Vacuum Suction Membrane for Non-Permanent Microprobe Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for terminating unused contact pads on electronic devices during testing are time-consuming, potentially damaging, and can result in permanent damage or residues, especially when using solder, which may affect the device's performance and lead to operational issues later on.

Innovation Solution

A non-conductive vacuum suction membrane mechanism, coupled with a non-conductive screw and contact elements, is used to create temporary electrical contacts with contact pads, allowing for efficient and non-destructive termination of unused ports without soldering or drilling, enabling flexible and customizable termination for various electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional soldering methods are used to terminate contact pads, then electrical contact is achieved, but the device may suffer from permanent damage, residues, and operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddamage and residues from soldering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical soldering process with a purely mechanical contact system. A contact element with a contact tip makes direct physical contact with the contact pad, eliminating the need for soldering. This mechanical contact achieves electrical connectivity without the harmful thermal and chemical effects of traditional soldering methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a contact element as an intermediary between the testing equipment and the contact pad. This contact element serves as a mediator that transfers electrical signals without requiring permanent attachment to the device, thereby avoiding damage while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If soldering is used for termination, then electrical contact is established, but the process becomes time-consuming and potentially damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtime for soldering and cleanup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is pre-positioned and held by a holding structure that allows it to be quickly brought into contact with the contact pad. The preliminary preparation of the contact element and its holding mechanism enables rapid deployment without the time-consuming steps of soldering, flux application, and cleanup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the time-consuming and damaging soldering steps from the termination process. By using a mechanical contact system, the method eliminates the need for heating, cooling, and cleanup operations associated with soldering, thereby significantly reducing the overall process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If permanent termination structures are used, then contact is established, but the device may suffer from permanent damage or residues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidpermanent damage to device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic, reversible contact system where the contact element can be easily positioned and removed. The holding structure allows the contact element to be held firmly during testing but released without damage. This dynamic approach contrasts with permanent soldered connections, enabling repeated positioning and removal without affecting device integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding structure is designed to provide controlled mechanical support to the contact element, preventing excessive force from being applied to the contact pad. This cushioning effect protects the device from damage while ensuring reliable electrical contact during the testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides a fast, reusable, and non-damaging method for terminating contact pads, reducing signal leakage and preventing permanent damage, while allowing for efficient high-frequency and high-bandwidth signal testing, and can be used with both electrical and optical signals.

Implementation Method 1

a non-conductive vacuum suction membrane adheres to a surface of the electronic device by suction force to facilitate the second electrical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9915682B2Non-permanent termination structure for microprobe measurements

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A structure and method of facilitating testing of an electronic device (device under test or DUT) using a non-permanent and reusable structure to terminate contact pads and contact pin holes on a surface of the DUT.