Elastic Handle Mechanism for Tool-Free Pluggable Module Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic apparatuses with pluggable modules require users to release a locked state using tools, making the removal and insertion process complicated and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A handle with elastic arms and a force-bearing arm that engages with positioning structures on the electronic apparatus, allowing for easy detachment and re-engagement of pluggable modules by shifting the elastic arms when the force-bearing arm is applied, simplifying the insertion and removal process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fastening screw is used to assemble the electronic module and the electronic apparatus, then the connection strength is improved, but the operation complexity increases and tool requirement is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw fastening system with an elastic arm and hook section mechanism. The elastic arms with hook sections engage with positioning structures to secure the pluggable module, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining connection strength through elastic engagement force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arms provide self-locking functionality where the hook sections automatically engage with the positioning structures upon insertion, and the elastic force maintains continuous engagement pressure without requiring additional fastening operations or tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a fastening screw is used to assemble the electronic module and the electronic apparatus, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the complex screw assembly system and concentrates it into the elastic arm mechanism with hook sections. This simplifies the overall assembly structure by removing screws, nuts, and multiple fastening components while maintaining reliable connection through the elastic engagement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: elastic arms for providing engagement force, hook sections for latching onto positioning structures, and the positioning structures themselves. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a tool is required to release the fastening screw, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembling procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple elastic arm mechanism that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive tools and complex assembly procedures. The elastic arms and hook sections can be molded or formed as simple components that require no special assembly tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables users to instinctively insert and remove pluggable modules from the electronic apparatus without tools, simplifying the operation and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure engagement.

Implementation Method 1

The two elastic arms shift toward each other to enable the two hook sections to be detached from the positioning structures when a force is applied to the force-bearing arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10426052B1Handle, pluggable module, and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 ACCTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

AI summary

The inventive subject matter discloses a handle, a pluggable module, and an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a frame body and a plurality of pluggable modules. Each of the pluggable modules includes a rack and a handle, wherein the rack is adapted to receive an electronic module. The handle includes two elastic arms and a force-bearing arm, wherein each of the two elastic arms includes a hook section, and the two hook sections are adapted to be engaged with positioning structures of the frame body respectively. The force-bearing arm is connected between the two elastic arms, and the two elastic arms shift toward each other to enable the two hook sections to be detached from the positioning structures when a force is applied to the force-bearing arm. With the aforementioned design, the pluggable module could be instinctively inserted into or removed from the electronic apparatus.