Integrated Boot and Release Slide for Cable-Safe Module Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication modules face difficulties in removal from host device cages due to defective epoxy handles, leading to potential damage of the communication cables when force is applied, as the handle dislodges uncontrollably.
Innovation Solution
An integrated boot and release slide system with a main body, arms, and coupling structures, where the boot is overmolded over the coupling structures to prevent dislodgment and includes a cavity for slidably receiving a communications cable, allowing controlled removal of the module from the cage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle epoxied to the communications cable is used for removal, then the module can be removed from the host device cage, but the epoxy may be defective causing the handle to dislodge and potentially damage the communications cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the boot and release slide into a single integrated component. The release slide is embedded within the boot structure, creating a unified mechanism that combines cable protection (boot function) with module release (slide function). This integration ensures that the release mechanism and cable protection work together seamlessly, eliminating the reliability issues of separate epoxy-attached handles while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release slide is nested within the boot structure. The boot encompasses the communications cable and provides protection, while the release slide is positioned inside the boot to engage with the module. This nested arrangement ensures that when the release slide is actuated, the cable remains protected within the boot, preventing damage during the removal process.
2Ease of operation
If force is applied to a dislodged handle, then the module can be removed from the cage, but the communications cable may be bent beyond its acceptable bend radius
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is designed to cushion and protect the communications cable before any removal action occurs. The boot material and structure are engineered to absorb and distribute forces, preventing excessive bending of the cable. When the release slide is actuated, the boot continues to protect the cable, ensuring that no harmful bending forces are transmitted to the cable during the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is constructed as a flexible protective shell that envelops the communications cable. This flexible structure allows the boot to deform slightly during module removal while maintaining continuous protection of the cable. The boot's flexibility enables it to accommodate the mechanical movements required for module extraction without transmitting damaging forces to the cable, thereby preventing bend radius exceedance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the boot is separate from the release slide, then manufacturing is simpler, but the boot may dislodge during module removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the boot and release slide into a single integrated component during manufacturing. The release slide is embedded within the boot structure, creating a unified part that cannot dislodge. This integration maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring the boot remains stably positioned throughout the module removal process, as the boot and slide function as one cohesive unit.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes an integrated boot and release slide having a release slide and a boot. The release slide includes a main body, a plurality of arms, and a plurality of coupling structures. The arms extend from a first end of the main body. The coupling structures extend from a second end of the main body opposite the first end. The boot is overmolded over the coupling structures of the release slide and defines a cavity configured to slidably receive a communications cable.