Spring-Loaded Pin Protector for Processor Board Socket Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small and delicate electrically conductive pins in electronic devices, such as processor boards with pin grid arrays, are prone to bending or breaking under light forces, necessitating protection during delivery and installation.
Innovation Solution
A pin protector apparatus comprising a spring element with hook structures and locking mechanisms that biases a pin protector away from the pins to protect them and allows retraction for insertion into a socket, ensuring proper alignment and secure locking to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable plastic or metal cover is attached to the processor board to cover the pins, then the pins are protected during delivery and installation, but the device complexity increases and the pins cannot be easily exposed for connection
Solution Approach 1:
The pin protector is designed to automatically retract when the processor board is inserted into the socket. The spring element stores potential energy during insertion and automatically pushes the pin protector away from the pins after insertion, eliminating the need for manual removal operations and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pin protector transitions from a static protective cover to a dynamic component that moves between extended (protective) and retracted (access) positions. The spring element enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the pin protector to automatically adjust its position based on the insertion state of the processor board
2Manufacturing precision
If a shroud is designed to fit closely around the exterior of the socket to align the pins, then proper electrical connection is guaranteed, but the pins remain vulnerable to damage during handling before socket installation
Solution Approach 1:
The pin protector is pre-installed on the processor board in an extended position that protrudes beyond the pin array. This preliminary protective action is taken before the processor board is handled or installed, ensuring pins are protected during all handling operations until the moment of socket insertion
3Reliability
If the pin protector remains in a fixed extended position, then pins are continuously protected, but the pins cannot be accessed for insertion into the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The pin protector is designed as a movable component rather than a fixed structure. The spring element enables the pin protector to dynamically transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing it to provide continuous protection during handling while automatically clearing the path for pin insertion when needed
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 pin protector effectively safeguards pins from unintended forces and ensures proper alignment during insertion, maintaining protection both during storage and when not in use, while allowing easy exposure for connection, thus enhancing the reliability of pin-based electronic connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element configured to bias the pin protector away from the pins
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting an array of pins of an electronic device is provided. The apparatus includes a pin protector defining an array of holes therethrough, wherein each hole is configured to receive one of the pins. The apparatus also comprises a spring element configured to bias the pin protector away from the electronic device toward an end of each of the pins. The spring element is also configured to allow the pin protector to be retracted toward the electronic device to expose the pins for insertion into a socket or similar component.