IC Socket Latch Reinforcement via Supporting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IC sockets experience deformation of the latch member due to excessive operating force, which negatively affects the downward movement and locking mechanism of the IC package during testing.
Innovation Solution
An IC socket with a reinforced plate is introduced, featuring a supporting element that abuts against the latch member to prevent warpage and deformation of the pivotal shaft, ensuring stable operation and secure locking of the IC package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is moved downwardly to open the latch member, then the IC package can be disposed in the IC socket, but the pivotal shaft may be warped upwardly at the opposite ends and downwardly at the middle position due to excessive operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element acts as an intermediary component between the pivotal shaft and the actuator. It provides a stable reference point that mediates the excessive forces during latch member rotation, preventing direct transmission of warping forces to the pivotal shaft while still allowing the necessary rotational movement to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the actuator by adding a supporting element with specific geometric features (extending to a position under the latch member). This parameter change modifies the force distribution during operation, transforming the problematic force application into a controlled mechanism that prevents shaft warpage while maintaining operational ease.
2Power
If the springs exert upward force on the pivotal shaft during actuator movement, then the latch member can be driven to rotate, but the pivotal shaft experiences warpage and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting element is pre-positioned in the actuator structure before operation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when spring force is applied during latch member rotation, the supporting element is already in place to prevent pivotal shaft warpage, rather than attempting to correct the deformation after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element introduces an asymmetric structural feature to the otherwise symmetric pivotal shaft system. This asymmetry is strategically placed to counteract the specific warpage pattern caused by spring force (upward at ends, downward at middle), creating a balanced force distribution that maintains shaft strength during power transmission.
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 reinforced plate effectively prevents deformation of the pivotal shaft, maintaining the integrity of the latch mechanism and ensuring reliable operation and secure locking of the IC package during testing and usage.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator 24 will move upwardly and rotate toward its initial position as driven by the elastic force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
An IC socket comprises a socket body, a plurality of contacts, an actuator mounted on the socket body and moveable up-and-down relative to the socket body, and a latch member configured with one end thereof connecting with the actuator via a pivotal shaft and another end thereof movably connecting with the socket body. When the actuator is moved downwardly, the pivotal shaft is pushed downwardly and drives the latch member to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The actuator further defines a supporting element extending to a position under the latch member for abutting against the latch member during rotational movement of the latch member.