Patent Abstract:
An apparatus for extracting and inserting a circuit card into a socket, the apparatus includes a tool device releasably mountable to opposing sides defining the circuit card. The tool device includes a pair of frame members having a friction fit feature for attachment to the opposing side edges defining the circuit card; and a sliding plane translatable between the pair of frame members. Upward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to release latches on the connector to extract the circuit card from the connector upon upward translation of the pair of frame members, and downward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to transfer a force to the circuit card, thereby inserting the circuit card with the connector. The apparatus further includes a tool guide having two members opposing each other, each member including a plurality of slots, each configured to guide a respective edge of the tool device therethrough for alignment with the connector.

Full Description:
TRADEMARKS 
   IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y., U.S.A. Other names used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of International Business Machines Corporation or other companies. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to an apparatus for extracting and inserting a card relative to a surface-mount (SMT) connector, and particularly to an apparatus for extracting and inserting a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) a fixed SMT DIMM socket connector. 
   DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND 
   In computer systems such as personal computers, a socket is referred to as an electrical connector generally mounted on a motherboard (main board) in order to connect extension boards such as extended interface boards for peripheral devices or extended memory boards to the motherboard. The motherboard and extension boards can be electrically connected by plugging the extension boards into the electrical connector. 
   The structure of a common electrical connector will be described here with the example of an electrical connector used to connect an extension memory module (hereinafter, “module”) referred to as a DIMM (dual in-line memory module) as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This module corresponds to the extension board described above. 
   A dual in-line memory module (DIMM) is more and more popular for use in the present PC industry, and thus uses a DIMM socket connector mounted on the motherboard for mechanical and electrical interconnect of the corresponding DIMM therein for signal transmission between the motherboard and the DIMM. A main feature of the typical DIMM connector as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is that the DIMM connector  10  includes generally a pair of latch/eject members  12  disposed at opposite ends of a connector body  14  so that such DIMM may not only be properly retained in the DIMM connector  10  without possibility of inadvertent withdrawal by vibration or external impact, but also easily ejected from the DIMM connector  10  by manual rotational movement of the latch/eject member  12  facilitated by thumb grips  16  disposed on top of the latch/eject member  12 . 
   Conventionally, the modules are inserted into the socket connector by hand. New advances in dual in-line memory modules (DIMM), however, are not as amenable to installation by hand as previous DIMM devices. For example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) modules, such as double date rate (DDR) modules having 184 interface contact positions, are now being replaced with newer modules (e.g., DDRII modules) having 240 interface contact positions. Due to a larger number of pin contacts in a relatively small area in the newer memory modules, larger insertion forces are generated when installing the memory modules into socket connectors on the motherboard. Furthermore, due to limited space and high force requirements to disengage the DIMM surface-mount (SMT) latches, manual insertion and extraction is difficult and inefficient, and often leads to the possibility of damage to both the DIMM cards and SMT joints. The increased insertion force to engage the memory module, as well as the extraction force to disengage the memory module, to and from the connector, respectively, as well as the high force required to disengage the SMT latches, presents several problems which need to be addressed. 
   For example, the applied force to overcome the mechanical resistance of the memory modules insertion into the connector on the motherboard tends to flex or bow the motherboard. Particularly with respect to the increasing use of ball grid array (BGA) technology to mount the modules to the motherboard, deflection of the motherboard as the memory modules are installed tends to fracture the BGA connections and compromise the integrity of the electrical connection between the memory modules and the motherboard. 
   Also, as a user installs such memory modules by hand, and as the user pushes down on the memory modules with a greater force to insert them into the socket connectors, it is difficult to keep the memory module properly aligned with the socket connectors. In particular, unless the insertion force is very carefully applied, the memory module can easily become tilted or angled with respect to the socket connector, which can further frustrate insertion of the memory module into the connector. This may lead the user to apply still more force to the module to attempt to insert the module into the connector, and potentially lead to damage to one or both of the memory module and the connector. 
   Additionally, the larger insertion forces may introduce discomfort and fatigue to the end users who must install and remove them, either of which can lead to improper or incomplete installation of the memory modules. In turn, this can compromise the performance of the computer system and lead to customer dissatisfaction. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a device capable of inserting and extracting a DIMM Memory Card (e.g., single high, double high, quad high) to and from a computer system. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of an apparatus for an apparatus for extracting and inserting a circuit card into a socket, the apparatus includes a tool device releasably mountable to opposing sides defining the circuit card. The tool device includes a pair of frame members having a friction fit feature for attachment to the opposing side edges defining the circuit card; and a sliding plane translatable between the pair of frame members. Upward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to release latches on the connector to extract the circuit card from the connector upon upward translation of the pair of frame members, and downward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to transfer a force to the circuit card, thereby inserting the circuit card with the connector. The apparatus further includes a tool guide having two members opposing each other, each member including a plurality of slots, each configured to guide a respective edge of the tool device therethrough for alignment with the connector. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes: a motherboard; a plurality of electrical connectors surface mounted to the motherboard, each electrical connector including a connector body configured to receive and electrically connect an electrical module; a tool device releasably mountable to opposing sides defining the electrical module. The tool device includes a pair of frame members having a friction fit feature for attachment to the opposing sides defining the electrical module; and a sliding plane translatable between the pair of frame members. Upward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to release latches on the electrical connector to extract the electrical module from the electrical connector upon upward translation of the pair of frame members, and downward translation of the sliding plane relative to the fixed pair of frame members acts to transfer a force to the electrical module, thereby inserting the electrical module with the electrical connector. The system further includes a tool guide having two members opposing each other, each member including a plurality of slots, each configured to guide a respective edge of the tool device therethrough for alignment with the electrical connector. 
   Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a conventional DIMM connector; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an elevation end view of the DIMM connector of  FIG. 1  and another DIMM connector surface mounted to a PCB surface of a motherboard (show module  14 ); 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a DIMM insertion tool assembly and a DIMM connected thereto for insertion with the DIMM connector surface mounted to the motherboard of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of an extraction tool device for use with the DIMM insertion tool assembly of  FIG. 3  rotated 180 degrees and including a pair of opposing frame members having an extraction plane member therebetween in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top plan view of the extraction tool device of  FIG. 4  showing a top frame member removed therefrom in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a lever arm for use in the extraction tool device of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a partial top plan view of the extraction tool device of  FIG. 4  and lever arm of  FIG. 6  installed therewith at an initial starting position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a partial top plan view of the extraction tool device of  FIG. 7  illustrating the lever arm at a final position when the extraction plane is translated upwards in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a partial perspective view of interlocking friction teeth disposed on the pair of opposing frame members of the extraction tool device of  FIG. 5  as a means for containing the DIMM in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate partial perspective views of the opposing frame members having the interlocking friction teeth disposed thereon for frictional engagement with opposing side edges of the DIMM in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 12-14  illustrate top plan views of various exemplary embodiments of configurations of insertion plane members in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
   

   The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, the structure of a common electrical connector will be described here with the example of an electrical connector used to connect an extension memory module (hereinafter, “module”) referred to as a DIMM (dual in-line memory module). This module corresponds to the extension board described above. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , an exemplary embodiment of a DIMM tool assembly will be described in further detail.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a DIMM tool assembly  100  and a DIMM  102  connected thereto for insertion with the DIMM connector body  14  surface mounted to the motherboard  18  of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The DIMM tool assembly  100  includes a tool guide  110  and an insertion/extraction tool device  120 . The insertion/extraction tool device  120  includes a pair of opposing frame members  130  and a sliding plane member  140 / 150 . The sliding plane member is either an insertion plane member  140  ( FIG. 10 ) or an extraction plane member  150 , depending on whether the tool device  120  is being used for insertion or extraction of the DIMM  102 , respectively. 
   The tool guide  110  is referred to as a “node comb” guide configured as a slotted guide feature. The tool guide  110  allows for the mobile memory insertion/extraction tool device  120  to be properly aligned with a respective connector body  14 . By properly aligning the tool device  120  with a corresponding connector, a greater degree of operator accuracy is obtained and the possibility of accidental slipping which could potentially damage multiple memory cards, joints, surrounding hardware, and the print circuit board (e.g., motherboard  18 ), is alleviated. The tool guide  110  may be fixed within the system frame (not shown), be mobile and set into or on the system for servicing and removed or even be stored in a free location within the system frame. 
   While the tool guide  110  is not attached to the actual tool device  120 , it serves as an important locating tool in the insertion process of the DIMM  102  with a respective connector body  14 . In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the tool guide  110  is configured as a comb-like guide which can be varied along with the extraction/insertion tool device  120  to meet the specifications of the application. For example the tool guide  110  may be made in two pieces, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , fixed to a frame or configured as one piece which can be moved. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the tool guide  110  includes two separate members  160  opposing each other. Each member  160  includes a plurality of slots  162 . Each slot  162  is configured to guide a respective edge  164  of the tool device  120  therethrough. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the extraction plane  150  is a sliding extraction plane which is used in extraction applications of the tool assembly  100 . The extraction plane  150  is sandwiched between the two frame members  130  and located using raised circular protrusions  166  (three shown in  FIG. 5 ) extending from at least one of the frame members  130 . The extraction plane  150  is configured with guide slots  168  each of which receiving a corresponding raised circular protrusion  166  therethrough, thus defining a path for the extraction plane  150  to slide along. The raised circular protrusions  166  are sites for fasteners (not shown) in which to couple the opposing frame members  130  together once the extraction plane  150  is slidably disposed therebetween. 
   The sliding of the extraction plane  150  relative to the three protrusions  166  causes a lever arm  170  to rotate, which will be described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5-8 . The lever arm  170  is a removable component in the extraction/insertion tool device  120  in which the lever arm  170  disengages the DIMM  102  from its respective connector body  14 . The lever arm  170  is defined by a top portion  172  and a lower portion  174 . The lower portion  174  includes a gear feature  176  configured to mesh with the thumb grips  16  disposed on top of the latch/eject member  12 . In particular referring to  FIG. 6 , translation of the top portion  172  of the lever arm  170  in a direction indicated by arrow  178  causes the lever arm  170  to rotate about a pivot  180  in a direction indicated by curved arrow  182 . As the lower portion having the gear feature  176  configured as a gear-like toe of the lever arm  170  rotates, the gear feature  176  engages the thumb grips  16  disposed on top of the latch/eject member  12  and disengages the respective latch  12 . 
   The gear-like lower portion  174  of the lever arm  170  having this gear feature  176  interfaces with the memory latch  12 , which holds the DIMM in place with respect to the connector body  14 , and in doing so opens the latch  12  and frees the DIMM for removal. The necessary latch interaction occurs from the rotation of the lever arm  170 , which is initiated by translation of the top portion  172  of the lever arm  170  in the direction of arrow  178 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the lever arm-sliding plane mechanism will be described as the functional part of the insertion/extraction tool device  120 . By applying an upward pressure on the extraction plane  150  indicated by arrow  184  in  FIG. 5 , the top portion  172  of the lever arm  170  is forced inward in the direction of arrow  178  and rotated about pivot  180  in the direction of curved arrow  182 . A finger-like feature or resetting finger  186  extends from each side of the extraction plane  150  to allow for a simple resetting of the tool device  120  by wedging the lever arm  170  back into an initial start position, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
   More specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates the initial starting position as the extraction plane  150  is lifted up the lever arm  170  pivots in the direction of curved arrow  182 . The pivoting of lever arm in the direction of curved arrow  182  is a result of a wider portion  188  of the extraction plane  150  coming into contact with the top portion  172  of the lever arm  170  as the extraction plane is lifted up in the direction of arrow  184 . Each outboard side of the extraction plane  150  is defined by an outer wider portion  188  and an inward resetting finger  186  facing the outer wider portion  188 . The outer wider portion  188  and an inward resetting finger  186  define a cavity  190  which surrounds the top portion  172  of the lever arm  170 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a final position after the extraction plane  150  is lifted up in the direction of arrow  184 . When the extraction plane  150  is returned to the initial position of  FIG. 7 , the resetting finger  186  moves downward causing the pivot arm  170  to rotate in a direction of curved arrow  192 . 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the frame members  130  and extraction plane  150  each have a handle portion  194  and  196 , respectively. The respective handle portions  194  and  196  are offset from one another to allow squeezing together in order to bias the extraction plane  150  in direction of arrow  184 , as will be recognized by one skilled in the pertinent art. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , interlocking friction teeth  194  are used as a means of containing the DIMM  102  within the tool device  120 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a partial perspective view of interlocking friction teeth  194  disposed on the pair of opposing frame members  130  of the extraction tool device  120  of  FIG. 5  as a means for containing the DIMM  102  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate partial perspective views of the opposing frame members  130  having the interlocking friction teeth  194  disposed thereon for frictional engagement with opposing side edges of the DIMM  102  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each frame member  130  has a plurality of the friction teeth  194  arranged along a portion of each opposing inward edge defining an opening in which to receive the DIMM  102 . On extraction, the tool device  120  is located to the card and slid around the DIMM  102  and held onto by the interlocking friction teeth  194 . As soon as the DIMM  102  is released from the system it is already held, supported and protected by this feature of the tool device  120 . This method is particularly useful because it allows for the DIMM  102  to be manually handled as little as possible, and thus, the memory card  102  is protected from being dropped, component damage, etc. The friction teeth  194  are disposed alternately on both sides of the respective frame member  130 , and in doing so, when opposing frame members  130  are assembled, each side supporting the memory card  102  has a complete set of interlocking teeth  194 , which hold the card in place. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 , interchangeable sliding insertion planes  140 ,  240 ,  340 , respectively, are used for the insertion application of the insertion/extraction tool device  120 . The insertion planes  140 ,  240 ,  340  vary in size to account for the different sizes of memory cards  102  being used. By removing the lever arm  170  and replacing the extraction plane  150  with the correct insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340 , the tool device  120  can become an insertion tool. For example, the memory card  102  is placed in the tool device  120  and the tool device  120  is located relative to a corresponding SMT connector  10 . The bottom of the tool frame members  130  move the free latches  12  outward, and by applying force to the insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340  via handle  196  relative to the fixed frame members  130 , the memory card  102  is put in place and is locked when the insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340  stops. At this point, the latches  12  may be locked onto memory card  102 . The insertion planes  140 ,  240 ,  340  are each configured with guide slots  168  to receive a corresponding circular protrusion  166  extending from one of the frame members  130 . 
     FIGS. 12-14  show three different sizes of the interchangeable insertion planes  140 ,  240 ,  340 . By fitting one of them in the same spot as the extraction plane  150  and removal of the lever arm  170 , the side edges of the memory card plane fit inside the interlocking teeth  194  on each frame member  130  and the bottom edge of the insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340  rests on top the memory card to transfer force during plugging. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the tool frame members  130  are created so that each part of the frame  130  is the same. By having an asymmetric design, upon mating of the two frame members  130 , the sides the tool device  120  becomes symmetric and may also have more intricate design features (e.g., interlocking friction teeth  194 ). 
   In sum, by removing the lever arm  170  and replacing the extraction plane  150  with an appropriate insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340 , the tool device  120  can be assembled as an insertion tool. This is accomplished by placing the desired DIMM  102  into the tool device  120 , locating the tool device  120  using the node combs  110  built into the node frame (or temporarily disposed thereat), and engaging the tool device  120  by applying pressure to the insertion plane  140 ,  240 ,  340 . The DIMM  102  can then be locked in place by rotating the latches into a locked position which allows the interlocking friction teeth  194  of the tool device  120  to be pulled from the DIMM  102 . 
   Once the memory card  102  is inserted into the socket  10 , the insertion tool device  120  may be disengaged or removed from the memory card  102 . Alternatively, the insertion tool device  120  may remain coupled to the memory card  102  for future use. The same is true for the tool guide  110 , as discussed above. 
   From the above described exemplary embodiments, the following attributes of the present invention are disclosed. The invention relates to the creation of an apparatus capable of extracting and inserting a DIMM memory card (e.g., single high, double high, or quad high) from a computer system. The apparatus impacts the simple, safe plugging and unplugging of the DIMM memory card without damage to the DIMM or surrounding hardware. 
   In particular, the present disclosure describes an apparatus capable of releasing DIMM SMT latches. By releasing the DIMM SMT latches, the DIMM memory card is released from the SMT connector and supported by the tool frame of the apparatus for removal from the system. This is accomplished by a squeezing action between a top handle portion of the tool frame and a handle portion of the sliding extraction plane, which is in operable communication with a lever arm causing the lever arm to rotate. Rotation of the lever arm, which is in operable communication with a corresponding SMT latch in turn, disengages the SMT latches. 
   Replacing and removing features of the apparatus allows it to be converted into an insertion tool. In this insertion application, the DIMM memory card is held within the tool frame and upon location of the SMT joint, with or without the aid of a guide feature of the apparatus, can be engaged in the system. 
   The apparatus described in the above exemplary embodiments accurately locates, disengages and supports the DIMM memory card, or other similar expensive hardware, upon insertion and extraction, as well as locates and engages an SMT connector and latches thereof upon insertion of the tool frame, thus eliminating problems associated with the plugging and unplugging of this expensive hardware. In addition to making insertion and extraction of the DIMM memory card more efficient, the present invention provides for a more ergonomic apparatus for operators. 
   While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8