DIMM Extraction Tool with Pivotable Arms and Air Baffle Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of DIMM sockets makes it difficult and painful to remove or replace multiple DIMMs, and in sensitive servers like blade and ITE servers, excessive air flow can degrade cooling, requiring a solution that facilitates easy extraction while maintaining airflow.
Innovation Solution
A DIMM extraction tool with a frame and pivotably connected arms that engage as an air baffle, allowing easy engagement and release of DIMMs from sockets, reducing the strain on latching arms and maintaining airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users operate retaining latches manually with fingers to remove DIMMs, then the DIMM can be extracted from the socket, but the operation becomes painful and difficult when multiple DIMMs must be added or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool (extraction device) that mediates between the user and the DIMM retention mechanism. This device includes a frame with arms that can engage the DIMM and apply force to release the retention latches, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate the latches with their fingers. The intermediary tool transforms a difficult manual operation into an easier automated or semi-automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device employs dynamic arms that can pivot and move between different positions. The arms are configured to engage the DIMM in a resting position and then move to a working position where they apply force to release the retention latches. This dynamic movement allows the device to adapt to the DIMM's position and apply the necessary force at the correct moment, improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air baffles are inserted in DIMM sockets without populated DIMMs to control airflow, then airflow is properly managed, but the socket space is occupied and prevents DIMM installation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be movable between a first position where it functions as an air baffle and a second position where it clears the DIMM socket. When no DIMM is installed, the frame remains in the first position to control airflow. When a DIMM needs to be installed or extracted, the frame moves to the second position, allowing the DIMM to be placed in the socket without obstruction. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between airflow control and socket availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the airflow control function (performed by the frame when in the first position) from the DIMM extraction function (performed by the arms when in the second position). This segmentation allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes at different times, maintaining both airflow control capability and socket accessibility without requiring separate components.
3Productivity
If multiple DIMMs are processed through repeated manual latch operations, then all DIMMs can be replaced, but the cumulative pain and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device serves as a reusable intermediary tool that can process multiple DIMMs sequentially. Once the device is engaged with the socket, it can repeatedly perform the extraction function by moving the arms between resting and working positions. This eliminates the need for the operator to repeatedly perform the difficult manual latch operation, maintaining ease of operation even when processing multiple DIMMs and thereby improving productivity.
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
Enables easier and safer removal of DIMMs without damaging them or degrading airflow, reducing the risk of latching arm failure and ensuring adequate airflow in servers.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latching arm extending through the channel and adapted to engage the DIMM
Implementation Method 2
a first arm and a second arm pivotably connected to the frame... 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
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention disclose 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.