Vacuum Test Device for Electrical Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test devices for electrical components often cause damage and complicate the replacement process due to the need for securing elements, which can harm the components and make the testing process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A test device utilizing a component holding unit that establishes electrical contact through negative pressure within a pressure chamber, eliminating the need for mechanical securing means and allowing easy component replacement by using a movable component holding unit with a cylindrical cavity and pistons, along with a support surface for airtight connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a securing element is used to fix the component in the component holding unit, then reliable electrical contact is ensured, but the component may be damaged and the replacement process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the securing element from the system entirely. Instead of using mechanical fastening means to secure the component, the invention relies on the component holding unit's ability to maintain electrical contact through its design, eliminating the harmful securing element that causes component damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical securing system with a pressure-based system. A pressure element applies pressure to the component holding unit, which in turn maintains contact with the component, ensuring reliable electrical contact without mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a securing element is used to fix the component, then the component is securely held, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent securingVSAvoidcomponent replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the securing element that complicates the replacement process. The component can be inserted into and removed from the component holding unit without actuating any securing mechanism, significantly reducing replacement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The component holding unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable through pressure application. The pressure element can apply pressure to secure the component during testing, and release pressure to facilitate quick removal, enabling fast component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a pressure element is introduced to apply pressure to the component holding unit, then the component holding unit moves to establish electrical contact, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact establishmentVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element serves multiple functions: it applies pressure to the component holding unit to establish electrical contact, and simultaneously secures the component in place during testing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the pressure application function with the component securing function. The pressure element's action on the component holding unit both establishes electrical contact and maintains component position, merging multiple functions into a single mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents damage to the components, simplifies the replacement process, and ensures reliable electrical contact without additional securing elements, enabling efficient and secure testing.

Implementation Method 1

wherein upon generation of negative pressure in the pressure chamber by means of the pressure control means, the component holding unit is moved along the direction of movement at least partially into the housing so that the component contacts the contacting means arranged on the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3715863B1Test device for testing electrical components, use of the test device for testing an electrical component and method for testing electrical components using the test device
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3715863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715863B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a test device (10) for testing electrical components (12), comprising: a housing (14), contacting means (18) arranged on the housing (14) for electrically contacting a component (12) to be tested, a component holding unit (16) arranged at least partially in the housing (14) for placing the component (12) to be tested, wherein the component holding unit (16) is movably designed with respect to the housing (14) and is in contact with a pressure chamber (24) arranged in the housing (14), and wherein, when a vacuum is generated in the pressure chamber (24), the component holding unit (16) can be moved into a test position in which the component (12) to be tested contacts the contacting means (18).