Prevention of module misalignment using a socket system
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsYayun LIU, Michael LO
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Presented herein are embodiments comprising one or more mechanical stoppers or flanges, which are moveable relative to insertion and removal of a module into a socket. In one or more embodiments, the stopper/flange may be combined with, or operate in conjunction with, a module latch to form a latch-and-stopper system. Such a system may be added to a socket system or may be integrated as part of a socket system. In one or more embodiments, when a latch is engaged by a module, one or more stoppers/flanges extends and retracts—moving from one position (e.g., open) to another (e.g., closed) or vice versa according to the insertion or removal of the module into or out of the socket.
Claims20
An apparatus for preventing mis-insertion of a module, the apparatus comprising:
- a pair of stoppers for attaching to a socket housing of a socket for receiving a module, wherein each stopper is configured, when attached to the socket housing of the socket:
- to be in an outward position, when no module is in the socket, to form a barrier between the socket and an adjacent socket to prevent incorrect insertion of a module into a space formed between the socket and the adjacent socket;
- and
- to move toward the socket housing by actuator of a latch that engages the pair of stoppers when a module is inserted into the socket.
An apparatus for preventing mis-insertion of a module comprising:
- a first gate mechanism positioned at or near a first end of a socket that is configured to receive a module, the first gate mechanism comprising a first flange portion that is configured:
- to be in an extended position, when no module is in the socket, to form a barrier between the socket and an adjacent socket to prevent incorrect insertion of a module into a space formed between the socket and the adjacent socket;
- and
- to move into a retracted position by an actuator when a module is inserted into the socket.
A method comprising:
- inserting a module into a receptable of a socket that is configured to receive the module, the socket comprising:
- a first gate mechanism positioned at or near a first end of the socket, the first gate mechanism comprising a first flange portion that is configured:
- to be in an extended position, when no module is in the socket, to form a barrier between the socket and an adjacent socket to prevent incorrect insertion of the module into a space formed between the socket and the adjacent socket;
- and
- to move into a retracted position by an actuator when a module is inserted into the socket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.