Levered Latch Plunger for Single-Motion PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch technologies lack improvements in usability, ergonomics, features, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in efficiently aligning and securing circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A latch design featuring a ferrule, stud, washer, and lever mechanism where the lever's rotation translates the stud between latched and unlatched positions, with a washer and detent system for secure engagement, allowing for easy operation and alignment of circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional latch plunger design is used, then the structure is simple, but the operation requires multiple steps and is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever rotation motion with the stud translation function into a single integrated mechanism. The lever is pivotally connected to the stud, so that one rotational motion simultaneously achieves both the unlocking action and the plunger displacement, eliminating the need for separate操作步骤
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses a dynamic lever-arm system where the lever can pivot about a pivot axis to convert rotational motion into linear translation of the stud. This dynamic mechanism allows the plunger to move between latched and unlatched positions through a single continuous motion rather than discrete steps
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism with secure engagement is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to rotate through an angle greater than 90 degrees, providing a generous range of motion that ensures complete disengagement from the detent feature. This excessive action guarantees reliable unlocking while maintaining ease of operation through a simple, forceful motion
Solution Approach 2:
The detent feature is extracted as a separate element that can be independently engaged or disengaged by the lever's rotation. This allows the secure engagement to be achieved through a dedicated mechanical feature rather than relying on friction or complex interlocking mechanisms
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 latch provides a quick and efficient single-motion operation between latched and unlatched states, reducing time and effort, especially beneficial in large-scale applications like computer server farms, with enhanced usability and alignment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a lever that is pivotably connected to the stud about a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the stud axis, wherein rotation of the lever about the pivot axis causes translation of the stud along the stud axis with respect to the ferrule
Implementation Method 2
the stud is positioned to extend through the ferrule opening and keyed to the washer opening such that the stud rotates about the stud axis along with the washer
Data Source
AI summary
A latch includes a ferrule defining a hollow interior region and a ferrule opening that opens into the hollow interior region. A washer is positioned adjacent an end of the ferrule. The washer defines a washer opening. A stud has an elongated body extending along a stud axis, and the stud is positioned to extend through the ferrule opening and keyed to the washer opening such that the stud rotates about the stud axis along with the washer. A lever is pivotably connected to the stud. Rotation of the lever about the pivot axis causes translation of the stud along the stud axis with respect to the ferrule between a latched position, in which an end of the stud protrudes beyond a connection end of the ferrule, and an unlatched position, in which the end of the stud is contained within the interior region defined by the ferrule.