A device, used before and after assembly, tests the continuity of an electrical circuit through each pin and socket of multiple connector sockets. Electrically insulated except at the contact area, a test probe is dimensioned to make contact only in properly formed sockets

Golding, G.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1,964
	
Brief 64-10065 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Continuity Tester Screens Out Faulty Socket Connections 
Silicone Rubber Plotting Compound	 Clear Plastic	 ,,Outside Contact 
Test Tip 
3 Volt Bulb 
.Battery Box 
How it's done: The test probe used with both the 
bench model and the portable unit is constructed so 
that it will provide an electrical contact with the 
dimple on the individual socket contact only when the 
dimensions are correct and the contact spring is 
functioning properly. Diameter of the conducting area 
on the ptobe is 0.0005 to 0.001 inch greater than 
the maximum height of the dimple to the opposite wall 
of the socket's inside diameter. Electrical insulation 
is provided on the probe between it and the inner 
surface of the connector socket, except in the area 
of the dimple on the contactspring. 
With the portable tester, which has its own test 
light and battery supply, the unit can be used to test 
individual sockets in a connector wired into a harness 
without disturbing the wiring. Contact to the exterior 
surface of the socket is made through its exposed end 
to a coaxial conductive ring provided on the probe. 
Construction of a bench instrument for continuity 
testing is accomplished by assembling a series of 
As
(continued overleaf) 
The problem: Testing the continuity of an electrical 
circuit through each pin and socket of multiple 
connector sockets. An instrument is needed that is 
suitable for testing both before and after assembly. 
Electrical failures in spacecraft connectors have often 
been associated with misshapen or improperly as-
sembled contact parts, particularly those associated 
with the spring-loaded contact on the connector 
socket. The malfunction of this contact is believed to 
be a principal cause of failure in multiple connection 
sockets. 
The solution: A continuity tester having a test 
probe that is carefully dimensioned to make contact 
only in properly formed sockets and is electrically 
insulated from the socket except at the contact area. 
Both a bench tester, which will test each of the con-
tacts in a multiple pin socket before assembly in a 
wiring harness, and a portable, self-powered model 
(shown in drawing) for testing sockets on assembled 
equipment, can be built. 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights: or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damag es resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19640000022 2020-03-11T17:06:33+00:00Z
probes to simulate a mating male connector plug. By 
this means all the sockets in a connector can be tested 
simultaneously. If all the sockets and test probes are 
wired as a series circuit, the test would then indicate 
a break in continuity of any of the connections. 
Notes: 
1. This innovation would be useful in any industrial 
or test situation where multiple connection sockets 
must be inspected and tested. 
2. Shock tests of connectors could be carried out with 
this device by mounting the multiple connection 
tester on an isolated plate and applying shock 
forces in two axes parallel to the mounting plate.
Any discontinuity during this dynamic test would 
be detected by employing a chatter or discontinuity 
detector. 
For further information about this innovation 
inquiries may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
Pasadena, California 
Reference: B64-10065 
Patent status: NASA encourages commercial use 
of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated. 
Source: George Golding 
(JPL-596) 
Brief 64-10065


Continuity tester screens out faulty socket connections

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