Electronic Component Carrier with External Handling Levers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing memory cards like DIMMs on computer circuit boards are costly due to the need for trained technicians and can damage sensitive components, as they require internal access and are difficult to service without causing physical or electrical disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a frame with resilient latching members and handling levers that allow for external access and removal of electronic components, reducing the need for trained technicians and minimizing risk to internal components by using a carrier system with a latching mechanism and handling levers that extend through the outer casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DIMM is directly mounted to circuit board with latches, then secure mounting is achieved, but serviceability deteriorates due to difficulty accessing latches inside housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier assembly that extends the handling levers through the housing in a vertical dimension, allowing service personnel to access and operate the latching mechanism from the exterior of the housing rather than requiring disassembly. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure mounting through the latches while improving serviceability through external accessibility.
2Reliability
If latches are used to secure DIMM, then mounting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components occupying space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DIMM module with a carrier assembly that integrates the latching mechanism and handling levers into a single unified structure. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating separate latch components and their associated mounting hardware, while maintaining mounting reliability through the integrated latching members that securely attach the DIMM to the circuit board.
3Ease of operation
If housing is removed to service DIMM, then access to component is achieved, but risk of damage to internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the handling levers from the internal housing space and extends them through the housing exterior. This extraction allows service personnel to access and operate the latching mechanism without removing the housing, thereby maintaining protection of internal components from physical and electrical disturbances such as static discharge while enabling easy servicing of the DIMM module.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables cost-effective and safe servicing of memory cards without trained technicians, reducing the risk of damage to internal components and minimizing space occupation on the circuit board.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment members are resiliently flexible such that the latching members bend to a release position and resiliently return to a grasping position
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for manufacturing an electronic component carrier. The method comprises positioning a header of a frame between opposing attachment arms extending outwardly for attaching an electronic component for seating within the frame. Further, latching members of a latching mechanism of the frame are positioned at a distal end of each of the attachment arms for releaseably seating the electronic component. The attachment arms are resiliently flexible such that the latching members bend to a release position and resiliently return to a grasping position for releasing and grasping the electronic component. Handling levers are positioned for removably mating the electronic component to a connector on a circuit board. The handling levers extend upwardly through an outer casing housing the circuit board when in an open position, and the handling levers are substantially parallel with a top surface of the header when in a closed position.