PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7264491-B2
Application Number: US-32757106-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Method and apparatus for linear insertion and removal of a memory module in a computer system

Abstract:
Methods and systems for insertion of a memory module into a computer system are provided. The method includes removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the access door having a size substantially smaller than a footprint of the memory module, and linearly inserting the memory module into the connector.

Claims:
1. A method for insertion of a memory module into a computer system, the memory module including a semicircular cutout on each side of the memory module, the method comprising:
 removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the connector having an integrated memory module ejection mechanism, the integrated memory module ejection mechanism including a catch corresponding to each semicircular cutout, the access door having a width substantially smaller than a width of a footprint of the memory module; 
 linearly inserting the memory module into the connector including engaging each catch with respective ones of the semicircular cutouts of the memory module; and 
 wherein the integrated memory module ejection mechanism further includes a hoop coupled to the each catch, wherein a user is operable to remove the memory module from the connector by rotating each hoop about a pivot point thereby causing the each catch to disengage the memory module through contact with the semicircular cutouts of the memory module. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing the memory module from the connector. 
   
   
     3. A system for insertion of a memory module into a computer system, the memory module including a semicircular cutout means on each side of the memory module, the system comprising:
 means for removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the connector having an integrated memory module ejection mechanism, the integrated memory module ejection mechanism including a catch means corresponding to each semicircular cutout means, the access door having a width substantially smaller than a width of a footprint of the memory module; and 
 means for linearly inserting the memory module into the connector, 
 wherein the means for linearly inserting the memory module into the connector include means for engaging each catch means with respective ones of the semicircular cutout means of the memory module; and 
 wherein the integrated memory module ejection mechanism further includes hoop means coupled to the each catch means, wherein a user is operable to remove the memory module from the connector by rotating each hoop means about a pivot point thereby causing the each catch means to disengage the memory module through contact with the semicircular cutout means of the memory module. 
 
   
   
     4. The system of  claim 3 , further comprising means for removing the memory module from the connector.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to insertion of memory modules into computer systems. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Random access memory (RAM) modules, for example, a dual inline memory module (DIMM), for computer systems generally come in two form factors—a large format DIMM that is generally used in desktop computers, and a small outline SO-DIMM that is generally used in laptop computers (and also in desktop computers). A large format DIMM typically has 168 pins, and a SO-DIMM typically has 72 pins or 144 pins. 
   Users can typically access a RAM module of a computer system, e.g., to upgrade the memory capacity of the computer system. For example, in a desktop computer, a large format DIMM is typically inserted into a receiving connector in a linear fashion—i.e., straight into the connector. However, in order to replace a memory module of a desktop computer, a user typically has to remove the outer casing (or an entire side panel) of the desktop computer to access the connector, which exposes critical components of the desktop computer to potential damage, e.g., from electrical shock. In a laptop computer (and in a desktop computer), a SO-DIMM is typically inserted into a receiving connector at an angle (e.g., on the order of 30°), and then rotated and locked into position. Such a rotational method of installation of the SO-DIMM generally requires a large opening within the computer system due to the footprint of the SO-DIMM (approximately 67.6 mm (length)×30 mm (width)). 
   Accordingly, what is needed is an improved system and method for inserting a memory module into a computer system. The present invention addresses such a need. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In general, in one aspect, this specification describes a method for insertion of a memory module into a computer system. The method includes removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, the access door having a size substantially smaller than a footprint of the memory module, and linearly inserting the memory module into the connector. 
   Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Linearly inserting the memory module into the connector can include inserting the memory module into a connector having an integrated memory module ejection mechanism. The memory module can include a semicircular cutout on each side of the memory module. The integrated memory module ejection mechanism can include a catch corresponding to each semicircular cutout. Linearly inserting the memory module into the connector can include engaging each catch with respective ones of the semicircular cutouts of the memory module. The method can further include removing the memory module from the connector. The integrated memory module ejection mechanism can further include a hoop coupled to each catch. A user can remove the memory module from the connector by rotating each hoop about a pivot point thereby causing each catch to disengage the memory module through contact with the semicircular cutouts of the memory module. The integrated memory module ejection mechanism can include a lever operable to provide a mechanical advantage for removal of the memory module from the connector. The memory module can comprise a large format dual inline memory module (DIMM) or a small outline dual inline memory module (SO-DIMM). 
   In general, in another aspect, this specification describes an apparatus including a connector operable to linearly receive a memory module, and a memory module ejection system coupled to the connector. The memory module ejection system is operable to eject a memory module from the connector in a linear manner. 
   In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a system for insertion of a memory module into a computer system. The system includes means for removing an access door of the computer system to make a connector accessible, in which the access door has a width substantially smaller than a width of a footprint of the memory module. The system further includes means for linearly inserting the memory module into the connector. 
   Implementations may provide one or more of the following advantages. An improved system and method for linear insertion of a memory module is provided that significantly reduces the required opening within a computer system in order to insert a memory module into a connector or to remove the memory module from the connector. In one implementation, the required opening for insertion and removal of a SO-DIMM is approximately 67.6 mm (length)×3.8 mm (width). In addition, a system is provided the permits users to linearly insert a SO-DIMM without having to use a rotational method of installation. The system provides enough grip for a user to linearly insert the SO-DIMM into a connector of a computer system. In addition, a system is provided that permits a user to access a connector for a large format DIMM without having to remove an entire outer casing (or entire side panel) of a desktop computer, thereby protecting sensitive hardware within the desktop computer from potential damage. 
   The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computer system including an access door according to one implementation. 
       FIG. 2  is a method for inserting a memory module into the computer system of  FIG. 1  according to one implementation. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate a computer system including a connector having an integrated memory module ejection mechanism according to one implementation. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate schematic diagrams of the connector of  FIGS. 3A-3D . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a connector according to one implementation. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate a cartridge for use with insertion and removal of a memory module according to one implementation. 
       FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate a cartridge for use with insertion and removal of a memory module according to one implementation. 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate a cartridgeless system for insertion and removal of a memory module according to one implementation. 
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Implementations of the present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to insertion of memory modules into computer systems. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to implementations and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate a computer system  100 . The computer system  100  can be any type of computer system, including for example, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other system including an insertable memory module, and so on. Referring to FIG. IA, the computer system  100  includes an access door  102 . In one implementation, the access door  102  can be removed to reveal an opening  104  that permits user access to a (memory) connector  106  for linear insertion and removal of a memory module (e.g., a large format DIMM or a SO-DIMM) (not shown), as shown in  FIG. 1B . Because a memory module is inserted linearly into the computer system  100 , the size of opening  104 , therefore, can be made substantially smaller than a footprint of the memory module. More specifically, in one implementation, a width of the opening can be made just slightly larger than the memory module on-edge (e.g., a size of a conventional SO-DIMM on-edge is approximately 67.6 mm×3.8 mm). Accordingly, unlike a conventional computer system that requires that an entire outer casing (or an entire side panel) be removed, and/or that requires a rotational method of installation of a memory module, the computer system  100  permits a linear insertion (and removal) of a memory module which only requires removal of an access door that (in one implementation) is substantially a same size as a height of the memory module on-edge. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates one implementation of a method  200  for inserting a memory module into a computer system (e.g., computer system  100  of  FIG. 1 ). The computer system is turned off (step  202 ). In addition, all cables (including a power cord) can be disconnected from the computer system. An access door (e.g., access door  102 ) is removed to make a connector for a memory module accessible (step  204 ). In one implementation, the access door is removed by removing screws which hold the access door in place. Other mechanisms can be used to fasten the access door onto the computer system including, but not limited to, hinges and tabs. A memory module is linearly inserted into the connector (step  206 ). In one implementation, a cartridge (or carrier) holding the memory module is linearly inserted into an opening of the computer system to connect the memory module with the connector, as described in greater detail below. The access door is reinstalled (step  208 ). After, the access door is replaced, the computer system can be powered on (step  210 ). 
     FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate a computer system  300  including a connector having an integrated memory module ejection mechanism according to one implementation. The computer system  300  can be a desktop computer system, such as an iMac computer available from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the computer system  300  includes an access door  302  that is attached to the computer system  300  through screws  304 . More generally, the access door  302  can be attached to the computer system  300  though tabs, hinges, or other suitable fastening mechanisms that are operable to fasten the access door  302  onto the computer system  300 . Referring to  FIG. 3B , the access door  302  can be removed to reveal an opening  304  that permits access to a connector (not shown) that includes an integrated memory ejection mechanism  308 . In one implementation, the integrated memory ejection mechanism  308  include hoops  310  that can be pulled by a user to lower a memory module (e.g., a large format DIMM) from the computer system  300  (if previously installed), or to make a connector accessible. Although circular hoops are illustrated, the hoops can be in any shape, or be lever arms. Referring now to  FIG. 3C , with hoops  310  extended, a memory module  312  can be aligned and linearly inserted into the opening  306 , and pressed into a connector (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 3D , as memory module  312  is pressed into the connector, (in one implementation) the hoops  310  also retract within the opening  306 . Once then memory module  312  has been inserted into the connector, the access door  302  can be reinstalled, and the computer system  300  can be powered on. 
     FIGS. 4A-4C  show a schematic diagram of a connector  400  including the integrated memory ejection mechanism  308  ( FIG. 3B ) in greater detail. The main components of the connector  400  and the integrated memory ejection mechanism  308 , and the operations thereof, are provided below. Referring first to  FIG. 4A , in one implementation, the connector  400  and the integrated memory ejection mechanism  308  are coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB)  402 . In one implementation, the integrated memory ejection mechanism  308  includes hoops  310 , a sleeve  404 , and catches  406  that coupled to the hoops  310 . The hoops  310  and corresponding catches  406  can rotate about respective pivots  408  for installation and ejection of the memory module  312 . The sleeve  404  generally provides alignment for the memory module  312  as a user inserts (or presses) the memory module  312  into the connector  400 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , the memory module  312  includes semicircular cutouts  410  on each side, as is conventional among, for example, large format DIMMs. As the memory module  312  is inserted into the sleeve  404 , the catches  406  on each side of the memory module  312  catch onto and interface with the cutouts  410 . According, as shown by  FIGS. 4B-4C , as the memory module  312  is inserted into the sleeve  404  and into the connector  400 , the hoops  310  (which are coupled to the catches  406 ) retract. Once inserted, the memory module  312  can be later removed by a user pulling outwardly on the hoops  310 , which in turn forces the catches  406  to disengage the memory module  312  from the connector  400  through the cutouts  410 . Thus, in this implementation, a user need not pull directly on a memory module to remove the memory module from a connector. Instead, a length of an arm of the hoops  310  provides a mechanical advantage for a user to remove the memory module from a high force zone associated with releasing the memory module from the connector without having the user strain to pull the memory module from the connector. 
     FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate two connectors  500  and a memory module ejection mechanism  502  according to one implementation.  FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a perspective view of the connectors  500  and, therefore, only one of connectors  500  is viewable. The connector  500  that is not viewable is substantially the same as the viewable connector  500 . In one implementation, two SO-DIMMs  504  can be inserted simultaneously through a slot  506  and into corresponding connectors  500 . As with the memory module  312  of  FIGS. 4A-4C , each SO-DIMM  504  includes a semicircular cutout  508  on each side that engage a catch (or pin) associated with the memory module ejection mechanism  502  as discussed in greater detail below. 
   As shown in  FIG. 5A , the connectors  500  and the memory module ejection mechanism  502  are coupled to a PCB  510 . In one implementation, the connectors  500  are decoupled from the memory module ejection mechanism  502 —i.e., the connectors  500  are not directly connected to any components of the memory module ejection mechanism  502 . In one implementation, the memory module ejection mechanism  502  includes levers  512  and pins  514  ( FIG. 5B ) that rotate about a pivot  516 . Referring now to  FIG. 5B , once a SO-DIMM  504  is inserted into a corresponding connector  500 , each pin  514  engages a corresponding semicircular cutout  508  of the connected SO-DIMM  504 . Accordingly, to remove each SO-DIMM  504  from a corresponding memory connecter  500 , a user can pull each lever  512  outwardly (as represented by the solid arrows in  FIG. 5C ), and pins  514  eject the SO-DIMM  504  from the corresponding connector  500  by utilizing the semicircular cutouts of the SO-DIMM  504 . The levers  512  provide a mechanical advantage to release each SO-DIMM  504  from the high force zone associated with releasing each SO-DIMM  504  from the connector  500 . 
   In one implementation, each lever  512  can also translate (or move) inwardly towards the pivot point (e.g., pivot  516 ) as a user closes each lever arm  512  (as represented by the dashed arrows in  FIG. 5C ). As shown in  FIG. 5C , once a SO-DIMM  504  has been inserted into a connector, for example, by a user pressing the SO-DIMM  504  into the connector by hand, each lever  512  can be closed as follows. First, each lever arm  512  rotated until an edge of a corresponding pin  514  touches an edge of the SO-DIMM  504 . When the pin  514  touches the edge of the SO-DIMM  504 , a spring mechanism (not shown) permits the entire lever arm  512 , including the pivot  516 , to translate (or move) inwardly such that the lever arm  512  (and pin  514 ) pivots about one or more new points until the pin  514  reaches the semicircular cutout  508  of the SO-DIMM  514 , at which point the spring mechanism causes the pin to catch and engage the semicircular cutout  508 . 
     FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate a cartridge  600  for use with insertion and removal of a memory module  602  (e.g., a SO-DIMM) from a connector  604  according to one implementation. Referring to  FIG. 6A , in one implementation, the cartridge  600  includes a frame  606  and lever arms  608 . The frame  606  is operable to receive and hold one or more memory modules  602 . In one implementation, the frame  606  includes side tabs  610  that are operable to engage a semicircular cutout of a memory module  602 . Accordingly, the side tabs  610  prevent the memory module  602  from moving (or sliding) within the frame  606  while the memory module  602  is being inserted into or removed from the connector  604 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the connector  604  includes a receptacle  612  to receive the cartridge  600 . In one implementation, the connector  604  and the receptacle  612  are fixedly attached to a PCB  614 . 
   Installation and removal of the memory modules  602  into a corresponding connector  614  will now be discussed. To install memory the memory modules  602  into corresponding connectors  604 , a user first places each memory module  602  into the cartridge  600 , and then inserts the cartridge  600  into the receptacle  612 , as shown by  FIGS. 6A-6D . To remove the memory modules  602  from corresponding connectors  604 , a user pulls on the lever arms  606  to disengage the cartridge  600  from the receptacle  612 . The lever arms  606  provide a mechanical advantage for a user to remove the memory modules  602  from the high force zone associated with releasing memory modules  602  from the connector  604 . In one implementation, each lever arm  606  disengages the cartridge  600  from the receptacle  612  (and thus the memory modules  602  from corresponding connectors  604 ) by each lever  606  rotating a cam (not shown) that pushes against the PCB  614  (or another system component depending upon application requirements). 
     FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate a cartridge  700  (or carrier) for use with insertion and removal of a memory module  702  according to one implementation. In the implementation shown in  FIGS. 7A-7E , semicircular cutouts  704  of the memory module  702  are used to eject the memory module  702  from a connector  706 . In one implementation, the cartridge  700  interfaces the semicircular cutouts  704 , and utilizes the semicircular cutouts  704  to pull the memory module  702  from the connector  706 . In one implementation, the cartridge  700  includes two arms  708  that flex outwardly to permit a memory module to be inserted into the cartridge  700 . During removal of the memory module  702  from the connector  706 , as the cartridge  700  pulls on the memory module  702 , there is a tendency for the arms  708  of the cartridge  700  to flex outwardly due to the engaging features (or tabs  710 ) acting as ramps, which would result in release of the memory module  702  from the cartridge  700 . In one implementation, a receptacle for the cartridge  700  includes rails  712  (as shown in  FIGS. 7C-7D ) that prevent the arms  708  of the cartridge  700  from flexing outwardly and, therefore, the cartridge  700  maintains retention of the memory module  702 . 
   More specifically, to eject the memory module  702  from the connector  706 , (in one implementation) the cartridge  700  includes a lever  714  that permits a user to eject the memory module  702  past the high force zone associated with releasing memory module  702  from connector  706 . In this implementation, as the user rotates the lever  714  about a pivot provided by the screw  716 , the lever  714  rotates a cam  718  against a PCB  720  (or other system component) as illustrated by  FIGS. 7C-7D . The cam  718  provides enough travel to disengage the memory module  702  from the electrical contacts of the connector  706 . After actuating the lever  714 , the cartridge  700  can be easily gripped and removed from a computer system with a low force. In one implementation, the arrangement of cam  718  ejecting the cartridge  700  against an edge of PCB  720  permits the thickness of the cartridge/memory module combination to be minimized—e.g., less than 2 mm over the combined thickness of the memory module  702  and the PCB  720 . Accordingly, a height of an opening within a corresponding computer system can be minimized. 
   When inserting the memory module  702  into the connector  706 , the user must overcome the insertion force of the connector  706 . Accordingly, in one implementation, the cartridge  700  provides a large surface area  722  (as shown in  FIG. 7E ) for the user to push on to overcome the insertion force of the connector  706 . 
     FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate a cartridgeless system  800  for insertion and removal of a memory module according to one implementation. Referring first to  FIG. 8A , the main components of the cartridgeless system  800  include a memory module receptacle  802  operable to receive a memory module (not shown), a slider  804 , a lever  806 , and a connector (not shown). In one implementation, the memory module receptacle  802  and the connector are fixedly attached to a PCB  808 . 
   In operation, to remove a memory module from the connector, a user rotates the lever  806  about a pivot point provided by the screw  810 . The lever  806  in turn rotates a cam (not shown) that pushes against the PCB  808 . The force of the cam pushing against the PCB  808  causes the slider  804  to slide out in a direction away from the connector, and a kicker tab  812  (shown in  FIG. 8B ), that is coupled to the slider  804 , pushes against an inner edge of the memory module to eject the memory module from the high force zone associated with releasing the memory module from the connector.  FIGS. 8C-8E  illustrate the operation of the cartridgeless system  800 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , in one implementation, a spring  814  is provided within the pivot point of the lever  806 . The spring  814  provides a force to return the lever  806  to an initial (closed) position after having been rotated outwardly by a user. 
   Various implementations for inserting a memory module into (and removal of a memory module from) a connector have been described. Nevertheless, one or ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there that various modifications may be made to the implementations, and any variation would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the steps of methods discussed above can be performed in a different order to achieve desirable results. In addition, the ejection mechanisms discussed above can be implemented with memories other than large format DIMMs and SO-DIMMs. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20060106
Publication Date: 20070904
Grant Date: 20070904
Priority Date: 20060106
Inventors: MCBROOM DANIEL LYNN
MCBROOM MICHAEL DAVID
DEGNER BRETT WILLIAM
SUDDERTH BRIAN THOMAS
GOTHAM TODD F.
CRUMLIN ETHAN
REID GAVIN J.
TERNUS JOHN
SIEFERT STEVEN G.
STRINGER CHRISTOPHER
LIGTENBERG CHRIS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R12/7005", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7005", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 38233291