Counterforce spring assembly for printed circuit board test fixtures
US5698990A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R1/073
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A counterforce spring assembly for printed circuit board test fixtures is provided. A number of counterforce spring assemblies are provided in an array between the top plate and probe plate of the test fixture. Each counterforce spring assembly includes a support cup residing in an aperture through the probe plate. A compression spring resides in the support cup and provides spring-biasing of the top plate to the probe plate during the UUT testing cycle. Each counterforce spring assembly includes a circumferential flange to limit downward travel of the top plate toward the probe plate. Each assembly is small enough to fit between probe apertures corresponding to component leads of the UUT. The counterforce spring assemblies can be freely placed underneath the top plate to provide even spring-biasing thereof to prevent bowing and bending of the top plate which often causes errors in the testing of printed circuit boards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.