Circuit Card Assembly Extraction Tool Pin Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing circuit card assemblies from structures are unreliable, cumbersome, and prone to damaging connector pins due to the use of dental picks and double-sided tape, which are time-consuming and unsatisfactory.
Innovation Solution
An extraction tool with cylindrical puller structures and a filler rod is designed to grasp and remove circuit card assemblies by applying outward radial pressure on the connector pins, using a central bore to accept the pins and a locking end to engage the assembly, allowing for secure removal without damaging the pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dental picks and double-sided tape are used to remove circuit card assemblies, then removal can be achieved, but the process becomes unreliable, cumbersome, and time-consuming while risking damage to connector pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized extraction tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the circuit card assembly. This tool includes a cylindrical body with internal features that engage with the connector pins, providing a reliable mechanical interface for removal. The intermediary tool distributes extraction forces evenly across multiple pins, preventing damage while enabling consistent, repeatable removal without the unreliability of dental picks or the time-consuming nature of double-sided tape methods
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a cylindrical body with internal engagement features, a locking mechanism, and a handle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the cylindrical body engages with connector pins, the locking mechanism secures the circuit card assembly during extraction, and the handle provides operational control. The segmented design enables reliable, quick removal while protecting delicate connector pins
2Ease of operation
If dental picks and double-sided tape are used for removal, then some extraction capability is provided, but the method becomes cumbersome and prone to damaging soft copper plated contact tabs and connector pins
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool incorporates cushioning and force-distributing features in advance of the extraction process. The cylindrical body is designed with internal geometry that distributes extraction forces evenly across multiple connector pins before the actual removal occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress concentration on individual soft copper plated contact tabs and connector pins, eliminating the damage risk associated with manual methods like dental picks while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The specialized extraction tool serves as a protective intermediary between the operator's extraction force and the delicate connector pins. The tool's cylindrical body with internal engagement features intermediates the force application, distributing it evenly across multiple pins rather than concentrating it on single points. This intermediary mechanism protects the soft copper plated contact tabs and connector pins from damage while providing easy, controlled operation
3Productivity
If manual methods like dental picks are used, then removal is possible, but the process becomes unreliable and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can remove various circuit card assembly types through a single standardized interface. The cylindrical body with its internal engagement features can accommodate different pin configurations, and the tool integrates multiple functions (engagement, locking, extraction) into one instrument. This universality dramatically improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while the integrated design keeps overall complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction tool is provided for grasping an assembly (e.g., a circuit card assembly) having a number of openings and a number of respective connector pins extending through the openings. The tool includes one or more generally cylindrical puller structures, each having a central bore and a locking end. One or more filler rods are configured to translate coaxially within the central bore of their corresponding puller structure. The filler rod has a central bore configured to accept one of the connector pins. The puller structure is configured to extend through one of the openings such that the locking end engages the opposite side of the assembly. The filler rod is configured to translate within the puller structure, and around a connector pin extending through the selected opening, to apply outward radial pressure on the locking ends of the puller structure.