Electronic Device Detachable Module Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with detachable modules face challenges in safe and tool-free replacement of electronic modules during operation, with a risk of unintentional disconnection leading to system instability.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a latching element with an actuating lug and catch lug on opposing end faces, combined with linear guides, allowing for secure detachment by gripping and pulling the module upwards, ensuring reliable latching and preventing accidental removal during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple latching mechanism is used to enable easy module replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism uses a resilient latching arm that can dynamically change its state between latched and unlatched positions. The arm is spring-loaded to automatically return to the latched position after actuation, providing both easy operation (single-direction force needed) and reliability (automatic reset and positive latching).
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latching arm acts as an intermediary element between the module housing and the base module. It mediates the connection by providing a controlled compliance that allows easy actuation while maintaining secure engagement during normal operation. The arm transfers the actuating force from the user to the latching point while absorbing operational variations.
2Reliability
If a resilient latching arm is used to provide automatic latching, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latching arm combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the latching force, acts as the actuating element, guides the module during insertion, and provides the return spring function. This merging reduces the need for separate springs, actuators, and guide structures, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arm serves multiple purposes: it latches the module in the engaged position, provides a lever arm for easy actuation, guides the module during insertion through its geometric configuration, and acts as a spring element for automatic reset. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the latching mechanism.
3Reliability
If linear guides are added to prevent unintentional disconnection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guides pre-align the module with the base module during the insertion process, establishing the correct engagement path before the latching action occurs. This preliminary alignment ensures that the module is properly positioned for latching without requiring additional adjustment or complex alignment procedures by the user, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guides create asymmetric constraints that allow free movement in the insertion direction (downwards) while preventing movement in the removal direction (upwards) unless the latching arm is actuated. This asymmetric guidance mechanism provides reliability by preventing unintentional disconnection while maintaining ease of operation through the simple downward insertion motion.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device (1) is described comprising a base module (2) and an electronic module (3) detachably pluggable onto the base module (2). The base module (2) comprises an insulation material housing (16) with a snap-in base (5) for attaching the base module (2) on a carrier rail and plug contacts (7, 8) on the side walls. The electronic module (3) comprises an insulation material housing (20) and is connectable to the plug contacts (7, 8) of the base module (2) in the attached state on the base module (2). The base module (2) and the electronic module (3) comprise interacting snap-in elements (23, 26) for locking the base module (2) and the electronic module (3) to each other when the electronic module (3) is attached to the base module (2) A snap-in element (23) of the electronic module (3) comprises a protruding activation lug (27) on a second face (15) of the electronic device (1). The electronic module (3) comprises a protruding catch lug (19) on its first face (11) opposite the second face (15). The electronic module (3) and the base module (2) comprise interacting linear guides (35a, 35b; 36a, 36b), wherein the electronic module (3) is held linearly displaceable on the base module (2) using the linear guides (35a, 35b; 36a, 36b) and is receivable on the base module (2).