Electronic Module Latch Mechanism for Compact Form Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small form factor of electronic modules, such as SFP, X-SFP, and QSFP, makes it difficult to remove a failed module from a system due to limited space for finger operation, despite existing solutions using sliders and levers, which do not provide sufficient space for operator manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with a housing featuring a recess area, a slider member with curved arm portions that straighten upon movement, and a gasket for easy separation from a complementary connector, allowing for upward movement of protrudent portions to facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the module size is reduced to achieve smaller form factor, then the space occupied on printed circuit board is reduced and more modules can be coupled, but the space for operator's finger operation becomes insufficient making it difficult to handle and remove failed modules
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a traditional lateral sliding motion to a vertical lifting motion. The curved arm portions convert the rearward movement of the slider into upward movement of the protrudent portions, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve disengagement without requiring lateral finger space.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved arm portions of the slider member are designed with specific curvature to transform the linear rearward movement of the slider into vertical upward motion of the protrudent portions. This curvature mechanism enables compact space utilization while maintaining effective latch release functionality.
2Ease of operation
If traditional slider and lever mechanisms are used to enable module removal, then module pluggability is achieved, but the mechanism requires sufficient space for finger operation which conflicts with small form factor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The curved arm portions and protrudent portions are integrated as unified structural elements of the slider member, eliminating the need for separate lever components. This merging reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining the latch release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes vertical motion dimension instead of lateral sliding dimension, allowing the latch release function to be achieved within a more compact footprint suitable for small form factor modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing defining a recess area and a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing. A slider member (61) is assembled to an exterior surface of the housing and defines a pair of curved arm portions (612) formed on a front section thereof and a connecting portion (613) connected with two front ends of the pair of curved arm portions, and each arm portion defines a protrudent portion (6120) formed on a top surface thereof. A gasket (5) is received into the recess area and engaged with the housing. Whereby movement of the slider by a user along a front to rear direction, the pair of curved arm portions are both straightened to make two protrudent portions moved upwardly.