Low profile compliant latch assembly and electronic circuit card and chassis incorporating same

Abstract

A latch assembly operable for securing an electronic circuit card in a chassis such that connectors associated with the electronic circuit card and a backplane of the chassis are properly coupled, the latch assembly including: an elongate handle structure, wherein a proximal end of the elongate handle structure defines a hole and includes a protruding portion that is configured to engage a recess or lip associated with the chassis, and wherein a distal end of the elongate handle structure includes a handle portion; a spring structure partially obstructing the hole defined by the proximal end of the elongate handle structure; and a rotation member disposed through the hole and configured to engage the electronic circuit card, wherein the spring structure partially obstructing the hole contacts a portion of the rotation member.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic circuit card and chassis, such as those used in the optical networking field. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a low profile compliant latch assembly for use with such an electronic circuit card and chassis.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]In the optical networking field and others, electronic components, or electronic circuit cards, including faceplates are typically inserted into a shelf assembly, or chassis, including a backplane. Typically, these electronic circuit cards (also referred to as electronic circuit packs) are inserted into the chassis side-by-side in a vertical orientation, although other configurations are possible, such as side-by-side in a horizontal orientation, for example. When inserted, connectors on the back of each electronic circuit card engage connectors on the backplane, completing the desired connections. In 25G+ optical networking systems, for exa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure is about a low profile latch that can securely hold an electronic circuit card in a chassis while accommodating different tolerances in manufacturing and assembly. This latch uses an internal leaf spring, compliant portion, or compliant material to efficiently secure the electronics while maintaining a small footprint.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, a variety of latch assemblies have been designed to lock the electronic circuit cards in place, most of which are non-compliant, or are compliant but bulky.

Most conventional latch assemblies are non-compliant and their use leads to unacceptable electrical performance through the backplane and / or undesirable stressing of the associated electronic circuit card and chassis.

Conventional compliant latch assemblies are typically bulky, including compression springs loaded into the associated faceplate or the like, thereby disadvantageously sacrificing port density.

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