Connector pin alignment tool and method for aligning

Claim 1

In an electronic manufacturing assembly process wherein an electrical connector has a multiplicity of protruding leads arranged in an orderly array, but wherein the detached end of each said lead is free to move some amount from its position in said array, and wherein said leads must be inserted into a multiplicity of fixed holes which are positioned in a pattern corresponding to said array as part of said assembly process, a tool for aligning and constraining said leads to remain aligned with said array positions while said leads are inserted into said holes, said tool comprising: a plurality of guide rails having their first ends attached to a fixed block, said guide rails fitting between said leads in a first direction, thereby aligning said leads in said first direction when said guide rails are inserted between said leads; a comb having a multiplicity of teeth, said teeth fitting between said leads in a second direction below and in contact with said guide rails, thereby aligning said leads in said first and second directions when said guide rails and said teeth are inserted between said leads; and clamping means for holding said guide rails and said teeth in their respective inserted positions while said leads are startably inserted into their respective holes.

Claim 5

A method for quickly and easily aligning the pins or leads of a connector with a set of sockets or holes of a mating member without causing damage to said pins or leads, the pens or leads of said connector comprising protruding leads that are arranged in an orderly array, the detached ends of said leads being free to move in order to allow each to be aligned with its respective mating socket or hole, said method comprising the steps of: (a) constraining the movement of the detached end of said leads in a first direction by inserting spaced-apart parallel guide rails in between the leads of said array; (b) constraining the movement of the detached end of said leads in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to said first direction by inserting spaced-apart parallel teeth in between the leads of said array; (c) partially inserting the constrained leads of the first connector in the sockets of the second connector; (d) removing the constraints imposed by steps (a) and (b); and (e) fully inserting the leads of the connector in the holes or sockets of the mating member.

Claim 6

A method for quickly and easily aligning the pins or leads of a connector with a set of sockets or holes of a mating member without causing damage to said pins or leads, the pens or leads of said connector comprising protruding leads that are arranged in an orderly array, the detached ends of said leads being free to move in order to allow each to be aligned with its respective mating socket or hole, said method comprising the steps of: (a) constraining the movement of the detached end of said leads in a first direction by inserting spaced-apart parallel guide rails in between the leads of said array; (b) constraining the movement of the detached end of said leads in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to said first direction by inserting spaced-apart parallel teeth in between the leads of said array; (c) partially inserting the constrained leads of the first connector in the sockets of the second connector; (d) removing the constraints imposed by steps (a) and (b); and (e) fully inserting the leads of the connector in the holes or sockets of the mating member.