Pivoting Ejector Faceplate for Tight Rack Chassis Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of rack designs has led to reduced clearance space between chassis and shelves, making it difficult to remove electronics chassis from their bays for maintenance, repair, or replacement, as existing ejector systems are complex, costly, and lack sufficient latching and ejection force, especially for blind mate multi-beam connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electronics chassis assembly with a shelf featuring a latching/fulcrum flange and a pivotally coupled face plate that includes a latch/ejector mechanism, providing both latching and ejection forces by engaging the latching/fulcrum flange when closed and open, respectively, to facilitate easy removal and secure positioning of the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rack designs are miniaturized to reduce overall size, then rack density and space utilization are improved, but clearance space between chassis and shelves decreases making chassis removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically applying ejection force to disengage the electrical connectors before the technician needs to manually remove the chassis. The spring-loaded ejector is pre-positioned to engage with the chassis and provide the necessary force to break the frictional fit of the tight electrical interface, enabling easy chassis removal despite limited clearance space.
2Ease of operation
If existing ejector systems are used to overcome removal difficulty, then chassis ejection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded system that automatically engages and disengages the chassis. The spring provides stored energy that is released to eject the chassis when needed, eliminating the need for complex external actuation systems, motors, or control mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining effective ejection capability.
3Ease of operation
If existing ejector systems are used to provide ejection force, then chassis removal capability is improved, but latching and ejection force for blind mate multi-beam connectors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism is designed to rapidly apply high ejection force to quickly break the tight frictional fit of the blind mate multi-beam connectors. By using a spring-loaded system, the ejector can deliver a sudden, high-magnitude force impulse that overcomes the connector friction in a single action, rather than requiring gradual or sustained force application. This allows the system to 'rush through' the resistance of the tight electrical interface and achieve successful chassis removal.
4Ease of operation
If latch/ejector mechanisms are added to provide latching and ejection force, then chassis securing and removal capability is improved, but chassis volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The face plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the latching mechanism and the ejector mechanism. The same face plate structure provides both the latch/ejector components that secure the chassis to the shelf and the components that enable chassis removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate latching and ejecting mechanisms, thereby avoiding additional volume increases while still providing both latching and ejection capabilities.
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 cost-effective, simplified design that integrates seamlessly into existing shelf structures, providing the necessary force for ejection and latching in both vertical and horizontal directions, addressing the challenges of complex and costly prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The face plate has a latch/ejector that provides an ejection force when the face plate is in an open position
Implementation Method 2
The latch/ejector mechanism provides both latching and ejection forces by engaging the latching/fulcrum flange when closed and open, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention provides a latch/ejector face plate assembly for an end of an electronics chassis assembly. The face plate is pivotally couplable to a front end of an electronics chassis. The face plate has a latch/ejector that comprises a latching portion that is latchably engageable against a rear side of a latching/fulcrum flange of a electronics rack shelf when the face plate is in a closed position, and an ejector edge that is engageable against a front side of the latching/fulcrum flange when the face plate is in an open position, to thereby provide an ejection force of the electronics chassis.