Modular Device Lever Arm Mechanism for Insertion Force Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electronic systems require significant user force to insert and remove devices from device bays, and lack ergonomic mechanisms for secure attachment and detachment, leading to potential disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic system with retractable locking members and a lever arm mechanism that assists in aligning connectors and provides a mechanical advantage for insertion and removal, along with a module release mechanism for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular devices are inserted into device bays using traditional sliding mechanisms, then device connectivity is achieved, but excessive user force is required and ergonomic operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the modular device. The lever arm pivots about an axis and includes a follower pin that engages with an inclined guide surface on the chassis. When the user applies force to the lever arm handle, the follower pin slides along the inclined surface, converting the user's input force into amplified mechanical force that assists in moving the modular device into or out of the device bay, thereby reducing the direct force required from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm mechanism provides mechanical assistance that exceeds what would be minimally required for simple insertion. By using the lever arm with its inclined guide surface, the system generates more force than necessary for basic connector engagement, making the operation easier and more ergonomic while ensuring positive engagement of the modular device.
2Reliability
If retractable locking members are used to secure modular devices, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable locking members are spring-biased to automatically engage with windows on the chassis wall when the modular device is inserted. The springs provide the necessary force for the locking members to protrude and secure the device without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. When the device is removed, the locking members automatically retract due to the spring bias, providing self-service locking and unlocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to protrude and retract as needed. This dynamic behavior enables the locking mechanism to adapt to the insertion and removal operations automatically, providing security when needed and reducing interference during operations when not needed.
3Reliability
If rigid connectors are used for mechanical and electronic mating, then connection reliability is achieved, but insertion and removal require excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm mechanism serves as an intermediary that mediates between the user's manual operation and the rigid connector engagement. By providing mechanical advantage through the lever arm and inclined guide surface, the system enables the user to apply sufficient force for reliable connector mating without directly applying excessive force to the connectors themselves, thus protecting the connectors while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm mechanism performs preliminary alignment and force application before the connectors fully engage. The inclined guide surface on the chassis directs the follower pin to apply force progressively as the modular device is inserted, ensuring that the connectors mate properly without sudden excessive force that could damage them.
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
Reduces the force required for inserting and removing modular devices, enhances ergonomic operation, and securely locks devices in place to prevent accidental disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
One or more retractable locking members on the modular device are biased into respective windows on the chassis wall upon insertion of the device into the device bay, to releasably lock the modular device within the device bay.
Implementation Method 2
A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the device module about a lever arm pivot axis. A follower pin is secured to the lever arm and is spaced from the pivot axis in a direction away from the handle. A guide provided on the chassis receives the follower pin, such that the follower pin rides along the guide as the lever arm is pivoted about the pivot axis, to assist moving the modular device within the device bay.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electronic system including a mechanism for releasably securing a modular device within a chassis, and for facilitating insertion and removal of the modular device. One embodiment provides a modular device that includes a handle secured to opposing pivotable lever arms. A follower pin secured to one end of the lever arms rides in a slot defined by the chassis. The slot is arranged so that pulling upward on the handle moves the follower pin in one direction along the slot to urge the modular device in a direction further into the device bay, and pushing downward on the handle urges the modular device in a direction out of the device bay, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to the user. When the modular device is fully inserted, retractable locking members provided on the modular device move into windows provided on the chassis, to releasably lock the modular device in the device bay. A module release mechanism includes a release plate that moves into engagement with a sloped or ramped surface of the locking members in response to squeezing the handle. Engagement of the release plate with the ramped surface moves the locking members inward and out of the windows on the chassis, to unlock the modular device from the device bay.