Circuit card assembly extraction tool and methods thereof

A method of extracting a card assembly comprising a plurality of openings from a plurality of respective connector pins extending therethrough, the method comprising:

• providing a generally cylindrical puller structures having a first central bore and a locking end;
• and
• providing a filler rod configured to translate coaxially within the first central bore of a corresponding puller structure, the filler rod having a second central bore configured to accept one of the connector pins;
• inserting the puller structure through a selected one of the openings such that the locking end engages a first side of the assembly;
• and
• sliding the filler rod within the puller structure, toward the card assembly and around a connector pin extending through the selected opening, to apply outward radial pressure on the locking ends of the puller structure;
• and
• extracting the card assembly in a direction parallel to the axis of the puller structure.

An extraction tool for grasping a card assembly having a plurality of openings and a plurality of respective connector pins extending therethrough that are mechanically coupled to the card assembly, the extraction tool comprising:

• a plurality of generally cylindrical puller structures, each having a first central bore and a set of tines terminated with respective locking ends;
• and
• a plurality of filler rods, each configured to translate coaxially within the first central bore of a corresponding puller structure, the filler rod having a second central bore configured to accept one of the connector pins;
• wherein the puller structure is configured to extend through a selected one of the openings such that the locking ends flex radially inward when passing through the selected opening, then engage a first side of the card assembly when extended through the opening;
• and
• wherein the filler rod is configured to translate within the puller structure, and around a connector pin extending through the selected opening, to apply outward radial pressure on the locking ends of the puller structure.