Circuit Board Actuator With Integrated Ejection and Retention Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit board ejectors can only eject or insert circuit boards into their connectors and lack features for retaining the ejectors in a closed position, making it difficult to manage the insertion and ejection process effectively.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board actuator system with a cross-member and pivotably coupled levers, including insertion and ejector pawls, and a latch mechanism that provides mechanical advantage and even force distribution for inserting and ejecting circuit boards, while also allowing for retention in a closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit board ejectors are used, then the ejection function is provided, but the ejectors lack retention features and cannot be retained in a closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejection lever and retention latch into a single integrated component. The lever includes both the ejection pawl for pushing the circuit board and a latch feature that engages with a catch on the cross-member to retain the lever in the closed position. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms while providing both ejection and retention functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an ejection mechanism (through the ejection pawl) and a retention mechanism (through the latch). Additionally, the lever system provides both insertion and ejection capabilities, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple requirements with a single structure.
2Ease of operation
If manual insertion or ejection of circuit board is attempted, then no additional mechanical advantage is provided, but it becomes difficult to move the circuit board into or out of its connector
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection system is segmented into multiple levers (first lever and second lever) that are pivotably coupled to the cross-member. Each lever has pawls that engage with keepers on the circuit board, distributing the ejection force across multiple contact points. This segmentation allows the system to provide mechanical advantage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The levers are designed to be movable between different positions (open and closed) rather than being fixed. This dynamic design allows the levers to pivot and provide mechanical advantage during ejection, then return to a retained closed position. The movable nature of the levers enables the system to adapt to the insertion and ejection process while reducing the force required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ejectors are used, then only single-function ejection or insertion is provided, but features for retaining the ejectors in closed position are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ejection lever and retention latch into a single integrated component. The lever includes both the ejection pawl for pushing the circuit board and a latch feature that engages with a catch on the cross-member to retain the lever in the closed position. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms while providing both ejection and retention functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an ejection mechanism (through the ejection pawl) and a retention mechanism (through the latch). Additionally, the lever system provides both insertion and ejection capabilities, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple requirements with a single structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces the force required for inserting and ejecting circuit boards, prevents bending or stressing of the board, and ensures secure retention in the connector, enhancing the ease and reliability of the process.
Implementation Method 1
The lever is moveable between a closed position and an open position and includes an arm, an insertion pawl extending from a first end portion of the arm, an ejector pawl opposite the insertion pawl... The arms cooperate with the pawls to provide a mechanical advantage for inserting and ejecting the circuit board into and out of its connector.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for circuit board actuator systems for ejecting and inserting a circuit board into a circuit board connector. The actuator system includes a cross-member attached to a circuit board and a pair of levers pivotably coupled to opposite end portions of the cross-member. Each lever is moveable between a closed position and an open position and includes an arm with an insertion pawl and an ejector pawl extending from the arm. The system further includes a pair of circuit board guides, each including a keeper and mountable adjacent a circuit board connector. The insertion pawls operate against the keepers to insert the circuit board into the connector when the levers are moved toward the closed position, and the ejector pawls operate against the keepers to eject the circuit board from the connector when the levers are moved toward the open position.