Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Coupling part for receiving edge of planar board moving...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-04
2001-05-22
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Coupling part for receiving edge of planar board moving...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234821
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to connector and more particularly to an improved connector for connecting a RAM module to mainboard of computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Random access memory (RAM) is one of indispensable components of personal computer (e.g., desktop or notebook computer). The processing speed of computer is related to size of RAMs to a certain degree. RAMs are conventionally manufactured in a rectangular packet called module. Such RAM module is inserted in a connector mounted on mainboard of computer. It is common that a number of such connectors are provided on mainboard. As such, user may insert a desired number of RAM modules in connectors to obtain an optimum memory size. Traditionally, connector is integrally formed with two plastic arms at both ends. With this, a mounted RAM module may not loosen in connector after fastened by arms and connector. It is understood that the arms are flexed outward temporarily when inserting RAM module. As such, arms may be broken or permanently deformed if not sufficient care is taken during that insertion process. If such occurred, connector has to be replaced.
An improved conventional connector arm enhancement mechanism is shown in FIG.
8
. As shown, a metal enhancement device (b) is secured to each arm (a). Enhancement device (b) has a rectangular cross section including an extended attachment member (b
1
) inserted in slot (a
1
) of arm (a), a pointing up tab (b
2
) for enclosing arm (a), a protruded engagement member (b)
3
adjacent tab (b
2
) being fixed on mainboard c by soldering, and an inward slant flexible strip (b
4
) extended from one side of opening for urging against arm (a).
But this is unsatisfactory for the purpose for which the invention is concerned for the following reasons:
1) Enhancement device (b) is stiff due to the rectangular cross section design.
2) Engagement member (b
3
) is located between end of arm (a) and slot (a
1
) (i.e., the position susceptible to deformation).
These two factors together will cause arm (a) not easily bent or deformed, resulting in a loss of flexibility. Thus, it is not convenient to install RAM module despite the enhancement of strength of arm (a).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a connector with auxiliary stress reduction mechanism for connecting a RAM module to mainboard of computer. By utilizing this, a breakage or damage to connector as occurred in prior art is eliminated during the RAM module insertion process.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector with auxiliary stress reduction mechanism for conveniently connecting a RAM module to mainboard of computer.
To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a connector assembly comprising a plastic connector mounted on mainboard and two metal enhancement devices wherein connector includes a body, two parallel arms each including two spaced raised members, a positioning projection, and a protrusion with a guide slope defined between top side of arm and protrusion, slot, and a plurality of contact electrodes in the slot; and enhancement devices are secured to arms each including a U-shaped plate member having a planar portion and two spaced tab member with central openings, a protruded engagement member fixed on mainboard, and an outward slant flexible strip With the support of engagement members, flexible strips can share the stress with plate members and arms when arms flex outward or inward during the process of installing RAM module. This can prevent stress from concentrating on joints of body and arms of connector. Thus, joints are not susceptible to breakage.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5938463 (1999-08-01), Yodogawa
patent: 6030245 (2000-02-01), Choy
Bradley Paula
Pro-Techtor Inter-national Services
Ta Tho D.
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