U.S. patent application number 12/259870 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for methods for insertion and retraction of a connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Richard M. Barina, Norman Bruce Desrosiers, Dean Frederick Herring, Paul Andrew Wormsbecher.
Application Number | 20090049685 12/259870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38174242 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090049685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barina; Richard M. ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
METHODS FOR INSERTION AND RETRACTION OF A CONNECTOR
Abstract
Methods for inserting and/or removing a connector with a remote
connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include inserting a
connector into a remote connector agent to form a remote connector
system and pushing the remote connector into a header of a board to
insert the connector into the header. Embodiments may also include
pulling the remote connector system to retract the remote connector
from the header. In some embodiments, inserting the connector into
the remote connector agent further comprises pushing back one or
more insertion snap pushers to allow insertion of the connector. In
some embodiments, pulling the remote connector system further
comprises releasing a snap of the connector with a snap release
actuator before retracting the remote connector system from the
header.
Inventors: |
Barina; Richard M.;
(Sebring, FL) ; Desrosiers; Norman Bruce; (Oxford,
NC) ; Herring; Dean Frederick; (Youngsville, NC)
; Wormsbecher; Paul Andrew; (Apex, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM COPORATION (RTP);C/O SCHUBERT OSTERRIEDER & NICKELSON PLLC
6013 CANNON MOUNTAIN DRIVE, S14
AUSTIN
TX
78749
US
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
38174242 |
Appl. No.: |
12/259870 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11312093 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
7458144 |
|
|
12259870 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/786 ; 29/884;
439/480 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6335 20130101;
H01R 43/26 20130101; Y10T 29/49822 20150115; Y10T 29/53413
20150115; Y10T 29/49208 20150115; Y10T 29/49222 20150115; Y10T
29/53257 20150115; Y10T 29/53378 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/786 ; 439/480;
29/884 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/00 20060101
H01R013/00; B23P 21/00 20060101 B23P021/00 |
Claims
1. A method for inserting and removing a connector, the method
comprising: to allow insertion of a connector, pushing back one or
more insertion snap pushers of a remote connector agent apparatus
from an original position, wherein the insertion snap pushers are
each positioned within one of two sidewalls of a main body of the
remote connector agent apparatus; inserting the connector into the
remote connector agent to form a remote connector system, the
connector comprising a body having a top surface, a bottom surface,
two longer surfaces, two shorter surfaces, and a lip extending
substantially around the top surface of the body; allowing the one
or more insertion snap pushers to return to their original position
after the connection has been inserted into the remote connector
agent such that the one or more insertion snap pushers rest on the
lip of the inserted connector; pushing the remote connector system
into a header of a board to insert the connector into the header by
pushing the lip of the connector with one or more insertion snap
pushers; pivoting a snap over a header latch point of the header,
the snap being attached to the body at a midpoint of one of the
longer surfaces of the body; pulling a handle of the remote
connector agent apparatus to retract the remote connector system
from the header; releasing the snap of the connector with a single
snap release actuator that is actuated by pulling the handle of the
remote connector agent apparatus, wherein the single snap release
actuator is positioned midway between the two sidewalls of the main
body of the remote connector agent apparatus and includes a ramp
for contacting the finger release touch point of the connector; and
after releasing the snap of the connector, pulling the connector
out of the header by pulling the lip with a retraction holder ledge
of the remote connector agent apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] Pursuant to 35 USC .sctn. 121, this divisional application
claims priority to and benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/312,093, entitled "REMOTE CONNECTOR SYSTEM", attorney docket
number RPS920050179US1(4158), filed on Dec. 20, 2005, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
tools for inserting or removing connectors from a board such as a
printed circuit board. More particularly, the present invention
relates to methods for inserting and/or removing a connector with a
remote connector agent.
[0003] As computer technology continues to advance, computers are
required to perform increasingly complex tasks. With the increasing
complexity of tasks, the circuitry found in computers has also
become more complex. Computer designers and manufacturers also
desire to provide these complex functions with a minimum amount of
space to satisfy consumers and to reduce costs, resulting in
increasingly high-density circuitry for computers. The high density
of circuitry has resulted in both smaller components (e.g., headers
and connectors) as well as components that are harder for users to
reach.
[0004] High-density circuitry results in difficulties both at
installation or construction as well as later with repair or
replacement of parts. This problem often manifests with expansion
headers of boards in a computer. Boards, such as printed circuit
boards (PCBs), allow for expansion of a computer system by
connecting components of a computer system to board headers.
Connectors that fit into board headers are well known in the art.
These connectors typically have a plurality of electrical pins that
insert into the header and a plurality of wires that connect to a
component. To release the connector, a user may simply pull on the
connector until its electrical pins retract from the header. In a
densely packed computer, however, it may be difficult for a user to
reach the connector in order to pull it out, resulting in user
frustration.
[0005] This problem is exacerbated when the connector is latched to
the header instead of simply inserted. Connectors are often latched
to headers when it is desired that the connector does not come
loose from the header, such as when a connector is used for a power
supply or other important components. To latch to a header,
connectors typically have a snap which, when the connector is
inserted into a header, attaches the connector to the header via a
header latch point on the header. Once the connector snap is in
place, the connector is securely attached to the header. To remove
the connector, a user must press a finger release touch point on
the snap that releases the snap so that the connector may then be
extracted. Because of the high density of circuit boards, however,
a user may have difficulty in reaching the snap and thus cannot
press the finger release touch point to release the connector.
Similarly, users may have problems inserting the connector in the
first place in situations where the header is difficult to get to
for a user's hands. These problems can be worsened when a more
robust latch is used, such as may be used for more crucial
connections like those for power supplies. Even when users can
reach the connector with their fingers, it may be ergonomically
undesirable for them to have to press a small button in a possibly
hard-to-reach location.
[0006] As the density of computer components continues to increase,
users are likely to become increasingly frustrated with
difficulties in inserting, latching, and removing connectors from
board headers. There is, therefore, a need for an effective system
to insert and remove connectors from boards.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The problems identified above are in large part addressed by
methods for inserting and/or removing a connector with a remote
connector agent. Embodiments may include a method of inserting and
removing a connector. Embodiments of the method may include
inserting a connector into a remote connector agent to form a
remote connector system and pushing the remote connector into a
header of a board to insert the connector into the header.
Embodiments may also include pulling the remote connector system to
retract the remote connector from the header. In some embodiments,
inserting the connector into the remote connector agent further
comprises pushing back one or more insertion snap pushers to allow
insertion of the connector. In some embodiments, pulling the remote
connector system further comprises releasing a snap of the
connector with a snap release actuator before retracting the remote
connector system from the header.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Aspects of certain embodiments of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
reference to the accompanying drawings in which, like references
may indicate similar elements:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a remote connector system with a connector and remote connector
agent according to one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a connector suitable for insertion into a remote connector agent
according to one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of the remote connector agent of FIG. 1 according to one
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a top, left side, and front side partial
perspective view of the remote connector agent of FIG. 1 according
to one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a connector being inserted into a remote connector agent
according to one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective
partial view of a connector loaded into a remote connector agent
being inserted into a header according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a remote connector system latched to a header according to one
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a remote connector system removed from a header according to one
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a top, back, and side partial perspective
view of a remote connector system attached to a header according to
one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a top, back, and side partial perspective
view of a remote connector system where the snap has been released
according to one embodiment; and
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a flow chart inserting and
removing a connector with a remote connector agent according to one
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following is a detailed description of example
embodiments of the invention depicted in the accompanying drawings.
The example embodiments are in such detail as to clearly
communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered is
not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments;
but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The
detailed descriptions below are designed to make such embodiments
obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] Methods for inserting and/or removing a connector with a
remote connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include a
remote connector agent apparatus having a main body forming a
connector cavity and one or more insertion snap pushers each having
a snap pusher lower surface. The insertion snap pushers may move
outward during insertion of a connector into the connector cavity
and move inward after insertion of the connector so that the snap
pusher lower surfaces rest on a lip of the connector after
insertion of the connector. Embodiments may also include a
retraction holder ledge to support the lip of the inserted
connector during retraction and a connector snap release actuator
to pivot a snap of the inserted connector in response to a pulling
force on the remote connector agent. In a further embodiment, the
insertion snap pushers and the retraction holder ledge have a float
distance between them that is larger than the height of the
connector lip.
[0022] The disclosed methodology and system may provide for an
effective mechanism for inserting a connector into a circuit board
and removing the connector from the board. Using the disclosed
remote connector agent, a user may insert a connector into the
header after placing the connector within the remote connector
agent. During insertion, the remote connector agent advantageously
allows the snap of the connector to attach to the header without
interference. When the user wishes to remove the connector from the
header, they may pull upon the remote control agent to accomplish
this task. The remote control agent remotely pivots the snap to
release the connector from the header and, after release of the
latch, allows the user to pull out the connector from the header. A
user of the disclosed remote control agent may thus efficiently and
effectively remotely attach and remove a connector from a header,
including latching and unlatching the connector. Using the remote
control agent may be particularly useful when a header is in a
location that is hard to reach, simplifying the user's task of
attaching and removing the connector. Even where a connector is not
difficult to reach, the disclosed system may provide an ergonomic
advantage over previous systems as pushing and pulling the remote
connector agent may be better ergonomically than having to push a
small snap for some users.
[0023] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a front, top,
and right side perspective view of a remote connector system with a
connector and remote connector agent according to one embodiment.
In the depicted embodiment, the remote connector system 100
includes a connector 104 and a remote connector agent 102 that is
adapted to allow insertion of the connector 104. Once the connector
104 is inserted, a user may insert the connector 104 into a board
header (not shown) by pushing down on the remote connector agent
102 towards the header. Boards, such as printed circuit boards
(PCBs), allow for expansion by connecting components of a computer
system to board headers. Components may connect to the board header
via a connector 104. Connectors typically have a plurality of
electrical pins that insert into the header and a plurality of
wires that connect to the component.
[0024] The remote connector agent 102 may have a body forming a
connector cavity that may hold the connector 104. The remote
control agent 102 may optionally also have a handle to facilitate
pushing and pulling of the remote control agent 102 by a user. The
remote control agent 102 may be constructed of any type of
material, including metals such as die-cast aluminum, plastics,
ceramics, or other materials. In some embodiments, a non-conductive
material such as plastic or ceramic may be used to minimize the
chance of an electrical short in the event that the board is not
properly protected.
[0025] As will be described in more detail subsequently, the remote
connector agent 102 may advantageously not interfere with the
normal operation of the connector 104 during insertion of the
connector 104 into a header. Normal operation of a connector 104
(as described in more detail in relation to FIG. 2) during
insertion involves a snap of the connector 104 attaching to a
protuberance of the header so that the connector 104 is securely
attached to the header. While embodiments of the invention are
described herein as utilizing a connector 104 with a snap that
attaches to a header, one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the disclosed remote connector agent 102 may also be
used with connectors 104 that do not attach to headers or for
inserting connectors 104 into headers that do not provide latching
capability.
[0026] The remote connector agent 102 may also advantageously
facilitate removal of a latched connector 104 from a header.
Without the disclosed remote connector agent 102, a user must
release the connector 104 from the header by pushing down on the
snap so that the snap rotates, or pivots, and releases the
connector from the header. The user must then manually pull the
connector 104 out of the header. This task may be difficult for
users as the header and snap may be located within densely-packed
circuitry, making it challenging for the user to get their finger
on the snap. A connector 104 installed using the remote connector
agent 102 may remotely release the snap when a user pulls up on the
remote connector agent 102, as will be described in more detail
subsequently. The handle of the remote connector agent 102 may be
significantly easier for a user to reach in many computer
configurations, facilitating removal of the connector 104.
[0027] The remote connector agent 102 may be sized appropriately
for the connectors 104 for which it is intended. The size and shape
of a connector 104 may vary depending on manufacturer, intended
use, the number of wires, the number of pins, or other factors.
Connectors 104 generally fall into families of connectors with the
same number of pins and an industry-standard size, though
variations do occur. In some embodiments, a remote connector agent
102 may be sized for a connector 104 family of substantially
similar size so that it may be utilized with any connectors 104 in
that family. The remote connector agent 102 may also be shaped and
sized appropriate for the form factor of the family of connectors
104 in these embodiments. The remote connector agent 102 may be
sold as part of a package with a connector 104 or it may be sold
separately. Connectors 104 may be provided by manufacturers such as
Foxconn.RTM. Electronics Inc. (a subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision
Industry Co., Ltd of Taiwan) or Molex.RTM. Inc. of Lisle, Ill.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a connector 104 suitable for insertion into a remote connector
agent 102 according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment,
connector 104 includes a plurality of wires 202 attached to a body
204. The wires 202 may connect to a component of a computer system
in some embodiments. Attached to the body may be a plurality of
electrical pins 206. The electrical pins 206 are the part of the
connector 104 that are at least partially inserted into a header.
Each electrical pin 206 may form an electrical connection with the
header and one of the wires 202, providing the connection between
the computer housing the board and the component. The body 204 may
also have a lip 212 where the wires 202 enter the body.
[0029] Body 204 of the connector 104 may also have a snap 208 for
latching to a board header. When the connector 104 is inserted, the
snap 208 may rotate or pivot outward over a header latch point (a
protuberance from the header) and `snap` down over the header latch
point when the connector 104 is fully inserted. To release the
latch, a finger release touch point 210 of the snap 208 must be
pushed down to pivot the snap 208 away from the header latch point.
A sufficient force applied to the finger release touch point 210
releases the snap 208, allowing the connector 104 to be withdrawn
from the header. As will be described in more detail subsequently,
the connector snap release actuator of the remote control agent 102
may actuate (by applying a sufficient force) the finger release
touch point 210 of a standard connector 104 to unlatch the
connector 104 from the header.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of the remote connector agent 102 of FIG. 1 according to one
embodiment. The depicted remote connector agent 102 includes a main
body 304 forming a connector cavity 306. The main body 304 may
include sidewalls 316 along with a back wall 318 to help from the
connector cavity 306. The connector cavity 306 may be sized to
accommodate a particular type or size of connector 104 in some
embodiments. A handle 302 may also be attached to the main body 304
to facilitate pushing and pulling of the remote connector agent 102
by a user. For example, a user may push down on a flat upper
surface of the handle 302 and pull up on a grip or other shape of
the handle 302 that allows a pulling motion. A handle 302 is not
required but may be beneficial to improve the ergonomics of the
remote connector agent 102.
[0031] The remote connector agent 102 may also include one or more
insertion snap pushers 308, which may be located in the main body
sidewalls 316 in some embodiments. The insertion snap pushers 308
may be flexible and at least partially within the connector cavity
306 so as to be pushed outward during insertion of a connector 104.
Once the connector 104 is fully inserted, the insertion snap
pushers 304 may move inward so that they rest on top of the lip 212
of the connector 104. Each insertion snap pusher 308 may have a
snap pusher lower surface 314 that may be in contact with the top
surface of the lip 212. The snap pusher lower surface 314 may help
retain the connector 104 in the remote connector agent 102 by
preventing upward movement of the connector 104 when the remote
connector agent 102 is being pushed downward.
[0032] The remote connector agent 102 may have a retraction holder
ledge 312 around all or part of the bottom of the connector cavity
306. An installed connector 104 may be positioned so that is lip
212 is in contact with the retraction holder ledge 312 at some
times. The retraction holder ledge 312 accordingly may provide a
lower limit on the movement of an installed connector 104. When the
remote connector agent 102 is being pulled upwards to extract the
connector 104 from a header, the lip 212 may press against the
retraction holder ledge 312, resulting in the upwards force
necessary to extract the connector 104.
[0033] The remote connector agent 102 may also include a connector
snap release actuator 310. The connector snap release actuator 310
may release the snap 208 of a connector 104 before the connector
104 is pulled upwards by the retraction holder ledge 312, allowing
unrestrained movement of the connector 104 after release. The
initial upward motion of an extracting remote connector agent 102
may cause the connector snap release actuator 310 to impart a force
to the finger release touch point 210 of the snap 208, unlatching
the connector 104. The lip 212 of a connector 204 may
advantageously `float` between the snap pusher lower surface 314
and the retraction holder edge 312 in some embodiments. In these
embodiments, the distance between the snap pusher lower surface 314
and the retraction holder edge 312 may be larger than the height,
or thickness, of the lip 212. As will be described in more detail
in relation to FIG. 5, the float, or gap, between these two
surfaces facilitates unlatching of the snap 208 during retraction
of the connector 104.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a top, left side, and front side partial
perspective view of the remote connector agent 102 of FIG. 1
according to one embodiment. The depicted remote connector agent
102 of FIG. 4 is an alternative view of the remote connector agent
102 of FIG. 3 and the description of FIG. 3 will not be repeated in
the interest of brevity. The remote connector agent 102 of FIG. 4
includes two insertion snap pushers 308 each with a snap pusher
inner surface 402. When a connector 104 is inserted into the
connector cavity 306, the connector 104 may apply a force to the
snap pusher inner surfaces 402 to push the insertion snap pushers
308 out of the way of the connector 104. Once the connector 104 is
sufficiently inserted, the insertion snap pushers 308 may return
inward to substantially their original positions so that the snap
pusher lower surface 314 (as depicted in FIG. 3) may rest on top of
the lip 212.
[0035] FIG. 5 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a connector 104 being inserted into a remote connector agent 102
according to one embodiment. The connector 104 of FIG. 5 has a lip
212 with a lip height 502. The lip height 502 may be the height, or
thickness, of the lip 212. As described previously, the connector
104 may be inserted into the remote connector agent 102. During
insertion, the connector 104 may push aside the insertion snap
pushers 308 and, once the connector 104 is sufficiently inserted,
the insertion snap pushers 308 return to their original position so
that they may restrain the connector 104 from the top of the lip
212. Once it is inserted, the lip 212 of the connector 104 may be
positioned in between the snap pusher lower surface 314 and the
retraction holder ledge 312. The top surface of the lip 212 may be
facing the snap pusher lower surface 314 and the bottom surface of
the lip 212 may be facing the retracting holder ledge 312. The
distance between the snap pusher lower surface 314 and the
retraction holder ledge 312 is the float distance 504. According to
the disclosed embodiments, the float distance 504 may
advantageously be larger than the lip height 502 so that there is a
gap, or float, of the lip 212.
[0036] During insertion of the connector 104 and once the connector
104 impacts the header, the insertion snap pusher 308 may be in
contact with the lip 212. In this situation, the float is between
the lip and the retraction holder ledge 312 while the snap pusher
lower surface 314 is imparting a downward force to the connector
104. The connector 104 and remote connector agent 102 may maintain
this relative relationship while the connector 104 is inserted into
the header. When a user begins pulling up on the remote connector
agent 102, the initial motion of the remote connector agent 102
(while the connector 104 remains stationary) unlatches the snap
208. As the user continues to pull upwards, the retraction holder
ledge 312 will contact the bottom surface of the lip 212, resulting
in the float being between the lip 212 and insertion snap pushers
308. It is during this time that the float is moving from above the
lip 212 to below it that the connector snap release actuator 310
releases the snap 208, as will be described in more detail
subsequently. The retraction holder ledge 312 may then impart the
force necessary to retract the connector 104 from the header until
the connector 104 is free.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective
partial view of a connector 104 loaded into a remote connector
agent 102 being inserted into a header according to one embodiment.
In FIG. 6, a header 604 with a header latch point 606 is depicted
attached to a board 602. Board 602 may be any type of surface,
including a board such as a circuit board or printed circuit board
(PCB). Headers 604 are known in the art and may include a plurality
of electrical pin receptacles 608 to receive the electrical pins
206 of a connector 104 when it is inserted. The header latch point
606 may be a latch or other protuberance that may restrain a snap
208 that is positioned over it.
[0038] In FIG. 6, the position of a connector 104 loaded into the
remote connector agent 102 to form a loaded remote connector system
100 is illustrated. When the connector 104 is being inserted, the
insertion snap pushers 308 may be pushing down on the lip 212 and
are positioned to push the connector 104 into the header 604. The
snap 208 is free to pivot, or rotate, outward over the header latch
point 606 even when the connector 104 is inserted into the remote
connector agent 102. The snap 208 and header latch point 606 may
accordingly perform their intended functions in spite of the
presence of the remote connector agent 102, allowing the remote
connector system 100 to be securely latched to the header 604 and
board 602.
[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a remote connector system 100 latched to a header according to
one embodiment. In FIG. 7, the snap 208 of the connector 104 is in
place to attach the connector 104 and remote connector agent 102 to
the header 604 and board 602. The connector 104 may accordingly
attach to the header 604 as if the remote connector agent 102 was
not present.
[0040] FIG. 8 depicts a front, top, and right side perspective view
of a remote connector system 100 removed from a header 604
according to one embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the remote
connector system 100 is fully retracted from the header 606. As the
remote connector system 100 is pulled upwards, the snap 208
releases from the header latch point 606 and then the electrical
pins 206 retract from the header 604. The snap 208 release will be
described in more detail in relation to FIG. 10. Once a user has
fully retracted the connector 104, they may remove the connector
104 from the remote connector agent 102, reinsert the remote
connector system 100 into another header 604, or perform other
tasks. In some embodiments, to remove the connector 104 from the
remote connector agent 102 the user may manually push the insertion
snap pushers 308 outward so that the connector 104 may be more
easily removed.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts a top, back, and side partial perspective
view of a remote connector system 100 attached to a header
according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, snap 208
is positioned over the header latch point 606 to securably retain
the connector 104 to the header 604. The connector snap release
actuator 310 may be positioned underneath the finger release touch
point 210 with a float gap 902 in between them. The float gap 902
may remain from the initial insertion of the connector 104 into the
header 604. In one embodiment, the finger release touch point 210
and/or the connector snap release actuator 310 form a ramp 904
between them. The ramp 904 may facilitate pivoting or rotation of
the snap 208 during retraction, as described in relation to FIG.
10. A similar float gap 902 may exist between the lip 212 and the
retraction holder ledge 312. The connector 104 is thus `pushed in`
with the float gaps 902 below the lip 212 and/or snap 208,
resulting from the action of pushing the connector 104 down into
the header 604 with the remote connector agent 102.
[0042] FIG. 10 depicts a top, back, and side partial perspective
view of a remote connector system 100 where the snap has been
released according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 10,
the process of pulling up the remote connector agent 102 has begun
(from the latched state of FIG. 9) and the snap 208 has been
released. Once the snap 208 has been released, a user may pull the
connector 104 out of the header 604. As the remote connector agent
102 is pulled upwards, the float gaps 902 of FIG. 9 are closed.
During this time, the ramp 904 formed by the connector snap release
actuator 310 and the finger release touch point 210 may gradually
pivot or rotate the snap 208 until it is clears the header latch
point 606 and is accordingly released. Once the float gaps 902 are
substantially eliminated, the retraction holder ledge 312 may be in
contact with the lip 212 and the connector snap release actuator
310 may be in contact with the finger release touch point 210. By
ramping the connector snap release actuator 310, the snap 208 may
be pivoted clear of the header latch point 606 smoothly by pulling
of the remote connector agent 102 before extraction of the
connector 104. From the user's perspective, a single pulling motion
of the remote connector agent 102 first releases the snap 208 and
then extracts the connector 104. The force exerted between the
retraction holder ledge 312 and the lip 212 and between the
connector snap release actuator 310 and the finger release touch
point 210 may pull the connector 104 upwards.
[0043] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a flow chart inserting and
removing a connector 104 with a remote connector agent 102
according to one embodiment. Flow chart 500 begins with element
502, where a user begins the process of inserting a connector 104
into a remote connector agent 102 by pushing back the insertion
snap pushers 308 after which the user may place the connector 104
fully into the connector cavity 306 at element 1104. Once the
connector 104 is positioned within the remote connector agent 102,
the insertion snap pushers 308 may return to their original
positions to help hold in the connector 104. In some embodiments,
the action of the user placing the connector 104 in the connector
cavity 306 may provide sufficient force to push back the insertion
snap pushers 308. In other embodiments, the user may manually push
back the insertion snap pushers 308 or use another methodology.
[0044] Once the connector 104 and remote connector agent 102 have
been combined into a remote connector system 100, the user may push
the remote connector system 100 into the header 604 at element
1106. As described previously, the insertion snap pushers 308 may
impart the downward force to a lip 212 of the connector 104 as it
is inserted. As part of the insertion process, snap 208 may pivot
over the header latch point 606 at element 1110.
[0045] To pull out the remote connector system 100, a user may pull
up on the handle 302 of the remote connector agent 102 at element
1112. As described in relation to FIG. 10, at element 1114 the
upward force from pulling the handle 302 eliminates the float and
releases the snap 208 by action of the connector snap release
actuator 310. Continued upward force may pull the connector 104 out
the header 604 entirely at element 1116, after which the method
terminates.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the present invention contemplates
a system, method, and apparatus for inserting and removing a
connector with a remote connector agent. It is understood that the
form of the invention shown and described in the detailed
description and the drawings are to be taken merely as examples. It
is intended that the following claims be interpreted broadly to
embrace all the variations of the example embodiments
disclosed.
[0047] While certain operations have been described herein relative
to a direction such as "above" or "below" it will be understood
that the descriptors are relative and that they may be reversed or
otherwise changed if the relevant structure(s) were inverted or
moved. Therefore, these terms are not intended to be limiting.
[0048] Although the present invention and some of its advantages
have been described in detail for some embodiments, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can
be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. Although an embodiment
of the invention may achieve multiple objectives, not every
embodiment falling within the scope of the attached claims will
achieve every objective. Moreover, the scope of the present
application is not intended to be limited to the particular
embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of
matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As
one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *