Socket Cover Air Impeding Structure for Pin Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with unpopulated processing unit sockets face protection and heat dissipation issues due to lack of airflow impedance, leading to potential pin damage during installation and removal of socket covers.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit socket cover with an air impeding structure and engagement latch that attaches via force application on the air impeding structure, reducing direct interaction with socket pins and providing both protection and airflow impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a socket cover is installed to protect unpopulated sockets, then protection from physical damage and dust is improved, but direct interaction with socket pins during installation and removal may cause pin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the air impeding structure with engagement features) that mediates between the user's installation/removal actions and the socket pins. The engagement features interact with the cover edges rather than the pins, transferring forces away from the vulnerable pin areas while still achieving secure attachment and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the engagement functionality from direct pin interaction and relocates it to the air impeding structure. By taking out the engagement features from the cover body and placing them on the air impeding structure, the design allows installation and removal forces to be applied away from the socket pins, eliminating the harmful direct interaction.
2Ease of operation
If unpopulated sockets are left open, then ease of access for future processing unit installation is improved, but airflow impedance is reduced leading to heat dissipation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the air impeding structure can be temporarily installed to provide airflow impedance during normal operation, and easily removed when processing unit installation is needed. The engagement features on the air impeding structure allow for quick attachment and detachment, enabling the system to switch between protected/closed and accessible/open states as needed.
3Temperature
If a separate processing unit blank is used to provide airflow impedance, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cover function and the airflow impedance function into a single integrated component. The air impeding structure is formed as part of the socket cover itself, eliminating the need for separate processing unit blanks or additional components. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining both protection and heat dissipation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protective element and as an airflow impedance structure. The air impeding structure integrated into the cover provides the same thermal management function that would otherwise require a separate processing unit blank, while also providing physical protection and dust prevention in a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include socket covers with air impeding structures. In some examples, a processing unit socket cover comprises a base, an air impeding structure, and an engagement latch. The base may have a surface facing away from the socket and a perimeter defined by the surface. The air impeding structure may protrude from the surface and extend from a first side of the perimeter to a second side of the perimeter, diving the surface. The engagement latch may be connected to the air impeding structure to attach to the socket.