Miniature probe positioning actuator
US5532611A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R1/06705
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is a Probe Positioning Actuator which is low in cost and mass, capable of high accelerations, relatively long stroke and compact packaging, as well as high in efficiency. The actuator assembly comprises a frame, and at least one pair of spaced apart, laterally extending, conductor carrying, flexible beams attached to the frame. A non-magnetic armature, substantially U-shaped in cross section, is attached adjacent or approximate the extended terminal ends of the beams, and a probe is attached to the base of the "U" of the armature for contacting selected points in the electrical circuit associated with the device being tested. The heart of the actuator includes a coil mounted on the upstanding legs of the U-shaped armature and arranged so that the axis of the coil is perpendicular to the base of the armature but substantially parallel to the probe tip. This arrangement places the `motor` portion of the actuator adjacent the probe and permits accurate and repeatable, fast control of not only probe tip position but probe tip movement. To complete the motor portion of the actuator, means, carried by the frame create a magnetic field across the coil, whereby upon energization …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.