Compact IC Socket With Inverted Latch Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IC sockets are bulky due to the placement of latches' center of gravity outside their rotation axes, making it difficult to downsize the socket.

Innovation Solution

The IC socket design features a latch rotation axis positioned below the accommodation surface, with the latch's most outside position inside the contact pins when opened, allowing for a compact configuration and reduced projection, enabling a shorter moving distance and longer stroke without compromising the pressing function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the center of gravity of the latch is set outside the rotation axis to enable automatic opening, then the latch can be opened by gravity, but the latch and operating member must extend to the outer side, increasing the overall size of the socket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic latch openingVSAvoidsocket outer dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional latch design by positioning the center of gravity inside the rotation axis rather than outside. This reversal changes the opening mechanism: instead of gravity automatically opening the latch as in conventional designs, the latch is now opened by an operating member that pushes it from the inner side, while the latch's outer edge remains within the contact pin area, achieving downsizing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repositions the rotation axis from the outer side to the inner side of the latch structure, effectively changing the dimensional arrangement. By placing the rotation axis inside the contact pin area and positioning the center of gravity within the rotation axis, the latch can achieve its opening function while maintaining a compact outer profile that fits within the original footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the latch is positioned to extend to the outer side for gravity-based opening, then automatic opening is achieved, but the operating member must be placed outer side of the latch, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch opening functionVSAvoidoperating member placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operating member with the latch structure by integrating the operating member directly into the latch body. The operating member is positioned on the inner side of the latch and works in conjunction with the latch's rotation axis and center of gravity, eliminating the need for separate outer-side components and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement where the operating member is placed outside the latch. Instead, the operating member is positioned inside the latch structure, on the inner side of the rotation axis, and acts to open the latch by pushing it from the interior, thereby simplifying the device layout and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design achieves a compact outer configuration, reduces the number of parts, and enhances precision in positioning the IC package, while preventing wiping and sticking issues during testing and removal.

Implementation Method 1

each of which has an elastic piece to contact with the terminals of the electric part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a latch rotatably disposed on the socket body so as to positioned above the contact pins, which presses an upper part of peripheral portion of the electric part when the latch is closed and is in a state the electric part is able to be accommodated onto and taken out from the accommodation surface when the latch is opened

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

an operating member which is vertically movably disposed in the socket body, and comprises an operating portion for opening constituted so as to press down an operation portion to be operated for opening of the latch and rotate the latch in an opening direction when the operating member moves downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8721358B2Socket for electric parts

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 ENPLAS CORP

AI summary

A socket for electric parts which is dawn sized. The socket of the present invention has a socket body, contact pins to conduct to an electric part, a latch rotatably located on the socket body so as to positioned above the contact pins, which presses the electric part when the latch is closed and is in a state the electric part can be accommodated and taken out when the latch is opened, and an operating member vertically movably disposed in the socket body and has an operating portion for opening constituted so as to press down an operation portion to be operated for opening formed to the latch and rotate the latch in an opening direction when the operating member descends. An outermost position of the latch is disposed on an inside of outermost portion of the contact pins when the latch is opened to an outermost position.