Patent ID: 7918669
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A socket for electrically coupling an integrated circuit (IC) to a board so that a signal may be transmitted thereto, comprising: a platform for receiving the integrated circuit thereon; an elongate resilient tubular member housed in the platform; and a plurality of two-piece connector assemblies, each connector assembly comprising a mount and an associated link pivotable about the mount, each connector assembly having first and second positions, the first position comprising an engaged position wherein an electrical contact is established between the integrated circuit and the board, and a standby position where the link does not establish an electrical contact between the integrated circuit and the board; wherein the mounts are retained in the platform and comprise a curved cavity on a lateral side opposite an associated link member; and wherein the associated link member has an arcuate contact surface on an upper side adapted for rolling contact with the integrated circuit, a rocker arm laterally displaced with a bulb-shaped tip seated in the curved cavity of the mount, the link vertically pivotable about bulb tip, and a downwardly sloping leg member wherein the elongate resilient tubular member biases the connector assemblies in the standby position; and wherein contact between the integrated circuit and the platform pivots the connector assemblies from the standby position to the engaged position.