Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and, more particularly, to a tool for inserting and removing electrical connectors having a high density of connection pins to a circuit board. 
   Modern electronic devices, such as server systems for data communications systems, include an array of electrical connectors interconnecting circuit boards and peripheral devices of the system. A primary circuit board, sometimes referred to as a motherboard, often utilizes a number of peripheral circuit boards, sometimes referred to as daughter cards, in operation. Electrical connectors establish communication between the motherboard and the daughter cards, and typically include many pin contacts which are inserted through holes in the motherboard to establish electrical contact therewith. 
   Due to a large number of pin contacts in a relatively small area, large insertion and extraction forces may be generated when installing the connectors, and proper engagement of the pins of the connector to the motherboard can therefore be difficult. The applied force to overcome the mechanical resistance of the connector to insertion or removal from the motherboard tends to flex or bow the motherboard. Deflection of the motherboard as the connectors are installed makes installation and/or removal of the connectors more difficult, and may compromise the integrity of the electrical connection between the connectors and the motherboard. 
   Further, once installed to the motherboard, the electrical connectors are difficult to remove from the motherboard for service and maintenance of the system. Consequently, in some systems it has become conventional to take the server system off-line, disassemble the motherboard and daughter cards, and remove the motherboard from the system for service. The motherboard is then taken to a separate location where scopes, tweezers and tools are used to carefully extract and install connectors as desired, and then the motherboard is returned and the server system re-assembled. 
   Aside from being physically difficult to accomplish, off-site service of the motherboard is undesirable because it requires that the server system be shut down and powered off to dismantle the motherboard. Shutting down a busy server system inconveniences system users and may lead to economic loss. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a connector insertion and removal tool for an electrical system including a circuit board and at least one electrical connector therefor is provided. The tool comprises a first portion configured for coupling to a first surface of the circuit board, and a second portion configured for coupling to the first portion, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises an actuator adapted for movement toward and away from the circuit board to contact at least a portion of the connector. 
   Optionally, the motherboard includes a pin aperture field, and the actuator comprises a plurality of extraction pins corresponding to the pin aperture field. At least one board guide pin is provided, and the board guide pin is engaged to the first portion on one side of the circuit board and is engaged to the second portion on the other side of the circuit board. The board guide pin includes a first end having a first threaded portion and a second end having a second threaded portion, with the first and second threaded portions different from one another. Nonconductive sections are situated adjacent the actuator, thereby avoiding a conductive path through the tool. Alignment members are configured to position the electrical connector with respect to the pin aperture field in the motherboard. A positioning plate configured for sliding engagement with a guide track is provided for preliminary alignment of the connector and the motherboard. 
   According to another exemplary embodiment, a connector insertion and removal tool for an electrical system including a circuit board and at least one electrical connector therefor is provided. The tool comprises a first portion configured for coupling to a first surface of the circuit board and comprising a first actuator. The first actuator is movable toward the circuit board to disengage the connector from the circuit board, and the first actuator is movable away from the circuit board to permit engagement of the connector to the circuit board. A second portion of the tool is configured for coupling to the first portion, and the second portion extends over a second surface of the circuit board opposite the first surface. The second portion comprises a second actuator, and the second actuator is movable toward the circuit board to engage the connector to the circuit board and the actuator block is movable away from the circuit board to permit disengagement of the connector from the circuit board. 
   According to another exemplary embodiment, a connector insertion and removal tool for an electrical system including a circuit board and at least one electrical connector therefor is provided. The tool comprises a first portion comprising a first plurality of modular blocks having a first pair of stationary alignment blocks configured for coupling to a first surface of the circuit board, a first movable actuator block movable toward the circuit board to disengage the connector from the circuit board and movable away from the circuit board to permit engagement of the connector to the circuit board, and at least one first insulative spacer block to prevent completion of a conductive path through the first portion. A second portion of the tool comprises a second plurality of modular blocks having at least a second pair of stationary alignment blocks configured for coupling to the first pair of alignment blocks, a second movable actuator movable toward the circuit board to engage the connector to the circuit board and movable away from the circuit board to permit disengagement of the connector from the circuit board, and at least one second insulative spacer block to prevent completion of a conductive path through the second portion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a portion of a server system with a connector insertion and removal tool attached thereto and formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the server system with the tool partly attached. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an extractor mechanism of the tool shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the extractor mechanism with parts removed. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of an installation mechanism of the tool shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the installation mechanism. 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the tool shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  with parts removed. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the tool shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  being coupled to the server system. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the tool shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  coupled to the server system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a portion of an exemplary server system  100  with an illustrative insertion and removal tool  102  formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tool  102  facilitates installation and removal of an electrical connector  104  to and from a motherboard  106 . As will be seen below, the tool  102  facilitates on-line servicing and maintenance of the server system  100 . Power down and disassembly of the server system  100  is avoided and the server system  100  may still be used during service or maintenance thereof. 
   As also explained below, the tool  102  supports the motherboard  106  from above and below during installation and removal of the connector  104  and thus prevents flexure or bowing of the board despite relatively large insertion and extraction forces which are generated while engaging or disengaging the connector  104  from the motherboard  106 . Reliable and consistent engagement of the connector  104  to the motherboard  106  is therefore provided. 
   The electrical connector  104  is a known connector establishing electrical connection between the motherboard  106  and a daughter card (not shown) of the server system  100 . The connector  104  includes a large number of contact pins (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) which are inserted into a pin aperture field (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the motherboard  106  over a relatively small area. The density of the pins of the connector  104  requires a substantial force to engage the connector pins to the motherboard  106 , and also to disengage the pins from the motherboard  106 . 
   The tool  102  includes a separate installation mechanism  108  and an extraction mechanism  110  oppositely positioned on a respective top surface  112  and a bottom surface  114  of the motherboard  106 . The installation and extraction mechanisms  108  and  110  are positioned substantially perpendicular to the motherboard  106  and align the connector  104  with respect to the motherboard  106  for proper engagement of the connector pins to the pin aperture field in the motherboard  106 . Additionally, the installation mechanism  108  and the extraction mechanism  110  support the surfaces  112  and  114  of the motherboard  106  as the connector  104  is installed or removed. 
   The installation mechanism  108  includes an actuator knob  116  rotatable about an axis  118  to exert a downward force in the direction of arrow A to install the connector  104 . The extraction mechanism  110  includes an actuator knob  120  rotatable about an axis  122  to exert an upward force in the direction of arrow B to extract the connector  104  from the motherboard  106 . The installation mechanism  108  is affixed to a positioning plate  124  which defines a reference plane for orienting the installation and extraction mechanisms  108  and  110  to one another and to the motherboard  106 . 
     FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the server system  100  with the tool  102  partly attached to the motherboard  106 . The installation mechanism  108  carries the connector  104  and extends above the top surface  112  of the motherboard  106 , while the extraction mechanism  110  extends below the bottom surface  114  of the motherboard  106 . The extraction mechanism  110  is coupled to the motherboard  106  as described below, and the installation mechanism  108  is coupled to the extractor mechanism  110  as explained below. 
   The installation and extraction mechanisms  108  and  110  are generally aligned with one another for insertion of the connector  104  carried by the installation mechanism  108  to the motherboard  106 . As a preliminary alignment feature, the positioning plate  124  is received within guide tracks  126  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 ) which are mounted to the motherboard  106 . The guide tracks  126  include respective grooves  128  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 ) therein which receive corresponding edges of the positioning plate  124 . The positioning plate  124  is in sliding engagement with the guide tracks  126 , and the installation mechanism  108  may therefore be moved in the direction of arrows A and B substantially perpendicular to the motherboard  106  while locating the connector  104  in a reference plane defined by the positioning plate  124 . 
   The motherboard  106  includes a number of guide openings therein, and the extraction mechanism  110  is coupled to the motherboard  106  via alignment members  130  having interior threads which engage respective board guide pins (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) fastened to the motherboard  106  via pre-existing guide openings in the motherboard. The installation mechanism  108  is coupled to the board guide pins in the manner explained below, and as the installation mechanism  108  is coupled to the board guide pins to further align the connector  104  with the motherboard  106  such that the pins of the connector  104  are aligned with the apertures of the pin field in the motherboard  106 . 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the extractor mechanism  110  including substantially rectangular support plates  140  and  142  defining front and rear faces  144  and  146  of the extractor mechanism  110 , and a number of aligned modular blocks extending between the support plates  140  and  142 . In an exemplary embodiment, the modular blocks include alignment blocks  148  and  150  adjacent each lateral edge  151  and  152  of the support plates  140  and  142 . Insulative spacer blocks  154  and  156  extend adjacent the alignment blocks  148  and  150 , and an extractor block  158  extends between the spacer blocks  154  and  156 . The front support plate  140  includes a number of substantially vertical channels  160  therein which horizontally locate the blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  158  in relation to the support plate  140  and to one another. The rear support plate  142  includes a substantially horizontal channel  162  which receives a ridge  164  of each of the modular blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  158  to vertically locate the blocks in relation to the support plate  142  and to one another. 
   The order or position of the modular blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  158  in relation to one another may be varied as desired or as necessary to accommodate placement or removal of the connector  104  in different locations on the motherboard  106 . In addition, it is understood that greater or fewer modular blocks may be employed in alternative embodiments of the invention. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment blocks  148  and  150  are adapted to engage board guide pins  166  which in an exemplary embodiment are secured to the motherboard  106 . The board guide pins  166  are employed by the tool  102  to secure the installation mechanism  108  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to the extractor mechanism  110  to one another on the opposed sides of the motherboard  106 . In an illustrative embodiment, the board guide pins  166  include a tapered leading edge  168  at one end thereof, a first threaded portion  170  adjacent the leading edge  168 , a stop ring  172  adjacent the first threaded portion  170 , a spacer section  174  adjacent the stop ring  172 , and a second threaded portion adjacent the spacer section  174  at the other end of the board guide pins  166  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). The second threaded portion of each guide pin  166  extends into a bore (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) in each respective alignment block  148  and  150 , and the second threaded portion is secured to the alignment blocks  148  and  150  via tubular retention members  130  having internal threads therein. 
   A nut  176  secures the board guide pins  166  to the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The spacer section  174  extends between the nut  176  and the stop ring  172  of each guide pin  166 , and the spacer section  174  extends for an axial length approximately equal to the thickness of the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The stop ring  172  abuts the top surface  112  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the motherboard  106  and forms a seat for the installation mechanism  108  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The first threaded portion  170  engages the installation mechanism  108  as described further below and forms a guide surface for alignment of the installation mechanism  108  as further described below. 
   The spacer blocks  154  and  156  are substantially rectangular and include alignment pins  180  adjacent each of the corners of the spacer blocks  154  and  156 . The alignment pins  180  extend into guide holes in the motherboard  106  and further serve to locate the extractor mechanism  110  in proper position relative to the motherboard  106  and the installation mechanism  108 . 
   The extractor block  158  includes a plurality of extractor pins  182  extending upward therefrom, and each of the extractor pins  182  corresponds to one of the apertures of the pin field for the connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The extractor block  158  is coupled to an actuator block  184  via an actuator element  186 . The actuator block  184  is mounted stationary to the support plate  142  via the channel  162 , and the actuator element  186  extends through the actuator block  184  and into the extractor block  158 . The actuator element  186  is threaded within the actuator block  184  such that when the actuator knob  120  is turned, the actuator element  186  is rotated. Depending upon the direction of rotation, the threaded actuator element  186  is advanced upward in the direction of arrow C within the actuator block  184  or advanced downward in the direction of arrow D within the actuator block  184 . As the actuator element  186  is moved upward or downward within the actuator block  184 , the extractor  158  block is likewise moved upward or downward within extractor mechanism  110 . Thus, by turning the actuator knob  120 , the extractor pins  182  may be moved upward to remove a connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) from the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or downward to provide a clearance to permit the connector  104  to be installed to the motherboard  106 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the extractor mechanism  110  with the front support plate  140  removed. Each of the blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  158  and  184  include a vertical rib  200  which is received in a respective channel  160  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the support plate  140 . Additionally, each of the blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  184  include a horizontal rib  164  extending in a horizontal channel  162  in the rear support plate  142 , thereby locating the blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  and  184  in a stationary position relative to the support plates  140  and  142 . The extractor block  158 , however, is not horizontally constrained between the plates  140  and  142 , and therefore is free to move vertically between the support plates  140  and  142 . The actuator element  186  extends through the actuator block  184  and into the extractor block  158 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment blocks  148  and  150 , the spacer blocks  154  and  156 , and the actuator block  184  are fabricated from a nonconductive material, such as a known ceramic material, to avoid creation of a undesirable current path through the extractor mechanism  110  as it engages the pin field of the motherboard  106 . The extractor block  158  is fabricated from a high strength material such as steel to provide the extractor pins  182  with adequate structural strength to dislodge the connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) from the motherboard  106 . The support plates  140  and  142  are fabricated from metal in an exemplary embodiment. It is recognized, however, that a variety of materials, conductive and non-conductive, may be employed to fabricate the modular blocks and support plates for the extractor mechanism  110 . 
   In addition, the order or position of the modular blocks  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158 , and  184  in relation to one another may be varied as desired or as necessary to accommodate placement or removal of the connector  104  in different locations on the motherboard  106 . In addition, it is understood that greater or fewer modular blocks may be employed in alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the installation mechanism  108  in respective assembled and exploded views. The installation mechanism  108  includes a front support plate  220 , a rear support plate  222 , a plurality of modular blocks between the front and rear support plates  220  and  222 , and a positioning plate  124  coupled to the rear support plate  222 . Opposite side edges  224  of the positioning plate  124  are received in grooves  128  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the guide tracks  126  (also shown in  FIG. 2 ) for preliminary alignment of the installation mechanism  108  with respect to the motherboard  106 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment the modular blocks of the installation mechanism  108  include alignment blocks  226  and  228  adjacent opposite lateral sides of the support plates  220  and  222 , insulative spacer blocks  230  and  232  adjacent the respective alignment blocks  226  and  228 , an installation block  234  between the alignment blocks  230  and  232 , and an actuator block  236  vertically aligned with the installation block  234 . 
   The front support plate  220  includes a plurality of grooves or channels  238  extending into a rear face  240  of the front support plate  220 . Each of the blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 , and  236  include ribs or ridges  242  which are received in the channels  238  and serve to locate the blocks in a direction of arrow E ( FIG. 6 ) substantially perpendicular to the channels  238 . The rear support plate  222  includes a longitudinal groove or channel  244  therein which extends transversely to the grooves  238  of the front support plate  220 . Each of the blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and  236  include ribs or ridges  246  which are received in the channel  244  and serve to locate the blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and  236  in a direction of arrow F ( FIG. 6 ) substantially perpendicular to the channel  244 . That is, the blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and  236  are restrained from horizontal movement in the direction of arrow E by the ridges  242  in the channels  238  of the front support plate  220 , and the blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and  236  are restrained from vertical movement in the direction of arrow F by the ridges  246  in the channel  244  of the rear support plate  222 . The blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  and  236  are therefore mounted stationary to the support plates  220  and  222 . 
   The installation block  234 , however, is restrained from movement only in the direction of arrow E by the ridge  242 . The installation block  234  is not restrained in the direction of arrow F, and thus is free to move vertically in the direction of arrow F to install a connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
   The installation block  234  is coupled to the actuator block  236  via an actuator element  250 . The actuator block  236  is mounted stationary to the support plate  222  via the channel  244  and the rib  246 , and the actuator element  250  extends through the actuator block  236  and into the installation block  234 . The actuator element  250  is threaded within the actuator block  236  such that when the actuator knob  116  is turned, the actuator element  250  is rotated. Depending upon the direction of rotation, the threaded actuator element  250  is advanced upward or downward in the direction of arrow F within the actuator block  236 . As the actuator element  250  is moved upward or downward within the actuator block  236 , the installation block  234  is likewise moved upward or downward within the installation mechanism  108 . Thus, by turning the actuator knob  116 , the installation block  234  may be moved downward toward the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to install a connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) thereto. By turning the actuator knob  116  in an opposite direction, the installation block  234  may be move upward and away from the motherboard  106  to provide a clearance to permit the connector  104  to be removed from the motherboard  106 . 
   The alignment blocks  226  and  228  each include longitudinal bores  252  therethrough, and tubular alignment members  254  are extended through the bores  252 . The alignment members  254  include a longitudinal bore therein having a threaded interior, and alignment knobs  256  extend from one end of the respective member  254 . Lock washers  258  couple the alignment members  254  to the alignment blocks  226  and  228  at an end opposite the alignment knobs  256 . When the alignment knobs  256  are turned, the alignment members  254  receive and engage the board guide pins  166  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to align the installation mechanism  108  with respect to each of the extractor mechanism  110  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
   The front and rear support plates  220  and  222  are coupled to the alignment blocks  226  and  228  via known fastener elements  260 , such as screws, extending into mounting bores  262  in the alignment blocks  226  and  228  and mounting apertures  264  in the respective support plates  220  and  222 . The positioning plate  124  is mounted to the rear support plate  222  via known fastener elements  266 , such as screws, coupled to mounting bores  268  in the support plate  222  via threaded engagement. It is understood that other known fasteners may be employed in various embodiments of the invention to secure the support plates  220  and  222  to the modular blocks and to secure the positioning plate  124  to the installation mechanism  108 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment blocks  226  and  228 , the spacer blocks  230  and  232 , and the actuator block  236  are fabricated from a nonconductive material, such as a known ceramic material, to avoid creation of a undesirable current path through the installation mechanism  108  as it engages the connector  104  to the motherboard  106 . The installation block  234  is fabricated from a high strength material such as steel to provide adequate structural strength to insert the connector pins of the connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) into the motherboard  106 . The support plates  220  and  222  are fabricated from metal in an exemplary embodiment. It is recognized, however, that a variety of materials, conductive and non-conductive, may be employed to fabricate the modular blocks and support plates for the installation mechanism  108 . 
   In addition, the order or position of the modular blocks  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232 ,  234 , and  236  in relation to one another may be varied as desired or as necessary to accommodate placement or removal of the connector  104  in different locations on the motherboard  106 . In addition, it is understood that greater or fewer modular blocks may be employed in alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the installation mechanism  108  illustrating the board guide pins  166  positioned for insertion into the alignment members  254  extending through the alignment blocks  226  and  228 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the interior of the alignment members  254  is threaded, and the first threaded portion  170  of the board guide pins  166  are received in the respective alignment members  254 . As will be explained further below, however, the first threaded portion  170  of the board guide pins  166  is modified so that the first threaded portion  170  does not completely engage the threads of the alignment members. Rather, the first threaded portion  170  forms a guide surface within the alignment members  254  for rather precise positioning of the installation mechanism  108  relative to the motherboard  106 . As the alignment knobs  256  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the alignment members  254  are turned as the installation mechanism  108  is installed, the first threaded portion  170  and the tapered leading edges  168  of the board guide pins  166  direct the installation mechanism  108  over the board guide pins  166  toward a desired position in substantial alignment with the motherboard for insertion or removal of a connector  104 . 
   A second threaded portion  280  of each guide pin  166  is received in the alignment blocks  148  and  150  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and is secured to interior threads of the alignment members  130  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) therein. 
   In an illustrative embodiment, the first threaded portion  170  on one end of the board guide pins  166  is threaded differently than the second threaded portion  280  on the opposite end of each board guide pin  166 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the first threaded portion  170  of each board guide pins  166  is a ¼ 20 UNC thread, and the second threaded portion  280  of the guide pin  166  is an M5 thread. Approximately one half of the threads on the first threaded portion  170  is removed or shaved from the mounting pins to prevent the first threaded portion  170  from engaging the threads of the alignment members  254  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the installation mechanism  108 . 
   While one exemplary embodiment of a guide pin  166  has been described with particular threads, it is recognized that other types of threads may be used in alternative embodiments. It is further understood and the first threaded portion  170  and the second threaded portion  280  need not be threaded differently in alternative embodiments of the invention. 
   The spacer blocks  230  and  232  are positioned alongside the alignment blocks  226  and  228 , and the installation block  234  carries the connector  104  between the spacer blocks  226  and  228 . The installation block  234  is in a retracted position providing a clearance for the connector  104  between the spacer blocks  230  and  232 , and when the connector  104  is appropriately positioned with respect to the motherboard  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the actuator knob  116  may be turned to move the installation block  234  downward in the direction of arrow B and toward the motherboard  106  to install the connector  104 . 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view the motherboard  106  with the extractor mechanism  110  mounted to the bottom surface  114 . The installation mechanism  108  is in a preliminary alignment position with the positioning plate  124  slidably mounted to the guide tracks  126 , and the alignment blocks  226  and  228  (shown in  FIGS. 5-7 ) of the installation mechanism  108  are in general alignment with the board guide pins  166 . The tapered leading edges  168  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the board guide pins  166  are received in the alignment members  254  (shown in  FIGS. 5-7 ) of the alignment blocks  226  and  228 , and to the extent any misalignment of the alignment blocks  226  and  228  and the board guide pins  166  may exist, the tapered leading edges  168  of the guide pins guide  166  the alignment blocks  226  and  228  into alignment with the board guide pins  166 . By turning the alignment knobs  256 , the interior threads of the alignment members  254  engage the first threaded portion  170  of the board guide pins  166  and the installation mechanism  108  may be clamped down on the board guide pins  166 . 
   A pair of connectors  300  are shown mounted to the motherboard  106 , and a pin aperture field  302  is formed into the motherboard  106  to receive the pins of the connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 ) which is carried by the installation block  234  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) of the installation mechanism  108 . The connectors  300  are similar to the connector  104  and may be removed and replaced in a similar fashion as the connector  104 . The modular blocks of the installation and removal mechanisms  108  and  110  may be rearranged as described above to insert or remove one of the connectors  300  which are differently positioned than the connector  104 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates the insertion and removal tool  102  in a final position for installation or removal of the connector  104  between the connectors  300  on the motherboard  106 . 
   The board guide pins  166  are inserted through guide openings in the motherboard  106 , and the stop rings  172  of the board guide pins  166  are seated upon the top surface  112  of the motherboard  106 . The board guide pins  166  are secured to the lower surface  114  of the motherboard  106  via the nuts  176 . The second threaded portions  280  of the board guide pins  166  are engaged to interior threads of the alignment members  130  of the extraction mechanism  110 . The alignment blocks  148  and  150  of the extractor mechanism  110  are thereby secured to the motherboard  106 . 
   The first threaded portions  170  of the board guide pins  166  are received in the alignment members  254  and guided by the interior threads of the alignment members  254  of the installation mechanism  108 , thereby securing the alignment blocks  226  and  228  of the installation mechanism  108  to the board guide pins  166  and to the extractor mechanism  110 . In this position, the pins of the connector  104  are generally aligned with the pin field  302  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) of the motherboard  106 . 
   The spacer blocks  154  and  156  of the extractor mechanism  110  contact the lower surface  114  of the motherboard  106 , and the spacer blocks  230  and  232  of the installation mechanism  108  contact the top surfaces of the connectors  300 . Thus, the motherboard  106  is effectively clamped from above and below to prevent flexing or deflection of the motherboard  106  as the connector  104  is installed or removed. As the spacer blocks  154 ,  156 ,  230  and  232  are nonconductive in an exemplary embodiment, a current path through the tool  102  is avoided, and the connector  104  may be installed or removed while the motherboard  106  is on-line and fully energized. Conventional shut down and disassembly of the server system  100  may therefore be avoided. 
   Once the connector  104  is correctly aligned with respect to the motherboard  106 , the actuator elements  250  and  186  of the installation mechanism  108  and the extraction mechanism  110  may be manipulated by turning the respective actuator knobs  116  and  120  to move the installation block  234  and the extractor block  158  toward and away from the motherboard  106  as desired to remove or install the connector  104 . 
   When the installation block  234  is moved upward from the motherboard  106  to provide a clearance for the connector  104  and the extractor block  158  is moved toward the motherboard  106 , the extractor pins  182  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the extractor block  158  are inserted through the pin field  302  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) from below the lower surface  114 . As the extractor pins  182  are inserted through the pin field  302 , the contact pins of the connector  104  are dislodged from the motherboard  106 , and the connector  104  is pushed upward into the installation block  234  between the spacer blocks  230  and  232  of the installation mechanism  108 . By releasing the first threaded portions  170  of the board guide pins  166  from the alignment members  254  and sliding the positioning plate upward and away from the motherboard  106 , the connector  104  is also removed upward and away from the motherboard  106 . 
   On the other hand. when the extractor block  158  is moved downward and away from the motherboard  106  to provide a clearance for the pins of the connector  104  and the installation block  234  is moved toward the motherboard  106 , the installation block  234  presses downward on the connector  104  and inserts the pins of the connector  104  into the pin field  302  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) and into the motherboard  106  from above the top surface  112 . By releasing the first threaded portions  170  of the board guide pins  166  from the alignment members  254  and sliding the positioning plate upward and away from the motherboard  106 , the installation mechanism  108  may be moved from the motherboard  106 . 
   Once the installation mechanism  108  is removed, the extractor mechanism  110  may be removed by releasing the second threaded portion  280  of the board guide pins  166  from the alignment members  130  of the extractor mechanism  110 . The board guide pins  166  are retained to the motherboard  106  for future employment with the insertion and removal tool  102 . It is contemplated, however, that in an alternative embodiment, the board guide pins  166  may be removed by releasing the nuts  176  from the board guide pins  166  beneath the lower surface  114  of the motherboard  106 , and pulling the board guide pins  166  through the motherboard  106  from above the top surface  112  of the motherboard  106 . 
   A connector insertion and removal tool  102  is therefore provided which facilitates on-line maintenance and servicing of the server system  100 . The tool employs pre-existing guide holes in the motherboard  106  to fasten the tool to the motherboard and to properly align the connector  104  with the motherboard  106 , thereby ensuring proper orientation of the connector  104  and reducing an applied force to install the connector. Additionally, the installation and removal mechanisms  108  and  110  support the motherboard  106  and prevents flexing of the board during installation and removal of the connector  104 , thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection between the motherboard  106  and a daughter card. The tool  102  is believed to be easily used and is provided at an economical cost. Servicing and maintenance of the server system  100  is therefore greatly facilitated. Service time for a service tehnician is accordingly saved, and disruption of the server system  100  is minimized. 
   While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Technology Category: 4