body to the locking member, enables vertical movement for locking/unlocking, and maintains electrical contact through its conductive properties. This intermediary component facilitates easy operation while ensuring stable connection and good electrical contact.
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 facilitates easier and more secure attachment and detachment of the test socket from the substrate, improving convenience and maintaining strong electrical contact during testing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to be interposed in between the socket main body and the floating plate
Data Source
AI summary
A test socket unit for electrically connecting a test object and a test circuit device. The test socket unit includes: a plurality of support locking pins configured to be stationarily installed on the surface of the test substrate; a socket main body configured to support a plurality of probes for signal transmission; a floating plate configured to include a pin guide hole in which the support locking pin is inserted; an elastic member configured to be interposed in between the socket main body and the floating plate; and at least one locking member configured to include a locking portion engaged with the locking engaging portion and prevented from separating upward by the locking stopper.