Communications Module Latch Mechanism With Cam Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms for communications modules are complex and costly, requiring unplugging of cables for module removal, which can lead to cable reversal issues during relocation or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latch mechanism using a follower and driver configuration with a cam system that allows selective engagement and disengagement of communications modules from a host device without unplugging cables, utilizing a resilient member to maintain engagement and a rotating driver to release the module, enabling easy relocation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing latch mechanisms are used for communications modules, then secure engagement is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and costly, requiring cable unplugging for module removal
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into two functional components: a follower element that interfaces with the communication module and a driver element that interfaces with the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure engagement through the coordinated interaction of these simplified elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the latch mechanism directly secure the module to the housing, the invention inverts the approach by using a resilient member biased against the follower, which in turn interfaces with the module. The driver rotates to move the follower, which passively follows the driver's motion to achieve engagement or disengagement. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by making the follower a passive element rather than an active latching component.
2Reliability
If existing latch mechanisms are used for communications modules, then secure engagement is achieved, but cable reversal issues occur during relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocked position through rotation of the driver element. The follower element dynamically responds to the driver's rotation, moving along a defined path that smoothly transitions the module between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic operation allows cable-connected modules to be removed without unplugging, as the entire assembly moves together during the latching/unlatching process.
3Device complexity
If a simplified latch mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but secure engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The driver element incorporates a cam surface with a specifically shaped curved profile that guides the follower element's motion. This curved geometry ensures that as the driver rotates, the follower is pushed against the communication module with increasing force, achieving secure engagement through the mechanical advantage of the cam's curved surface rather than through complex multi-point latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is pre-biased in a specific direction, storing elastic potential energy that automatically engages the follower with the module when the driver rotates into the latched position. This preliminary biasing action ensures secure engagement without requiring additional active components or complex control mechanisms, as the resilient member's pre-stored energy performs the securing function automatically.
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 solution allows for secure engagement and easy disengagement of communications modules without cable reversal, reducing the complexity and cost of the latch mechanism and facilitating faster and more reliable module replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to retain the follower in a first position relative to the housing and to resiliently deform as the follower is moved from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
The driver includes a cam configured to interface with the follower such that the driver urges the follower towards a second position relative to the housing as the driver is rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a module latch mechanism includes a follower and a driver. The follower is configured to be slidingly positioned relative to a housing and to facilitate selective engagement of the housing with a host device. The follower includes a retaining member configured to retain a resilient member in at least one direction such that the resilient member urges the follower towards a first position relative to the housing. The driver is configured to be rotatingly positioned relative to the housing. The driver includes a cam configured to urge the follower towards a second position relative to the housing as the driver is rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position.