Memory module and cover therefor

• US 7,881,051 B2
• Filed: 03/06/2007
• Issued: 02/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Kim, Hyekyung (Sophia)
• Primary Examiner(s): Gandhi; Jayprakash N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wilson; Adrian S
• Application Number:
  US11/714,314
• Publication Number:
  US 20080218957A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,428 Days
• Field of Search: 361/684, 36167931-67933, 361/679.02
• US Class Current: 361/679.31
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0278 of USB type details relating to connectors H01R27/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

A storage device has a memory module enclosed within a housing and a removable cover. In a first configuration of the storage device, while leaving a portion of the housing exposed, the cover encloses at least a connector that extends from the housing and that is electrically coupled to the memory module. In a second configuration of the storage device, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the cover encloses at least the portion of the housing that was exposed in the first configuration.

Claims

1. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module enclosed within a housing; and

a removable cover;

wherein in a first configuration of the storage device, while leaving a light-pipe of the housing exposed, the cover entirely encloses at least a connector that extends from the housing and that is electrically coupled to a circuit board of the memory module;

wherein in a second configuration of the storage device, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the cover entirely encloses at least the light-pipe; and

wherein a portion of the circuit board is inserted into a slot that extends into an interior of the light-pipe so that opposing surfaces of the circuit board are respectively in physical contact with opposing bounding surfaces of the slot.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein portion of the housing is exposed in both the first and second configurations.

3. The storage device of claim 1, wherein a protrusion of the cover extends into a depression in the housing when the storage device is in either the first or second configuration.

4. The storage device of claim 3, wherein the cover is resilient and biases the protrusion of the cover into the depression in the housing.

5. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the cover is of a material that can pass light therethrough so that when the light-pipe is illuminated, light from the light-pipe can be transmitted through the cover when the cover entirely encloses the light-pipe in the second configuration.

6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the light can be transmitted through opposing portions of the cover.

7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a pair of tines that extends from a portion of the cover that entirely encloses, in the first configuration of the storage device, at least the connector and that entirely encloses, in the second configuration of the storage device, at least the light-pipe.

8. The storage device of claim 7, wherein a protrusion extends from each of the tines, and wherein each protrusion extends into a depression in the housing when the storage device is in either the first or second configuration.

10. The storage device of claim 1, wherein a hole passes though a portion of the cover for receiving a lanyard therethrough.

11. The storage device of claim 1, wherein a lanyard passes through a portion of the cover.

50. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the light-pipe has an inclined portion overlying and aligned with a top of the light source of the memory module for reflecting light from the top of the light source toward an exterior surface of the light-pipe.

9. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module enclosed within a housing; and

a removable cover;

wherein in a first configuration of the storage device, while leaving a light-pipe of the housing exposed, the cover entirely encloses at least a connector that extends from the housing and that is electrically coupled to the memory module;

wherein in a second configuration of the storage device, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the cover entirely encloses at least the light-pipe;

wherein the cover comprises a pair of tines that extends from a portion of the cover that entirely encloses, in the first configuration of the storage device, at least the connector and that entirely encloses, in the second configuration of the storage device, at least the light-pipe,

wherein a protrusion extends from each of the tines, and wherein each protrusion extends into a depression in the housing when the storage device is in either the first or second configuration; and

wherein the tines are resilient so as to bias the protrusions thereof into their respective depressions.

12. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module enclosed within a housing, the housing comprising;

a light-pipe;

opposing first exterior surfaces; and

opposing second and third exterior surfaces, each of the second and third exterior surfaces having a single depression formed therein, each single depression interposed between first and second grooves formed in each of the second and third exterior surfaces; and

a removable cover that can pass light therethrough and that has a pair of resilient tines extending from a portion thereof, each tine having a protrusion extending therefrom;

wherein, in a first configuration of the storage device, while leaving the light-pipe and first portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing exposed, the portion of the cover from which the tines extend encloses at least a connector that extends from the housing and that is electrically coupled to the memory module;

wherein the protrusions are respectively biased, by the resilient tines, in the single depressions formed in the opposing second and third exterior surfaces of the housing when the storage device is in the first configuration;

wherein, in a second configuration of the storage device, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the portion of the cover from which the tines extend encloses the light-pipe and at least the first portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing;

wherein when the storage device is in the second configuration, the protrusions are respectively biased, by the resilient tines, in the same single depressions in which the protrusions are respectively biased when the storage device is in the first configuration;

wherein the first grooves of the opposing second and third exterior surfaces are configured to respectively receive the protrusions therein and to guide the protrusions to their respective depressions when the cover is being positioned to enclose the connector; and

wherein the second grooves of the opposing second and third exterior surfaces are configured to respectively receive the protrusions therein and to guide the protrusions to their respective depressions when the cover is being positioned to expose the connector.

13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein second portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing are exposed in the first and second configurations.

14. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the light-pipe is optically coupled to a light source that is mounted on a surface of a circuit board of the memory module.

15. The storage device of claim 14, wherein portions of an exterior surface of the light-pipe that are not visible to the surface of the circuit board of the memory module on which the light source is mounted are optically coupled to the light source.

17. The storage device of claim 14, wherein a portion of the circuit board is inserted into a slot that extends into an interior of the light-pipe from an interior of the housing.

18. The storage device of claim 14, wherein a portion of the circuit board is press fit into a slot that extends into an interior of the light-pipe from an interior of the housing.

19. The storage device of claim 12, wherein portions of the light-pipe respectively form portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing.

20. The storage device of claim 19, wherein another portion of the light-pipe is located opposite the connector.

21. The storage device of claim 12, wherein, in the first configuration of the storage device, second portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing are exposed between the tines and, in the second configuration of the storage device, third portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing are exposed between the tines.

22. The storage device of claim 12, wherein the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing are respectively exterior surfaces of opposing first and second walls of the housing, and wherein the opposing first and second walls comprise first and second curved interior surfaces that engage the light-pipe respectively along portions of a curved exterior surface of the light-pipe.

16. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module enclosed within a housing, the housing comprising;

a light-pipe;

opposing first exterior surfaces; and

opposing second exterior surfaces having depressions formed therein; and

a removable cover that can pass light therethrough and that has a pair of resilient tines extending from a portion thereof, each tine having a protrusion extending therefrom;

wherein, in a first configuration of the storage device, while leaving the light-pipe and first portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing exposed, the portion of the cover from which the tines extend encloses at least a connector that extends from the housing and that is electrically coupled to the memory module;

wherein the protrusions are respectively biased, by the resilient tines, in the depressions formed in the opposing second exterior surfaces of the housing when the storage device is in the first configuration;

wherein, in a second configuration of the storage device, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the portion of the cover from which the tines extend encloses the light-pipe and at least the first portions of the opposing first exterior surfaces of the housing;

wherein the protrusions are respectively biased, by the resilient tines, in the depressions formed in the opposing second exterior surfaces of the housing when the storage device is in the second configuration;

wherein the light-pipe is optically coupled to a light source that is mounted on a surface of a circuit board of the memory module; and

wherein a portion of the light-pipe is angled at substantially 45 degrees toward an exterior surface of the light-pipe for reflecting light from the light source by substantially 90 degrees toward the exterior surface of the light-pipe.

23. A removable memory module, comprising:

a circuit board;

one or more memory devices disposed on the circuit board;

a housing that encloses the circuit board and the one or more memory devices;

a connector extending from the housing and electrically coupled to the one or more memory devices;

wherein the housing comprises a light-pipe optically coupled to a light source disposed on the circuit board;

wherein a portion of the circuit board is inserted into a slot that extends into an interior of the light-pipe so that opposing surfaces of that portion of the circuit board are respectively in physical contact with bounding surfaces of the slot;

wherein the housing further comprises opposing first and second exterior surfaces respectively having depressions formed therein; and

wherein the first and second exterior surfaces also respectively have first and second grooves respectively formed on first and second sides of the respective depressions formed in the first and second exterior surfaces.

24. The memory module of claim 23, wherein the light-pipe has an exterior surface that has substantially opposing first and second portions that respectively form portions of opposing third and fourth exterior surfaces of the housing and wherein a third portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe is located opposite the connector.

25. The memory module of claim 23, wherein the light source is mounted on a surface of the circuit board that is contiguous with and faces in the same direction as one of the opposing surfaces that are respectively in physical contact with opposing bounding surfaces of the slot.

26. The memory module of claim 23, wherein the portion of the circuit board that is inserted into the slot is press fit into the slot.

27. The memory module of claim 23, wherein a portion of the light-pipe is angled at substantially 45 degrees toward the exterior surface of the light-pipe for reflecting light from the light source by substantially 90 degrees toward the exterior surface of the light-pipe.

28. The memory module of claim 24:

wherein the opposing third and fourth exterior surfaces of the housing are respectively exterior surfaces of opposing first and second walls of the housing;

wherein the substantially opposing first and second portions of the exterior surface of the light-pipe are substantially opposing first and second curved portions of the exterior surface of the light-pipe; and

wherein the opposing first and second walls of the housing comprise first and second curved interior surfaces that engage the exterior surface of the light-pipe respectively along the substantially opposing first and second curved portions of the exterior surface of the light-pipe.

29. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module;

comprising;

a circuit board;

one or more memory devices disposed on the circuit board;

a housing that encloses the circuit board and the one or more memory devices; and

a connector extending from an end of the housing and electrically coupled to the one or more memory devices; and

a removable cover having opposing protrusions;

wherein the housing comprises opposing exterior surfaces each having a single depression formed therein;

wherein each of the opposing exterior surfaces also has a groove formed on either side of the single depression of the respective exterior surface so that the single depression of the respective exterior surface is interposed between the grooves of that surface;

wherein the opposing protrusions of the cover respectively extend into the single depressions formed in the opposing exterior surfaces of the housing when the cover encloses the connector and when the cover encloses a light-pipe located at an end of the housing opposite the end from which the connector extends;

wherein the grooves on one side of the depressions are configured to respectively receive the opposing protrusions of the housing therein and to direct the opposing protrusions of the housing to the respective single depressions when the cover is being positioned to cover the connector; and

wherein the grooves on the other side of the depressions are configured respectively receive the opposing protrusions of the housing therein and to direct the opposing protrusions of the housing to the respective single depressions when the cover is being positioned to cover the light-pipe.

30. The storage device of claim 29, wherein the housing is connected to the light-pipe by a press-fit between the circuit board and the light-pipe.

31. The storage device of claim 30, wherein curved interior surfaces of the housing respectively engage the light-pipe along portions of a curved exterior surface of the light-pipe.

32. A storage device, comprising:

a memory module; and

a cover comprising;

a base;

first and second resilient tines extending from the base;

wherein interior surfaces of the base and the first and second tines define a hollow interior of the cover that encloses a portion of the memory module; and

first and second protrusions respectively extending from the interior surfaces of the first and second tines that are configured to be respectively biased by the resiliency thereof into first and second depressions in the memory module;

wherein each of the first and second depressions is interposed between first and second grooves in the memory module;

wherein the first grooves are respectively configured to receive the first and second protrusions and to respectively direct the first and second protrusions to the first and second depressions when positioning the cover over a connector of the memory module to place the storage device in a non-operational configuration; and

wherein the second grooves are respectively configured to receive the first and second protrusions and to respectively direct the first and second protrusions to the first and second depressions when positioning the cover over a light-pipe of the memory module that is opposite the connector to place the storage device in an operational configuration where the connector is exposed.

33. The storage device of claim 32, wherein the base and the first and second resilient tines can pass light therethrough.

34. The storage device of claim 32, wherein a hole passes through an exterior of the cover for receiving a lanyard therethrough.

35. A method of configuring a storage device, comprising:

positioning a cover of the storage device over a housing of a memory module of the storage device to enclose at least a connector extending from an end of the housing within the cover while leaving a light-pipe located at an opposite end of the housing exposed to define a first configuration of the storage device;

completely disconnecting the cover from the housing; and

after disconnecting the cover from housing, re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light-pipe while leaving at least the connector exposed to define a second configuration of the storage device,

wherein positioning the cover of the storage device over the housing of the memory module of the storage device to enclose at least the connector within the cover comprises respectively receiving first and second opposing protrusions of the cover in first and second opposing depressions in the housing and wherein re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light pipe comprises respectively receiving the first and second opposing protrusions of the cover in the first and second opposing depressions in the housing.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein respectively receiving the first and second protrusions of the cover in first and second depressions in the housing comprises respectively biasing the first and second protrusions of the cover in first and second depressions in the housing.

36. A method of configuring a storage device, comprising:

positioning a cover of the storage device over a housing of a memory module of the storage device to enclose at least a connector extending from an end of the housing within the cover while leaving a light-pipe located at an opposite end of the housing exposed to define a first configuration of the storage device, wherein positioning the cover of the storage device over the housing of the memory module of the storage device to enclose at least the connector within the cover comprises respectively receiving first and second opposing protrusions of the cover in first and second opposing depressions in the housing;

completely disconnecting the cover from the housing;

after disconnecting the cover from housing, re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light-pipe while leaving at least the connector exposed to define a second configuration of the storage device, wherein re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light pipe comprises respectively receiving the first and second opposing protrusions of the cover in the first and second opposing depressions in the housing; and

deflecting the first and second opposing protrusions of the cover apart from each other before respectively receiving the first and second opposing protrusions in the first and second opposing depressions in the housing.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein when positioning the cover of the storage device over the housing of the memory module of the storage device to enclose at least the connector within the cover, the first and second opposing protrusions, before being deflected apart, respectively ride in first and second opposing grooves in the housing in response to moving the cover relative to the housing, and wherein when re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light pipe, the first and second opposing protrusions, before being deflected apart, respectively ride in third and fourth opposing grooves, different from the first and second opposing grooves, in the housing in response to moving the cover relative to the housing, wherein the first depression is interposed between the first and third grooves and the second depression is interposed between the second and fourth grooves.

39. A method of configuring a storage device, comprising:

positioning a cover of the storage device over a housing of a memory module of the storage device to enclose at least a connector extending from an end of the housing within the cover while leaving a light-pipe located at an opposite end of the housing exposed to define a first configuration of the storage device;

completely disconnecting the cover from the housing; and

after disconnecting the cover from housing, re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light-pipe while leaving at least the connector exposed to define a second configuration of the storage device;

wherein positioning the cover of the storage device over the housing of a memory module of the storage device to enclose at least the connector within the cover comprises;

respectively receiving first and second protrusions of the cover in first and second grooves in the housing;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions within the first and second grooves to respectively guide the first and second protrusions to first and second elevated regions respectively located at the ends of the first and second grooves;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions respectively onto the first and second elevated regions from the first and second grooves to deflect the first and second protrusions apart from each other;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions past the first and second elevated regions; and

after the first and second protrusions move past the first and second elevated regions, respectively biasing the first and second protrusions into first and second depressions in the housing.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein re-positioning the cover over the housing to enclose, within the cover, at least the light-pipe comprises:

respectively receiving the first and second protrusions of the cover in third and fourth grooves in the housing;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions within the third and fourth grooves to respectively guide the first and second protrusions to third and fourth elevated regions respectively located at the ends of the third and fourth grooves;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions respectively onto the third and fourth elevated regions from the third and fourth grooves to deflect the first and second protrusions apart from each other;

moving the cover relative to the housing to move the first and second protrusions past the third and fourth elevated regions; and

after the first and second protrusions move past the third and fourth elevated regions, respectively biasing the first and second protrusions into the first and second depressions in the housing.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first and third grooves are aligned with each other and the first depression and the second and fourth grooves are aligned with each other and the second depression.

42. A method of operating a storage device, comprising:

removing a cover of the storage device, covering a connector of a memory module of the storage device while leaving a light-pipe of the memory module exposed, from the connector to expose the connector;

enclosing the light-pipe within the cover while leaving the connector exposed;

coupling the storage device to a host device using the exposed connector;

illuminating the light-pipe when the storage device is coupled to the host device;

wherein the connector is coupled to a circuit board of the memory module and a portion of the circuit board is inserted into a slot that extends into an interior of the light-pipe so that opposing surfaces of the circuit board are respectively in physical contact with opposing bounding surfaces of the slot.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein enclosing the light-pipe within the comprises biasing opposing protrusions extending from the cover into depressions in the memory module.

51. The method of claim 42, wherein when the light-pipe illuminates, when the storage device is coupled to the host device, light from the light-pipe is transmitted through opposing surfaces of the light-pipe.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein illuminating the light-pipe when the storage device is coupled to the host device comprises:

illuminating a light source of the storage device when the storage device is coupled to the host device;

receiving light in a first direction from the light source at an inclined surface of the light-pipe; and

reflecting light from the inclined surface in a second direction that is substantially 90 degrees from the first direction toward an exterior surface of the light-pipe.

53. The method of claim 52:

wherein light from the light source is further received at a portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe that is visible to a surface of a circuit board of the memory module on which the light source is mounted;

wherein the portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe that is visible to the surface of the circuit board on which the light source is mounted transmits a first portion of the light received thereat to one of the opposing surfaces of the light-pipe and reflects a second portion of the light received thereat to a portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe that is not visible to the surface of the circuit board of the memory module on which the light source is mounted; and

wherein the portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe that is not visible to the surface of the circuit board on which the light source is mounted transmits a portion of the light reflected thereto from the portion of the exterior surface of the light-pipe that is visible to the surface of the circuit board on which the light source is mounted to another of the opposing surfaces of the light-pipe.

54. The method of claim 43, wherein the depressions in the memory module comprise single depressions respectively formed in opposing surfaces of the memory module, and further comprising, before biasing the opposing protrusions extending from the cover into the depressions in the memory module:

respectively receiving the opposing protrusions extending from the cover in grooves respectively formed in the opposing surfaces of the memory module; and

using the grooves to respectively direct the opposing protrusions extending from the cover to the depressions.

58. The method of claim 42, wherein removing the cover from the connector comprises completely disconnecting the cover from the memory module.

44. A method of forming a memory module, comprising:

connecting a circuit board, having one or more memory devices and a light source mounted thereon, to a light-pipe so that a portion of the circuit board extends into a slot in the light-pipe and so that opposing surfaces of that portion of the circuit board respectively physically contact bounding surfaces of the slot;

after connecting the circuit board to the light-pipe, connecting a housing to the light-pipe so that the circuit board is enclosed within the housing and so that a connector electrically connected to the one or more memory devices extends from the housing; and

forming a removable cover;

wherein in a first configuration of the memory module, while leaving the light-pipe exposed, the cover encloses at least the connector; and

wherein in a second configuration of the memory module, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the cover encloses at least the light-pipe.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein connecting the circuit board to the light-pipe comprises contacting a curved exterior surface of the light-pipe respectively along portions of the curved exterior surface of the light-pipe with curved interior surfaces of the housing.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein connecting the circuit board to the light-pipe comprises respectively receiving substantially opposing portions of the light-pipe within notches formed in the housing so that curved interior surfaces of the notches engage the light-pipe respectively along curved exterior surfaces of the substantially opposing portions of the light-pipe.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein the portion of the circuit board that extends into the slot in the light-pipe is press fit into the slot.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein connecting the circuit board to the light-pipe comprises receiving the light source into a notch that extends into an interior of light-pipe.

59. The method of claim 44, wherein the light-pipe has an inclined portion overlying and aligned with a top of the light source for reflecting light from the top of the light source toward an exterior surface of the light-pipe.

49. A method of forming a memory module, comprising:

connecting a circuit board, having one or more memory devices and a light source mounted thereon, to a light-pipe by press fitting a portion of the circuit board into a slot formed in the light-pipe;

after connecting the circuit board to the light-pipe, connecting a housing to the light-pipe by respectively receiving substantially opposing portions of the light-pipe within notches formed in the housing so that curved interior surfaces of the notches engage the light-pipe respectively along curved exterior surfaces of the substantially opposing portions of the light-pipe; and

forming a removable cover;

wherein in a first configuration of the memory module, while leaving the light-pipe exposed, the cover encloses at least the connector; and

wherein in a second configuration of the memory module, while leaving at least the connector exposed, the cover encloses at least the light-pipe; and

wherein connecting the housing to the light-pipe encloses the circuit board within the housing so that a connector electrically connected to the one or more memory devices extends from the housing.

60. The method of claim 49, wherein opposing surfaces of the portion of the circuit board press fit into the slot formed in the light-pipe are respectively in physical contact with opposing bounding surfaces of the slot formed in the light-pipe.

55. A method of operating a storage device, comprising:

entirely enclosing a light-pipe of a memory module of the storage device within a cover of the storage device while leaving a connector of the memory module exposed;

coupling the storage device to a host device using the exposed connector;

illuminating the light-pipe when the storage device is coupled to the host device;

wherein entirely enclosing the light-pipe of the memory module of the storage device within a cover of the storage device comprises biasing opposing protrusions extending from the cover into depressions in the memory module;

wherein the depressions in the memory module comprise single depressions respectively formed in opposing surfaces of the memory module, and further comprising, before biasing the opposing protrusions extending from the cover into the depressions in the memory module;

respectively receiving the opposing protrusions extending from the cover in grooves respectively formed in the opposing surfaces of the memory module; and

using the grooves to respectively direct the opposing protrusions extending from the cover to the depressions; and

wherein the grooves are first grooves, and further comprising;

removing the storage device from the host device;

removing the cover from the light-pipe; and

enclosing the connector within the cover, while leaving at least the light-pipe exposed, wherein enclosing the connector within the cover comprises;

respectively receiving the opposing protrusions extending from the cover in second grooves respectively formed in the opposing surfaces of the memory module;

using the second grooves to respectively direct the opposing protrusions extending from the cover to the depressions in the memory module; and

biasing the opposing protrusions extending from the cover into the depressions in the memory module.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein removing the cover from the light-pipe comprises completely disconnecting the cover from the memory module.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein one the depressions is interposed between one of the first grooves and one of the second grooves and another one of the depressions is interposed between another one of the first grooves and another one of the second grooves.