Patent Description:
Robotic assembly systems assemble computer systems and other devices. One of the expensive elements in assembly are the modules, such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) inserted into sockets on the board. A module inserted incorrectly can damage the module and the socket, which can render the entire board unusable, and is an expensive error considering that there are typically <NUM> to <NUM> sockets per board, and damaging any one of those sockets can scrap the entire board. Module insertion needs high accuracy which accounts for real world variation in pitch, yaw, and rotation of the part on the board. Incorrect or incomplete insertion of modules can cause defects and rework for manufacturers. And most insidiously, it may lead to board-level failures long after the board has passed testing at the manufacturer, and has entered its service life in an end-customer product or data center rack.

<CIT> discloses a device that has a linear motion drive unit for linearly driving a base portion along a fitting direction of one member and the other member, a rotary drive unit for rotationally driving the base portion about a center axis line, a movable portion provided to the base portion movably along the fitting direction, a member holding unit provided to the movable portion for releasably holding the one member, an elastic unit for applying elastic force between the base portion and the movable portion.

<CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for automatically assembling an optical device. Prealigned optical modules are mounted by a pick and place machine onto a fixed reference.

<CIT> discloses a DIMM extraction tool for extracting a DIMM from a DIMM socket. Exemplary embodiments of the DIMM extraction tool include a frame adapted for use as an air baffle within the DIMM socket, a first arm and a second arm pivotably connected to the frame. When the first arm and second arm are in a resting position, the first and second arm respectively engage a first resting detent and a second resting detent to prevent pivotable rotation of the first arm and second arm in exemplary embodiments of the DIMM extraction tool. When the first arm and second arm are in a working position, the first arm and second arm respectively are adapted to releasably engage the DIMM and bias resilient latching arm of the DIMM socket.

<CIT> discloses a component mounting device mounting a component on a substrate comprises a pair of opening/closing members opening and closing, and a plurality of adapters detachably attached to the opening/closing members. The adapters are attached to the opening/closing members depending on the component to be mounted so as to clamp the component by using the adapters.

<CIT> discloses an automatic assembling system, comprising: a robot performing an operation of inserting a first member into a second member; a force sensor for detecting an insertion force exerted on the first member by the robot; and a controller for controlling the insertion force with a closed-loop feedback control.

In order to improve the accuracy of module insertion, the present invention provides an insertion system and a method as defined in the appended claims <NUM> and <NUM> respectively.

A two-stage insertion system for inserting modules, such as DIMM modules, into a socket is described. The two-stage insertion system provides a first insertion stage which tests the accuracy of the alignment of the module with the socket, and a second insertion stage which provides the force to fully seat the module in the socket once the alignment is validated. In this way, the system ensures that sockets and modules remain undamaged by the insertion. The insertion system in one embodiment includes a compliance element which provides flexibility enabling the module to shift slightly to accommodate positioning disparities during insertion.

While the inserted modules may be any kind of module inserted into a socket, in one embodiment, the modules are DIMMs (dual in-line memory modules). Thus, in the description below the system may be referred to as a DIMM insertion system. It should be understood that although the term "DIMM" is used, the insertion system may be used to insert any kind of module into an appropriate socket during assembly.

The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, showing by way of illustration specific embodiments of practicing the invention. Description of these embodiments is in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. One skilled in the art understands that other embodiments may be utilized, and that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

<FIG> an overview block diagram of one embodiment of a insertion system. The insertion system <NUM> includes a gripper <NUM> to grip the module, and a two-stage insertion system including first stage insertion control <NUM> and second stage insertion control <NUM>. The system further includes a compliance element <NUM> which provides flexibility enabling the module to shift slightly to accommodate positioning disparities during insertion. The compliance element provides for small movements in the X, Y, and theta θ. This enables the system to adjust for small imperfections in the positioning of sockets, or shapes of the module.

The first stage insertion control <NUM> performs the first stage of insertion, lowering the gripper until the module is engaged with the socket. However, the first stage insertion control <NUM> does not push the module strongly enough to damage either the module or the socket, if there is a misalignment. The alignment is verified at the first stage of insertion, in one embodiment via a sensor, and if the alignment is correct, the second stage insertion control <NUM> provides the stronger insertion force to properly seat the module in the socket. If at the first stage of insertion control <NUM> the system determines that there is a misalignment, the gripper <NUM> is lifted. In one embodiment, an alert may be sounded, when a misalignment is detected. In one embodiment, the system may re-attempt insertion one or more times.

If the first stage insertion control <NUM> fails one (or multiple) attempts, the module and/or socket is deemed to be defective. In one embodiment, the system may send an alert.

<FIG> is an overview flowchart of one embodiment of an insertion system. The process starts at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the system picks up the module for insertion from a tray, conveyor, or other mechanism which positions the modules in proximity to the system.

At block <NUM>, the gripper is moved over the socket for the module.

At block <NUM>, the insertion is started, by lowering the gripper to start the insertion. In one embodiment the socket has a chamfer. As the module is lowered into the socket, the compliance element permits small movements, which allow the module to correctly seat into the chamfer and thus the socket.

The gripper is lowered to the first stage, and alignment is verified, at block <NUM>. Alignment at this stage may be verified by determining if any displacement or force is found. This may be done by using spring(s) with calibrated positional sensor(s), using a calibrated load cell, or other methods. If the module is correctly seated in the socket, no displacement is detected or the amount of force needed is low, whereas if the module is incorrectly positioned, a considerable amount of displacement or force is detected. The displacement is the result of the mis-alignment spring stage not moving in z while the rest of the system "over travels" in z, leading to a relative motion, constrained in z.

At block <NUM>, the process determines whether the alignment is accurate. In one embodiment, this is done by measuring the amount of force exerted. This may be done by using spring(s) with calibrated positional sensor(s), using a calibrated load cell, or other methods. If the alignment is accurate, at block <NUM> the second insertion stage is activated, lowering the module into the socket with sufficient force to complete insertion into the socket. In one embodiment, the second stage insertion uses a rocker to apply the force centrally to the module. This reduces the risk of deformation due to the insertion process, and ensures that the module is correctly aligned to the socket. The process then ends at block <NUM>. If the alignment is not accurate, at block <NUM>, the process continues to block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, in one embodiment, the process determines whether to reattempt the insertion. In some cases, the misalignment may be the result of an incorrect grip, or an error in the approach. In one embodiment, to re-attempt insertion the gripper returns to a neutral position at block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the gripper may re-grip the module as well. The process then returns to block <NUM>, or optionally <NUM>, to restart the process.

If the process is not reattempting, or after a number of re-attempts, at block <NUM> the system alerts to a misalignment issue. In one embodiment, in addition to, or in place of, alerting, the system may attempt to insert a new module into the same socket. This ensures that the error is in the socket rather than the module In one embodiment, the system may attempt multiple modules before identifying a socket as being the issue. The process then ends at block <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of one embodiment of a first configuration of a module insertion system. The module insertion system <NUM> is one embodiment of the insertion system of <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the module insertion system <NUM> includes a universal picker <NUM> which picks up a module from a native tray <NUM>. In one embodiment, this is a standard tray on which modules are generally brought to an insertion system. Alternatively, the universal picker <NUM> may pick up a module from any other source location. In one embodiment, the universal picker <NUM> is a parallel gripper such as the MPG-plus25 from SCHUNK™, which is attached via a rotary actuator such as the MDSUB1-90D-S9PSAPC from SMC, so that the universal picker <NUM> can rotate into any position to pick up the module from any native supplier tray or other source. In one embodiment, the universal picker <NUM> rotates out of the way to prevent interference on the board/socket/ main part assembly, and after the picker places the module in a registration fixture <NUM>.

The universal picker <NUM>, in one embodiment, puts the module before a scanner <NUM>. The scanner <NUM> scans a QR code, UPC code, or other registration code on the module. This enables tracking each module that is inserted. It also enables verification that the module is the appropriate one for the socket configuration.

The universal picker <NUM> places the module in a registration fixture <NUM>. The registration fixture <NUM> in one embodiment is shaped to accept the module in almost any alignment. The registration fixture <NUM> then closes, creating a perfectly aligned module, for pickup by the gripper <NUM>. In one embodiment, the registration fixture utilizes a WSG <NUM>-<NUM>-B servo gripper from SCHUNK™, and v-groove centering blocks for precise alignment.

The gripper <NUM> picks up the module from the registration fixture <NUM>.

The gripper <NUM> is used to insert the module into a socket. In one embodiment, a camera <NUM> is mounted at the end of the arm. The camera <NUM> is used to determine location of the PCB fiducial(s). Once the fiducial(s) are found, in one embodiment, the position points of insertion are transposed to overlay the actual board. This permits overcoming positional variations in X, Y, and theta from part to part.

In one embodiment, the system further includes locating fingers <NUM>, which align the gripper <NUM> with the socket. In one embodiment, the locating fingers <NUM> are lowered prior to lowering of the gripper. Once the locating fingers are aligned with the socket, ensuring that the gripper is correctly positioned, the gripper is lowered to the first stage.

In one embodiment, a floating double disk <NUM> provides compliance so that the gripper (and thus the module) can move freely to ensure that the insertion is successful. In one embodiment, the compliance element is an XY compensator from SCHUNK™, such as the AGE-XY-<NUM>. In one embodiment, the floating double disk compliance element <NUM> provides XY compensation of +/- <NUM> and rotary compensation of +/- <NUM> degrees. In one embodiment, the compensation is frictionless, and the system has an automatic re-centering.

In one embodiment, interference test uses a spring-loaded trigger <NUM> and camera/sensor <NUM> to determine, at a first stage of insertion, whether the module is correctly aligned. At the first insertion level (e.g. with a pre-determined lowering of the gripper, to insert the module into the socket) the spring-loaded trigger is evaluated by the camera/sensor <NUM>. If the spring-loaded trigger <NUM> indicates that the level of force on the module is too high, a misalignment is identified. In one embodiment, the spring includes a flag which is detected by the camera/sensor if the compression is above a threshold.

If the level of force (e.g. the compression of spring <NUM>) is appropriate, the module is identified as correctly aligned, the insertion is completed. This is done by applying a higher level of force to seat the module in the socket and close the latches. In one embodiment, the higher level of force is applied centrally to the module, via a central insertion element. In one embodiment, a sensor is mounted in-line with the second stage spring system and pre-calibrated by tightening to position on a slot to a threshold force required for the installation of the module.

In one embodiment, the module insertion system is part of a robotic assembly system, and is able to complete a module insertion, from pickup to latch-closed and insertion completed. Module insertion speed is correlated to the downward movement of the robot or actuator in the z-axis. The insertion speed is tuned by mitigating impulse forces due to friction. There is also a supplier recommended speed of inserting modules which act as guidelines for manufacturing. The overall time it takes for insertion is also based on the location of the elements and acceleration and deceleration of the robot and its payload. In one embodiment, with a unitary system as shown, the process is about <NUM>-<NUM> seconds per cycle. In one embodiment, the system may utilize a dual arm system, in which a universal picker places the module into the registration gripper while a separate arm including the gripper inserts the previously registered module into the socket, reducing the cycle time to <NUM>-<NUM> seconds.

<FIG> is a flowchart of one embodiment of using the first configuration of the module insertion system to insert an exemplary DIMM module. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, are illustrations of one embodiment of the first configuration of the module insertion system.

At block <NUM>, the universal picker is used to take the DIMM out of the tray or other mechanism which brings DIMM modules to the system.

At block <NUM>, in one embodiment, the DIMM is scanned for accuracy. In one embodiment, DIMM modules include a UPC code or other scannable code, which identifies the module. In one embodiment, the scanned data is provided to a computer system which verifies the identity of the DIMM module, and that it matches the board being assembled. If there is a mismatch in the scan, in one embodiment, an alert is sounded.

At block <NUM>, the universal picker places the DIMM in the alignment fixture. The alignment fixture is open, which enables it to accept a DIMM regardless of its orientation and physical position.

At block <NUM>, the alignment fixture is closed. As noted above, the alignment fixture is closed by moving the ends and sides toward the DIMM module, into a configuration which closely holds the DIMM module. Once the alignment fixture is closed, the DIMM module's position is fixed.

Thus, at block <NUM>, the gripper picks up the DIMM from the alignment fixture. This establishes the Z position for the gripper.

At block <NUM>, the robot arm is moved over the DIMM socket.

At block <NUM>, the alignment fingers are lowered, to engage with the edges of the socket, in one embodiment. The alignment fingers are used, in one embodiment, to identify the edges of the socket, and to position the gripper appropriately to insert the DIMM into the socket. During this alignment, the floating disk compliance element enables the gripper to shift to adjust the position to alignment, at block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the grip assembly is lowered to the interference point. The interference point is the point the DIMM would be interfering with the edge of the socket if it were misaligned, but would be experiencing almost no pressure if it were properly aligned.

At block <NUM> the process determines whether the upward pressure on the gripper is above a threshold. In one embodiment, this is determined using a spring having a marking showing the level of compression. When the marking flag is showing, the pressure is above a threshold (the spring has been compressed by a certain amount). Other ways of determining the level of pressure may be used.

If the pressure is not above the threshold, at block <NUM> the second stage is engaged and stronger pressure is applied to fully seat the DIMM in the socket, and close the socket. In one embodiment, the pressure applied during this second stage is also monitored using the spring, with a second marking, to verify that the pressure applied is sufficient to fully seat the DIMM module. The process then ends at <NUM>.

If the pressure is above the threshold at the interference point, as determined at block <NUM>, at block <NUM> in one embodiment an alert to the alignment error or latched closed state is sent. In another embodiment, the system may attempt to re-insert. In one embodiment, the process returns to block <NUM>, restarting the insertion process by placing the DIMM in the alignment structure for the reinsertion. In another embodiment, the process returns to block <NUM> for the DIMM reinsertion, placing the gripper over the socket.

<FIG> are a diagram of one embodiment of the module insertion system. <FIG> shows a front view of one embodiment of the module insertion system, showing a DIMM in the gripper <NUM>. The module insertion system <NUM> includes alignment finger actuators <NUM> which raise and lower the alignment fingers <NUM>. The insertion spring stage <NUM> controls the full insertion, after the misalignment spring stage <NUM> indicates that the module is correctly aligned. An adjustable travel force photo sensor is used to sense the insertion distance.

<FIG> shows a side view of one embodiment of the module insertion system. The pneumatic regulators <NUM> are shown, as is the alignment compensator <NUM>. The universal picker <NUM> and the universal picker rotary actuator <NUM> which enables the universal picker <NUM> to pick up the board regardless of its configuration is also illustrated.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a top view of the module insertion system. The camera <NUM> and lighting <NUM> are shown.

<FIG> and <FIG> are an exploded diagram of one embodiment of the module insertion system. The robot end of arm attachment <NUM> attaches this mechanism to a robotic assembly system. In one embodiment, the system includes a return to center floating coupler <NUM> which provides the movement to adjust the positioning of the gripper, discussed above. Position flags <NUM> are observed by the adjustable opto-sensors <NUM> when the pressure is at a calibrated point. In one embodiment, that calibrated point is <NUM> pounds (about <NUM> newtons) of pressure.

The alignment fingers <NUM> are moved by pneumatic cylinders <NUM> to provide alignment of the system to a socket, as described above. Gripper <NUM> in one embodiment has interchangeable finger tips <NUM>, enabling the gripper <NUM> to grip boards of various thicknesses and sizes.

<FIG> is a block diagram of one embodiment of a second configuration of a module insertion system. The module insertion system <NUM> takes a module from a tray <NUM>, and inserts it into a socket (not shown). In one embodiment, the module is scanned prior to insertion for verification.

In one embodiment, the module insertion system <NUM> includes a vision interface <NUM>. The vision interface <NUM> is a removable camera, in one embodiment, used to verify the positioning of the socket. In one embodiment, this is done based on the fiducials on the board. The output of the vision interface <NUM> is sent to the computer system <NUM> for analysis, in one embodiment.

A load cell <NUM> is used to provide force measurements, to indicate insertion force. The load cell <NUM> output is used to determine whether the module is correctly aligned, after the module has engaged with the socket but prior to exerting a level of force that would damage the board. The load cell in one embodiment outputs a force measurement to a computer system <NUM>. The load cell <NUM> is used to ensure that the module for insertion is properly aligned. The load cell <NUM> measures the force, as the module slides into the socket, and the force when the insertion is completed. The load cell <NUM> output is used by the computer system to determine whether the module is misaligned or there is another issue. If the sensor value goes above the amount of force needed to slide the module into the slot, at a first stage, something in the system is misaligned.

In one embodiment, a floating mechanism <NUM> provides compliance enabling small shifts in the position of the module relative to the socket, to enable insertion. The gripper <NUM> is coupled to the floating mechanism so that it can shift providing the compliance.

<FIG> illustrate one embodiment of the floating mechanism used. In one embodiment, the movement side-to-side of the center metal element, and the movement end-to-end of the frame elements provides compliance. In one embodiment, the floating mechanism <NUM> is made from a material with a relatively high ultimate strength to elastic modulus ratio. In one embodiment, the material is a metal. In one embodiment, the metal is a half-hard to fully hardened aluminum alloy, or another material that is used for flexure. In one embodiment, the material is the <NUM> series aluminum alloy preferably in its half-hard to fully hardened temper, for example T4 to T6 condition. In one embodiment, the length and thickness of the floating mechanism <NUM> is designed to provide stability and approximately +/- <NUM> of movement side to side, and front to back.

The gripper in one embodiment is a parallel gripper to pick and place the module. In one embodiment, the XYZ gripper from FESTO Corporation™ is used.

In one embodiment, a socket latch opener <NUM> is attached to the system. In one embodiment, when the gripper is above the socket, the socket latch opener <NUM> is lowered to automatically open the socket prior to the module insertion. This enables elimination of separate latch opening process. In one embodiment, latch opener are rigid arms shaped to engaged with the socket latch. <FIG> illustrates one embodiment of the socket latch opener <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate another embodiment of the socket latch opener.

<FIG> is a flowchart of one embodiment of using the second configuration of the module insertion system. The process starts at block <NUM>. In one embodiment, the module inserted is a DIMM module. At block <NUM>, the gripper is used to pick up the DIMM out of a tray. In one embodiment, at block <NUM>, the DIMM is scanned for accuracy.

At block <NUM>, the robot arm is moved over the DIMM socket. At block <NUM>, the socket latch opener is lowered, to engage with the DIMM socket latch, and open it (if it is closed). In one embodiment, a separate motor lowers the socket latch opener.

At block <NUM>, the floating mechanism allows small movements, as the DIMM is lowered into the socket. The chamfer at the edge of the socket allows the system to self-align with the floating mechanism providing the movement flexibility.

At block <NUM>, the system lowers the gripper including the DIMM board to a first distance and verifies the force curve. The force curve is the force exerted on the gripper (via DIMM board) over time. The force curve has a predictable level, as the gripper is lowered to insert the DIMM into the socket. There may be minor variations in force levels detected due to the impact with the chamfer portion of the socket, and/or other variations. However, a properly inserted DIMM board in a socket remains below a threshold.

At block <NUM>, the process determines whether the force curve observed matches the expected curve for an aligned DIMM module. If the DIMM module/socket is misaligned, or the latch is closed, the force detected would be higher than a threshold, which is the maximum force a DIMM that is aligning correctly may experience. In one embodiment, the maximum force exerted in this stage of insertion is below the force that would damage the DIMM board or the socket. Thus, even if the DIMM is misaligned, there should not be any damage. If the force curve matches the expected force curve, and is not above the threshold, at block <NUM> the stronger pressure is applied to complete the insertion. The insertion completion closes the latch. The process then ends at block <NUM>.

If the curve does not match, indicating that the latch is not open, the DIMM and/or socket are misaligned, or there is another issue that makes the completion of insertion unavailable, the process continues to block <NUM>. At block <NUM> the process in one embodiment alerts to the error. As noted above, in one embodiment, the system may reattempt the insertion prior to sending an alert. In one embodiment, instead of sending an alert, if multiple re-attempts fail, the DIMM board and/or the socket is deemed damaged, and skipped. The process then ends, at block <NUM>. Although this process shows only one DIMM insertion, in a real-world system such DIMM insertion processes would occur in rapid succession.

<FIG> are illustrations of one embodiment of the second configuration of the module insertion system. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the system.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the module inserter, with a socket latch opener. This example illustrates a DIMM inserter. The module inserter <NUM> is holding a DIMM module <NUM>. The module inserter includes two latch openers <NUM>, on either side of the module. The latch openers <NUM> are designed to engage with the latches <NUM> of the socket <NUM>. A standard DIMM socket <NUM> includes two latches, which must be opened to insert the DIMM module, and which automatically close when the DIMM module <NUM> is fully seated in the socket <NUM>. As can be seen in this example, the DIMM module <NUM> is above the socket, and not yet engaged with the socket. The latch opener <NUM> is designed to be lowered, to open the latches <NUM> before the DIMM module <NUM> engages with the socket <NUM>, in one embodiment. The latch opener <NUM>, in one embodiment, is attached to the DIMM inserter <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The latch opener <NUM> in one embodiment is lowered, and rotates outward as it engages with an opens the latch. <FIG> illustrates this process.

<FIG> illustrate the latch opener of <FIG>, as it approaches, engages, and fully opens the latch. <FIG> illustrates the latch opener at the approach. The hook or catch portion of the latch opener is designed to engage with the latch, regardless of the exact angle of approach and regardless of small shifts in position between the latch opener and the latch. Once the latch opener hooks on to the latch, as can be seen in <FIG>, the latch opener is lowered and that motion opens the latch fully, as can be seen in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the latch opener freely pivots around a hinge, as the latch opener is lowered, so the movement of the latch opening system is downward. This enables a simple mechanism for the latch opener, while still providing accurate and rapid latch opening. The shape of the latch opener head, with a catch to engage the latch ridges, enables the latch opener to remain in contact with the latch as it rotates to the open position. In one embodiment, the latch opener head has a cusp that is sufficiently relieved to enable the full rotation of the latch opener, without getting stuck on the latch. In one embodiment, the full rotation may be <NUM>-<NUM> degrees as shown.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of a rocker for providing central insertion force for the second stage insertion of the module. Module inserter <NUM> includes gripper <NUM>, to grip DIMM module <NUM> for insertion into a socket <NUM>. In one embodiment, the module inserter <NUM> includes a rocker <NUM>, to provide downward force on the DIMM module <NUM>, for insertion. This moves the insertion force from the edge of the DIMM module <NUM> by grippers <NUM> to the center of the DIMM module <NUM> by the rocker.

The rocker <NUM> in one embodiment is attached moveably, so that it can rotate around a center axis, and move forward and backward. The rocker <NUM> in one embodiment, has a V-shaped groove, shaped to enable the rocker to securely push the module. These two movements enable the rocker <NUM> to align with the DIMM module <NUM>, even if the DIMM module is being held unevenly.

In the illustration of <FIG>, the DIMM module <NUM> is being held by the grippers at a slight angle. This can be seen from the interface between the grippers <NUM> and the module <NUM>, as well as the fact that one corner of the module <NUM> touches the socket <NUM>, while the other one does not.

<FIG> is an illustration of the rocker of <FIG> when the DIMM is misaligned, but the DIMM module is partially in the socket. As can be seen, the DIMM module <NUM> remains misaligned, with one side of the module nearly fully seated, while the other side is higher. The rocker <NUM> is fully engaging with the DIMM module. However, as can be seen, the grippers <NUM> have partially released the DIMM module, which is now being supported by the socket, and held in place by the rocker. The socket <NUM> has the outer projected flange, which aligns the module <NUM>, and a long central groove with spring contacts that engage each trace on the module <NUM> once it is fully inserted. Therefore, misalignment at the time the module <NUM> initially contacts the socket <NUM> can be corrected, but if the module <NUM> remains misaligned, it cannot make correct contact.

Therefore, after initial contact with the socket <NUM>, the grippers <NUM> partially release, and the rocker <NUM> is able to slide along the top edge of the module <NUM> and maintain the same angle as the module as the module aligns to the socket. The module <NUM> aligns to the socket <NUM> from the moment applied to it by the top edge of the flange of the socket <NUM> during insertion.

<FIG> is an illustration of the rocker of <FIG> after the DIMM is aligned by the rocker. The DIMM module <NUM> is now correctly seated in the socket, but has not yet been re-gripped by the grippers, or pushed down to close the latches <NUM>. Due to the release of the gripper, and the alignment by the socket and the rocker, the gripper <NUM> is now correctly holding the DIMM module <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of the rocker of <FIG> after the DIMM is fully inserted. Once the DIMM module <NUM> is positioned in the socket <NUM>, the rocker is used to push down the DIMM module <NUM> to fully seat it, and close the latches <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A insertion system (<NUM>) comprising:
a gripper (<NUM>) to grip a module;
a compliance element (<NUM>) to provide movement along an XY axis and (theta) rotation;
alignment fingers (<NUM>) to align the gripper to a socket, prior to a first stage insertion control inserting the module into the socket;
the first stage insertion control (<NUM>) to insert the module into the socket, to a first level;
a second stage insertion control (<NUM>) to complete the insertion of the module into the socket, when the first stage insertion control indicates that the module is aligned to the socket, the second level insertion control exerts enough force to complete the insertion of the module into the socket.