Cable Connector Disconnection Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPO fiber optic cable connectors with 'pull-tab' release mechanisms frequently break, leading to difficulties in disconnection, potential damage, and increased cabling costs due to the need for excessive force, especially in densely populated switch devices.
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System (IHS) with a cable connector disconnection actuator and engagement subsystem that moves relative to the chassis, allowing for easy disconnection of cable connectors from computing devices without relying on fragile 'pull-tab' mechanisms, using a button-activated mechanism that translates force into sufficient disengagement of the connector from the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pull-tab release mechanism with a thin plastic actuator is used to reduce costs and fit between densely populated cables, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the reliability of the connector disconnection system deteriorates due to frequent actuator breakage
Solution Approach 1:
A disconnection actuator arm serves as an intermediary between the user's pulling action on the tab and the securing latch mechanism. The arm transfers and amplifies the user's force, allowing reliable disconnection without requiring a fragile thin plastic actuator integrated into the pull-tab mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection function is extracted from the pull-tab mechanism and implemented as a separate, dedicated actuator arm system. This separates the force application interface (pull-tab) from the force transmission mechanism (actuator arm), allowing each to be optimized independently for reliability.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to disconnect a cable with a broken pull-tab actuator, then the cable can be disconnected from the port, but damage occurs to the cable, switch device, or port components
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement subsystem includes a release mechanism that automatically disengages the securing latch from the port when the actuator arm is pulled, eliminating the need for users to apply excessive force manually. The system performs the disconnection service itself through controlled mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator arm is positioned and configured in advance to engage with the securing latch mechanism, so that when pulled, it automatically triggers the disengagement sequence without requiring the user to directly manipulate or force the latch release.
3Ease of operation
If pull-tab release mechanisms are used on densely populated switch devices, then access to securing latches is improved, but the actuator is more prone to breaking off due to frequent handling and confined space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arm serves as a mediator that extends the reach and leverage for accessing and actuating the securing latch in densely populated configurations, while being mechanically robust enough to withstand repeated use without breaking.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector disconnection system includes a cable having a cable connector, and a computing device. The computing device includes a computing device connector that connects to the cable connector, a cable connector disconnection actuator that is spaced apart from the computing device connector on the computing device and that is configured to move relative to the computing device, and a cable connector engagement subsystem that is located immediately adjacent the computing device connector and that is coupled to the cable connector disconnection actuator. Movement of the cable connector disconnection actuator relative to the computing device when the cable connector is connected to the computing device connector causes the cable connector engagement subsystem to move relative to the computing device connector and into engagement with the cable connector to disconnect the cable connector from the computing device connector.