Patent Publication Number: US-6981886-B1

Title: Sliding levered handles engaging and pushing memory modules into extender-card socket

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of the co-pending application for “PC-MotherBoard Test Socket with Levered Handles Engaging and Pushing Memory Modules into Extender-Card Socket and Actuating Ejectors for Removal”, U.S. Ser. No. 10/905,276, filed Dec. 23, 2004. 

   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. 
   The parent application disclosed a memory module extender socket with levered handles that engaged the notches of a memory module to apply an insertion force onto the memory module. Further development by the inventors has produced a slidable handle. 

   
     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–C  illustrate operation of a sliding 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 sliding levered handle for aiding insertion of memory modules. 
       FIGS. 6A–B  show operation of the sliding levered handle on a test adapter board. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a motherboard tester with the test adaptor board with sliding levered handles to ease insertion of memory modules. 
       FIGS. 8A–B  show an alternate embodiment of the sliding levered handles that slide in a perpendicular direction. 
       FIG. 9  shows rotation of the levered handle during insertion of a memory module. 
       FIG. 10  is another embodiment with a different rotating stop. 
   

   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 parent application disclosed using leverage 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. 
   The inventors have further realized that the pivot of the levered handles may be a slidable pivot rather than a fixed pivot. The levered handle may slide along the pivot point, further aiding engagement of the notch engager with the notch on the memory module. In particular, the levered handle may slide along the pivot as the user inserts the notch engager into or out of the notch. The levered handle then pivots about the pivot axis without sliding to apply the insertion force. 
     FIGS. 4A–C  illustrate operation of a sliding 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. 
   Mount  34  is fixed relative to memory module socket  38  and has pivot axis  44  which is also fixed relative to mount  34 . However, levered handle  32  has an elongated slot that fits over pivot axis  44 , allowing levered handle  32  to slide along pivot axis  44 . 
   In  FIG. 4A , levered handle  32  has been pulled out, away from memory module  10 , and has slid along pivot axis  44  so that levered handle  32  is in the fully opened position. 
   Notch engager  36  is formed on levered handle  32  and is initially slid away from memory module  10  being inserted into memory module socket  38 . During insertion, memory module  10  is pushed into memory module socket  38  by a user so that notch  16  on memory module  10  is opposite notch engager  36  and at about the same level. As shown in  FIG. 4A , memory module  10  has not yet be inserted this far. 
   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 slid inward along pivot axis  44 . If notch  16  on memory module  10  is too high relative to notch engager  36 , then the user can push memory module  10  farther down into memory module socket  38  until notch  16  aligns with notch engager  36 . 
   The handle side of levered handle  32 , opposite from notch engager  36 , can be longer or heavier so that the handle side of levered handle  32  naturally rests on a flat landing portion of handle aligner  35 , which is part of mount  34 . Thus the position of levered handle  32  shown in  FIG. 4A  is known as the rest position. 
   In  FIG. 4B , levered handle  32  is slid toward memory module  10  by the user. The elongated slot on levered handle  32  allows levered handle  32  to slide along pivot axis  44 . Notch engager  36  fits into notch  16  on memory module  10  as levered handle  32  is slid inward toward memory module  10 . 
   In  FIG. 4C , levered handle  32  is pivoted upward 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 , on the opposite side of the fulcrum of pivot axis  44 , to be moved downward. 
   The bottom of notch engager  36  begins to push against the bottom of notch  16  as levered handle  32  is lifted. As levered handle  32  is rotated further, memory module  10  is forced downward, farther into memory module socket  38 . 
   After levered handle  32  has been rotated the full amount, 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 may appear to be small, as shown by comparing the locations of memory module  10  in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , 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 sliding levered handle for aiding insertion of memory modules. 
   Levered handle  32 , shown in its open position, is slid along pivot axis  44  toward memory module  10 , 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 . As levered handle  32  is lifted upward by a user to rotate about pivot axis  44  on mount  34 , 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 slidable 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  and handle aligner  35  are 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 . 
   A bar or protrusion extending from handle aligner  35  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 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, sliding along pivot axis  44  causing notch engager  36  to engage notch  16 . As levered handle  32  is rotated around pivot axis  44 , notch engager  36  applies downward force on memory module  10 , forcing it into memory module socket  38 . In  FIG. 6A  memory module  10  is fully inserted. 
   During ejection,  FIG. 6B , the user pushes down on the end of levered handle  32 , causing it to rotate about pivot axis  44 . Notch engager  36  pulls upward on notch  16 . As levered handle  32  is pushed downward, notch engager  36  applies an upward force on the bottom edge of notch  16  on memory module  10 . Memory module  10  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 user then slides levered handle  32  outward along pivot axis  44  to disengage notch engager  36  from notch  16 . Memory module  10  can then be fully removed by the user. 
   Levered handle  32 , which applies an insertion force through notch engager  36 , reduces the force the user applies to memory module  10 . This can reduce the possibility of injuries to the user, such as repetitive-stress injuries. 
   Sliding levered handle  32  along pivot axis  44  allows notch engager  36  to be better and more fully and securely inserted into notch  16 . The better fit of notch engager  36  into notch  16  prevents levered handle  32  from dislodging or disengaging from memory module  10  as levered handle  32  is rotated around pivot axis  44 . This results in more reliable operation. Subsequently, a single levered handle  32  can be used for both insertion and ejection of memory module  10 . 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a motherboard tester with the test adaptor board with sliding 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. 
   The elongated slot on levered handle  32  that fits over pivot axis  44  may be hidden by the sides of mount  34  as shown when mount  34  surrounds pivot axis  44  and levered handle  32  on the sides. 
   Ribs  72  may be formed on base board  40 . Ribs  72  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. 
     FIGS. 8A–B  show an alternate embodiment of the sliding levered handles that slide in a perpendicular direction. Rather than sliding the levered handle horizontally toward the memory module, the sliding motion may be in other directions. In this embodiment, the levered handle is slid in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the memory module to engage the notch. 
     FIG. 8A  is an overhead view with memory module  10  edge-on as it is being inserted into memory module socket  38 . Levered handle  50  is not in the same plane as memory module  10  but is offset. Levered handle  50  pivots about pivot axis  44 , which is a rod attached to mount  58 . 
   Levered handle  50  can slide along pivot axis  44  as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 8A . Sliding ring  56  is fixedly attached to levered handle  50  but slides along pivot axis  44 . Levered handle  50  can slid along pivot axis  44  to open position  62 , and to engaged position  60 . Portions of mount  58  act as stoppers  52 , restricting movement past positions  60 ,  62  by limiting movement of sliding ring  56 . 
   When levered handle  50  is in open position  62 , conical notch engager  64  is outside of notch  16 . As levered handle  50  is slid along pivot axis  44  to engaged position  60 , conical notch engager  64  slides into notch  16  to engage the memory module notch. 
     FIG. 8B  is a front view. Conical notch engager  64  is engaged with notch  16  of memory module  10 . Levered handle  50  rotates around pivot axis  44  along with sliding ring  56 . Rotating stop  68  is a protrusion of sliding ring  56  on levered handle  50  that is stopped by base stop  70 , which stops excess rotation of levered handle  50  once memory module  10  has been lifted out of memory module socket  38 . 
     FIG. 9  shows rotation of the levered handle during insertion of a memory module. Levered handle  50  is fixed to sliding ring  56  which are slid toward the plane of the drawing page to engage conical notch engager  64  into notch  16  of memory module  10 . The user then pulls upward on the end of levered handle  50  in position  50 ′, causing it and sliding ring  56  to rotate about pivot axis  44 . This rotation upward on the handle end of levered handle  50  causes a downward force on the opposite end of the fulcrum, pivot axis  44 . This downward force is applied to conical notch engager  64  by levered handle  50  and thru conical notch engager  64  to notch  16 , causing memory module  10  to be pushed downward into memory module socket  38 . 
   In the initial position  50 ′, rotating stop  68  touches a step in base stop  70 , which holds levered handle  50  in the initial position as the user first aligns and partially inserts memory module  10  into memory module socket  38 . For removal of memory module  10 , the user pushes downward on the end of levered handle  50 , causing an upward force to be applied by conical notch engager  64  on notch  16 , ejecting memory module  10  slightly from memory module socket  38 . Further rotation of levered handle  50  can be stopped by rotating stop  68  contacting base stop  70 . 
     FIG. 10  is another embodiment with a different rotating stop. The exact location of rotating stop  68  may be shifted to a variety of locations, such as the example shown in  FIG. 10 . The location of the step on base stop  70  can be adjusted so that a desired amount of rotation of levered handle  50  occurs before being stopped. Base stop  70  can be a part of mount  58 . 
   ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS 
   Several other embodiments are contemplated by the inventors. For example mount  58  and base stop  70  may be molded together or may be separate and can have a variety of shapes and forms. 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  or conical notch engager  64  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 such as 10, 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  or  50  may be increased or decreased, changing the leverage efficiency. 
   Rotating stop  68  and base stop  70  may not be necessary in some embodiments. Levered handle  50  may remain in the initial open position without a stop. The initial, open position of levered handle  50  may not be exactly aligned with notch  16 , but may be at an angle, such as a slight upward angle, increasing the rotational movement during insertion. The angle to notch  16  may be allowed to vary, allowing the user to partially insert memory module  10  into memory module socket  38  by varying amounts. 
   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 notches on two or more memory modules could be engaged simultaneously. Several levered handles  32  could also be ganged together so that multiple memory modules are acted upon at the same time. 
   Various other enhancements can be made, such as locks, stops, bumps, ridges, 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 . The levered handles have application in non-tenting environments as well, such as on consumer PC motherboards. 
   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 and other components can be integral with the levered handle or attached to the levered handle. 
   A bar portion of handle aligner  35  (see  FIG. 5 ) may be used to hold down memory module socket  38 , or 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  or on a motherboard. 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. 
   The handle aligner could have many shapes and forms and could be deleted. The handle aligner may be separate from mount  34  or may be a part of mount  34  or mount  58 . Various ridges, stops, grooves, etc. could perform the function of stopping movement of levered handle  32  or  50  when the memory module is fully inserted, or of holding levered handle  32  or  50  in the open position or in some other position. Sliding ring  56  may be part of levered handle  50  and may have shapes other than ring shapes. Sliding ring  56  may simply be a center portion of levered handle  50  around a hold for the pivot axis. 
   An ejector foot may be added as described in the parent application. The ejector foot may be pushed downward by the bottom edge of memory module  10  when fully inserted, causing the ejector arm to be in the upright position shown in  FIG. 6A  of the parent application. The ejector foot and ejector arm are on opposite sides of an ejector pivot, which can be an axis such as a bolt, as can axis  44  of levered handle  32 . 
   The ejector could be pushed by levered handle  32  or could be attached to levered handle  32 . Conical notch engager  64  could have shapes other than conical, such as being a cylinder, a semi-sphere, or a point. The conical shape may be only part of a full cone, such as half of a cone. A rod may be used for pivot axis  44 , or some other shape may be used. 
   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.