Abstract:
A memory module socket requires a reduced insertion force because a notch engager on a levered handle engages a notch on the memory module and applies downward pressure. The notch engager is forced downward as the levered handle pivots about an axis, causing the downward force to be applied to the notch on a memory module, forcing the memory module into a memory module socket on an extender card that plugs into a memory module socket on a personal computer motherboard. An ejector arm is pushed downward by the levered handle during removal. An ejector foot inside the memory module socket is pivoted upward around an ejector pivot when the ejector arm is pushed downward. The upward pivoting ejector foot pushes upward on the inserted edge of the memory module, forcing the memory module out of the memory module socket. Both ejection and insertion forces can be reduced.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to memory-module test sockets, and more particularly to memory-module test sockets with levered handles to aid module insertion. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Memory modules such as dual-inline memory modules (DIMMs) are widely used in a variety of systems such as personal computers (PCs). Since profit margins for memory module manufactures are low, manufacturing costs must be reduced. Testing costs can be reduced by testing memory modules on a low-cost modified PC motherboard rather than an expensive electronic-component tester. 
   An extender card can be inserted into a memory module socket on a standard PC motherboard. This extender card has another memory module socket mounted on a top edge, while the bottom edge is inserted into the motherboard&#39;s memory module socket. The extender card effectively raises the location of the open memory module socket up off the surface of the motherboard, allowing easier access to the socket. 
     FIG. 1  shows a memory module extender card between a PC motherboard and a memory module being tested by the motherboard. Motherboard  26  has components  28  and memory module socket  18  mounted on a component side. Many components such as integrated circuit (IC) chips, resistors, capacitors, fans, connectors, and plugs can be mounted, and many motherboards have two or four memory module sockets  18 . 
   Normally, memory module  10  is inserted directly in memory module socket  18  so that metal contacts  14  mate with metal contacts inside memory module socket  18 . However, cables and components  28  may crowd around memory module socket  18 , making it difficult to insert memory module  10 . While module insertion is performed rarely in an end-user PC, when motherboard  26  is used to test memory modules, such restricted access is problematic. 
   Easier insertion of memory module  10  during such testing is provided by extender card  12 . Metal contacts  24  on the bottom edge of extender card  12  are inserted into memory module socket  18 . Metal traces on extender card  12  connect signals from metal contacts  24  to corresponding contacts inside extender socket  20 . 
   During testing, memory module  10  is inserted into extender socket  20  on extender card  12 . Since extender socket  20  is raised above memory module socket  18  on motherboard  26 , socket access, and insertion and removal of memory module  10  are facilitated. 
   Some memory module sockets feature retention devices to lock the memory module into the socket. This prevents accidental loosening of the connection, or even loss of the memory module. For example, clip  22  on extender socket  20  can be moved inward to clip into notch  16  on memory module  10  after memory module  10  is fully inserted. Memory module socket  18  on motherboard  26  may also have such clips  22  for retention. 
     FIGS. 2A–B  show operation of a retention clip on a memory module socket. Retention clip  22  is in the open position, moved outward and away from extender socket  20 . Memory module  10  is inserted into extender socket  20  with retention clip  22  open, as shown in  FIG. 2A . Notch  16  is lined up with retention clip  22  when memory module  10  is fully inserted into extender socket  20 . 
   In  FIG. 2B , retention clip  22  is moved inward, causing a knob on retention clip  22  to engage inside notch  16  on memory module  10 . The knob on retention clip  22  engaging notch  16  prevents accidental removal of memory module  10 . 
   However, memory module  10  must be fully inserted into extender socket  20  before retention clip  22  can be clipped into notch  16 . A fair amount of force needs to be applied to memory module  10  by the user to insert memory module  10  fully into extender socket  20 . 
   While insertion force may be significant, the force necessary for removal may be more difficult to apply, since it is a pulling rather than a pushing force. Some memory module sockets are equipped with ejectors to initially remove or start removal of an inserted memory module. 
     FIGS. 3A–B  show operation of an ejector in a memory module socket. An extension of retention clip  22  may be formed below the fulcrum or pivot point of retention clip  22 . This extension is normally hidden from view, inside extender socket  20 . The extension of retention clip  22  is extension ejector  30  in  FIGS. 3A–B . 
   When memory module  10  is fully inserted into extender socket  20 , and retention clip  22  is clipped into notch  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3A , extension ejector  30  is in its lowest position, below memory module  10 . The bottom (connector) edge of memory module  10  may touch a foot portion on the end of extension ejector  30 . 
   To begin removal of memory module  10 , a user pulls outward retention clip  22 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . As retention clip  22  is moved outward, extension ejector  30  pivots upward inside extender socket  20 . The foot of extension ejector  30  pushes upward against the bottom edge of memory module  10 , forcing memory module  10  upward out of extender socket  20 . Typically extension ejector  30  only moves memory module  10  upward a slight distance, and the user finished removal of memory module  10  by pulling upward on it. 
   While such retention clips and extender cards are useful, a strong force is often needed to insert the memory module. When a technician or test operator has to manually force memory modules into test sockets, such forces can produce repetitive stress injuries or may damage the memory module, extender card, or motherboard tester. Often memory modules must be replaced every 2–5 minutes in a test or lab environment. 
   What is desired is a memory module extender socket with an insertion aid. A memory module socket that uses leverage to increase the user&#39;s force on the memory module during insertion is desirable. A test apparatus with extender cards and leveraged insertion of memory modules into sockets is desirable. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a memory module extender card between a PC motherboard and a memory module being tested by the motherboard. 
       FIGS. 2A–B  show operation of a retention clip on a memory module socket. 
       FIGS. 3A–B  show operation of an ejector in a memory module socket. 
       FIGS. 4A–D  illustrate operation of a leveraged handle to apply an insertion force on a memory module being inserted into a memory module socket. 
       FIG. 5  shows a test adapter board with an extender card and a levered handle for aiding insertion of memory modules. 
       FIGS. 6A–B  show operation of an ejector activated by the levered handle on a test adapter board. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a motherboard tester with the test adaptor board with levered handles to ease insertion of memory modules. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention relates to an improvement in memory module sockets. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed. 
   The inventors have realized that leverage can be used to increase the user&#39;s force on a memory module during insertion. Rather than simply retaining the memory module in the socket after insertion, as retention clips do, levered handles apply downward force on a memory module before it is fully inserted. Thus insertion of memory modules into sockets is eased. 
     FIGS. 4A–D  illustrate operation of a leveraged handle to apply an insertion force on a memory module being inserted into a memory module socket. In  FIG. 4A , memory module  10  is partially inserted by a user into a slot opening in memory module socket  38 . Guides along the sides of memory module socket  38  may guide memory module  10  into position. 
   Levered handle  32  is in the fully opened position. Notch engager  36  is formed on levered handle  32  and is tiled away from memory module  10  being inserted into memory module socket  38 . 
   In  FIG. 4B , levered handle  32  is pivoted about 30 degrees around its pivot point, axis  44  on mount  34 . The far end of levered handle  32  if lifted by the user, causing notch engager  36  to be moved downward and toward memory module  10 . With memory module  10  inserted a proper amount into memory module socket  38 , notch  16  aligns with notch engager  36  when levered handle  32  is rotated about axis  44 . If notch  16  on memory module  10  is too high relative to notch engager  36 , then the user can push memory module farther down into memory module socket  38  until notch  16  aligns with notch engager  36 . 
   The bottom of notch engager  36  begins to push against the bottom of notch  16  as levered handle  32  is lifted further. In  FIG. 4C , notch engager  36  has just started to push down against notch  16 . As levered handle  32  is rotated further, from 30 degrees on to 45 degrees from the initial position of  FIG. 4A , memory module  10  is forced downward, farther into memory module socket  38 . 
   In  FIG. 4D , after levered handle  32  has been rotated the full 45 degrees, memory module  10  is fully inserted into memory module socket  38 . Good electrical contact is made between the metal contacts on memory module  10  and those in memory module socket  38 . 
   While the amount of downward movement of memory module  10  as levered handle  32  is rotated from 30 to 45 degrees may appear to be small, as shown by the dotted lines of memory module  10  in  FIG. 4D , this portion of module insertion often required the greatest force as the metal contacts rub together and make their tightest fit. Thus the user is spared from direct application of the greatest force by use of levered handle  32 . Due to its leveraging ability, levered handle  32  multiplies the force applied by the user, resulting in a greater force applied to memory module  10  by notch engager  36  than the user applies to the end of levered handle  32 . Of course, should the user hold levered handle  32  in the middle of its arm, rather than the far end, the amount of leverage is reduced, and the user must apply greater force. 
   While levered handle  32 , notch engager  36 , and mount  34  may be part of or mounted next to a standard memory module socket, such as a socket on a PC motherboard, one embodiment uses them as part of a test adapter board.  FIG. 5  shows a test adapter board with an extender card and a levered handle for aiding insertion of memory modules. 
   Levered handle  32 , shown in its open position, is lifted upward by a user to rotate about axis  44  on mount  34 , causing notch engager  36  to engage notch  16  in memory module  10  when memory module  10  is inserted a proper, partial amount into memory module socket  38 . The force exerted by notch engager  36  onto notch  16  forces memory module  10  downward so that metal contacts  14  mate with contacts inside memory module socket  38 . 
   Only the left end of memory module socket  38  is shown. Another levered handle  32  mounted to another mount  34  are on the right end of memory module socket  38  and apply force on that right end of memory module  10  in a similar fashion. These right-side elements are not shown, but can be seen in  FIG. 7 . 
   Mount  34  is itself mounted to base board  40 , which can be attached above motherboard  26  by several standoffs  48 . Screw or bolt  49  can fit through a hole in base board  40 , through a hollow center of standoff  48 , and through another hole in motherboard  26 . Other kinds of board attachments can be substituted for standoffs  48 . 
   Standoffs  48  and the height of extender card  12  can be made tall enough to allow for sufficient clearance or space between base board  40  and motherboard  26  so that components  28  have enough air flow for cooling. 
   Memory module socket  38  is part of extender card  12 , being attached to an upper edge of extender card  12 . The lower edge of extender card  12  has metal contacts  24 , which fit inside memory module socket  18  on motherboard  26 . Extender card  12  fits in opening  46  in base board  40 . Opening  46  is wider than extender card  12 , but not as wide as memory module socket  38 , allowing the ends of memory module socket  38  to rest on the upper surface of base board  40  around opening  46 . 
   Bar  42  on mount  34  can fit in a notch on the ends of memory module socket  38  as shown, to hold memory module socket  38  down on the top surface of base board  40 . Memory module socket  38  and extender card  12  can be held firmly in place to base board  40 , which can then be lowered into position over motherboard  26 , as metal contacts  24  of extender card  12  are fitted into memory module socket  18 . 
     FIGS. 6A–B  show operation of an ejector activated by the levered handle on a test adapter board. Base board  40  is shown mounted to motherboard  26  by standoffs  48  and bolt  49 . Three, four, or more of such standoffs  48  may be used, preferably using existing holes on motherboard  26 . Levered handle  32  operates as described before, with notch engager  36  engaging and pushing on notch  16  to apply downward force on memory module  10 , forcing it into memory module socket  38 . In  FIG. 6A  memory module  10  is fully inserted. 
   Ejector foot  52  is pushed downward by the bottom edge of memory module  10  when fully inserted, causing ejector arm  50  to be in the upright position shown in  FIG. 6A . Ejector foot  52  and ejector arm  50  are on opposite sides of ejector pivot  54 , which can be an axis such as a bolt, as can axis  44  of levered handle  32 . 
   During ejection, the user pushed down on the end of levered handle  32 , causing it to rotate about axis  44 . Notch engager  36  is pulled out from notch  16 . As levered handle  32  is pushed downward, it contacts the top of ejector arm  50 . Ejector arm  50  is pushed downward and outward, rotating around ejector pivot  54 . Since ejector foot  52  is fixed to ejector arm  50  through ejector pivot  54 , ejector foot  52  rotates upward around ejector pivot  54 , applying an upward force on the bottom edge of memory module  10 . Memory module is forced out of memory module socket  38  by a slight amount. Since the greatest ejection force is often the initial movement of memory module  10 , this initial ejection reduces the force required of the user to pull memory module  10  completely out of memory module socket  38 . 
   The combination of levered handle  32 , which applies an insertion force through notch engager  36 , and ejector arm  50 , which provides an ejection force through ejector pivot  54 , reduces the forces the user applies to memory module  10 . This can reduce the possibility of injuries to the user, such as repetitive-stress injuries. 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a motherboard tester with the test adaptor board with levered handles to ease insertion of memory modules. Test programs that test memory can be executed on motherboard  26 , such as memory tests during boot-up or more extensive tests run after initialization. A memory module is normally inserted into memory module socket  18  in a standard PC, but instead extender card  12  is inserted into memory module socket  18 . The top of extender card  12  has memory module socket  38  that receives memory module  10  for testing. 
   More than one memory module  10  may be tested at a time. A second extender card  12  with a second memory module socket  38  can also be supported by base board  40 . Two pairs of levered handles  32  can be fitted on mounts  34 , each pair engaging a notch  16  on a different memory module  10  being inserted into a different memory module socket  38 . In another embodiment, each levered handle  32  can engage two memory modules  10 , with two memory module sockets  38  for each pair of levered handles  32 . One opening  46  can have four extender cards  12 , or two or more separate openings  46  may be used. 
   Ribs  72  may be formed on base board  40 . Ribs  42  may fit inside a heater cover (not shown) that can be placed over memory modules  10  when inserted into memory module sockets  38 . The heater cover and base board  40  form a heat chamber that allows memory modules  10  to be heated and tested at an elevated temperature. The heater cover could also be attached to base board  40  by a hinge. 
   ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS 
   Several other embodiments are contemplated by the inventors. For example base board  40  may have a variety of shapes and have various cutouts and openings  46  to fit extender cards  12  and components on motherboard  26  that protrude above base board  40 . Base board  40  may be made from a thicker, more insulating material or fiberglass to improve the heat chamber. While engagement of notch engager  36  with an upper notch  16  of memory module  10  has been shown, engagement with a lower notch or other feature of a memory module could occur with an appropriate position and design of levered handle  32 , axis  44 , and notch engager  36 . Rotations of different amounts other than 30 or 45 degrees can be designed for by changes to levered handle  32 , mount  34 , notch engager  36 , and their positions relative to notch  16  and memory module socket  38 . The length or levered moment arm of levered handle  32  may be increased or decreased, changing the leverage efficiency. 
   More than one memory module socket may be used on base board  40 . Each levered handle  32  could engage just one notch on one memory module, or notch engager  36  could have an elongated depth (the direction normal to the plane of  FIG. 5 ) so that notched on two or more memory modules could be engaged simultaneously. 
   Various other enhancements can be made, such as locks, stops, or holding mechanisms for holding levered handle  32  in its various positions. The levered handles could be attached to a base that is attached directly to a memory module socket, without using a base board  40 . 
   Positions such as up, down, etc. are relative and may be interchangeable, such as when the socket is transformed or re-positioned. The levered handle can be made from a variety of materials such as metal or rigid plastic. The notch engager can be integral with the levered handle or attached to the levered handle. 
   Rather than use bar  42  (see  FIG. 5 ), a screw (not shown) horizontally through mount  34  can attach to the side of memory module socket  38  to hold memory module socket  38  and extender card  12  in place on base board  40 . Memory module socket  38  could be mounted to base board  40  or to mount  34  in a variety of other ways, such as by adhesive, clamps, screws or bolts in various locations, etc. The shape and size of opening  46  can vary, such as one or more long rectangles or ovals to closely fit one or more extender cards  12 , or other shapes. 
   Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. When the word “means” is recited in a claim element, Applicant intends for the claim element to fall under 35 USC Sect. 112, paragraph 6. Often a label of one or more words precedes the word “means”. The word or words preceding the word “means” is a label intended to ease referencing of claims elements and is not intended to convey a structural limitation. Such means-plus-function claims are intended to cover not only the structures described herein for performing the function and their structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw have different structures, they are equivalent structures since they both perform the function of fastening. Claims that do not use the word “means” are not intended to fall under 35 USC Sect. 112, paragraph 6. Signals are typically electronic signals, but may be optical signals such as can be carried over a fiber optic line. 
   The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.