Socket Connector Latch Locking Member Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card edge interfaces in computer systems are not reliable under shock and vibration, leading to dislodgement of memory modules, particularly heavier Fully Buffered DIMMs, and cause fretting at gold contact interfaces, resulting in failures.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector design featuring a housing with pivotable latch members and a locking mechanism that prevents the latch members from opening, securing the card edge module through a downward biasing load and inhibiting lateral movement, using a locking member that engages protrusions on the latch members and the card edge module to maintain the module in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separable card edge interface is used, then the module is serviceable and reconfigurable, but the interface fails under shock and vibration causing dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch members are pre-positioned in a closed locking state before the module is subjected to vibration or shock. The locking members engage protrusions on the module edges in advance, creating a secure mechanical interlock that prevents dislodgement during subsequent vibration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing the interface to transition from an installed state to a removable state. This dynamic mechanism enables serviceability while maintaining reliability during operation through the locked position.
2Ease of operation
If the latch members are made movable for serviceability, then the module can be removed, but the latches may be jarred open under extreme vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are pre-engaged with the module protrusions before vibration occurs, establishing a secure mechanical interlock that resists being jarred open during extreme vibration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members maintain a dynamic capability to move between locked and unlocked states, allowing easy removal during service while maintaining secure retention during normal operation and vibration.
3Reliability
If the module is directly attached via inseparable interface, then reliability is increased, but the module becomes non-serviceable
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed with movable latch members that can transition between a locked retained state during operation and an unlocked removable state during service, providing both high reliability and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is divided into separate latch members and locking members that can independently engage and disengage, allowing the module to be securely retained during operation but easily removed when service is needed.
4Device complexity
If conventional latches are used, then the structure is simple, but the latches fail under vibration allowing module dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are integrated with the latch members to form a combined retention system. The locking members engage protrusions on the module edges while the latch members provide the mechanical leverage for locking, creating a unified structure that resists vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members act as intermediary elements between the latch members and the module protrusions. They transfer and distribute the locking forces across multiple contact points, enhancing vibration resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 effectively prevents dislodgement of card edge modules during vibration and reduces fretting at contact interfaces, enhancing the reliability and serviceability of memory modules by providing a secure and stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is configured to apply a downward load on the card edge module to bias the card edge module toward the slot
Implementation Method 2
A latch member is pivotably connected to the housing. The latch member is movable between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 3
A locking member is positioned on the latch member and configured to prevent movement of the latch member from the closed position to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive a mating edge of the card edge module. A latch member is pivotably connected to the housing. The latch member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A locking member is positioned on the latch member and configured to prevent movement of the latch member from the closed position to the open position.