Die Cast Cage Alignment Plate for Pluggable Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transceiver assemblies face misalignment issues between pluggable modules and receptacle connectors, leading to electrical connection failures and potential damage due to jamming, especially with longer modules.
Innovation Solution
A die cast cage with an alignment plate and latch members is used to ensure proper alignment and latching of the pluggable module within the receptacle assembly, featuring an alignment surface that engages the module to maintain alignment with the receptacle connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the pluggable module is made longer to increase capacity or functionality, then the module can provide more features, but the module becomes more susceptible to misalignment with the receptacle connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment plate as an intermediary component between the pluggable module and the receptacle connector. The alignment plate includes an alignment surface that contacts the pluggable module during insertion, serving as a mediator to guide and maintain proper alignment. This intermediary structure compensates for the increased misalignment risk caused by the longer module length, enabling stable electrical connection despite the extended distance.
2Length of moving object
If the pluggable module travels farther within the internal compartment to reach the receptacle connector, then longer modules can be accommodated, but misalignment and jamming increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plate acts as a mediator throughout the insertion path, with its alignment surface providing continuous guidance as the pluggable module travels through the internal compartment. This ensures that even over longer distances, the module maintains proper alignment with the receptacle connector, preventing jamming and ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment surface is positioned to engage the pluggable module at the beginning of the insertion process, establishing proper alignment before the module begins its travel through the internal compartment. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment from developing during the longer travel distance, maintaining connection reliability throughout the insertion.
3Ease of operation
If misalignment occurs during insertion, then the plug may fail to align with the receptacle, but this can cause jamming and potential damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment surface provides preliminary anti-action by preventing misalignment before it can cause harmful effects. By establishing proper alignment at the start of insertion, the system counteracts the tendency toward misalignment that would otherwise lead to jamming and potential damage to the plug, receptacle, or surrounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment plate serves as a protective intermediary, absorbing and correcting alignment errors during insertion. This mediator prevents the transmission of harmful forces and misalignment stresses to the plug and receptacle, protecting these critical components from damage while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cage is provided for a receptacle assembly that includes a receptacle connector. The cage includes a die cast body having side walls that are spaced apart to define an internal compartment of the die cast body therebetween. The die cast body has a front end that is open to the internal compartment of the die cast body. The internal compartment is configured to receive the receptacle connector therein. The internal compartment is configured to receive a pluggable module therein through the front end. An alignment plate is mounted to the die cast body. The alignment plate includes an alignment segment that extends between the side walls to form a bottom wall of the cage. The alignment segment includes an alignment surface that defines a bottom boundary of the internal compartment of the die cast body.