Electronic Module Latch Mechanism for Compact Connector Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic modules with small form factors, such as SFP, X-SFP, and QSFP, face challenges in handling and replacement due to their compact size, which complicates the disengagement process from host board connectors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module design featuring a housing with a slider member, a metallic gasket, and an ejector mechanism, where the slider member has curved arm portions and pivotable cantilever portions that interact with engaging portions of the gasket to facilitate easy separation from a complementary connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the electronic module is designed with a small form factor, then the space occupied on the printed circuit board is reduced and more modules can be coupled, but the module becomes more difficult for users to handle and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a slider member that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and an ejector that can be actuated to automatically push the module out of the receptacle. This dynamic mechanism transforms a static small form factor design into one that provides easy removal through controlled movement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through a simple action (pressing or sliding), which then automatically performs the ejection function. The mechanism serves itself by converting a minor user input into the larger action of module ejection, making the small form factor module as easy to replace as larger ones.
2Volume of moving object
If the module size is reduced, then less board space is required, but the disengagement process from the host board connector becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch release function and the ejection function into a single integrated mechanism. The slider member controls the latch arms, and the ejector works in conjunction with the gasket to push the module out. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate release and ejection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as an intermediary element between the ejector and the module housing. The ejector pushes against the gasket, which in turn pushes the module out of the receptacle. This intermediary mechanism allows for controlled ejection while simplifying the overall disengagement process.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to secure the module, then the connection is stable, but the module requires more steps to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The slider member is positioned to automatically engage and lock the latch arms when the module is inserted into the receptacle. This preliminary locking action ensures stable connection during operation. For removal, the user simply needs to actuate the ejector, which has already been positioned to push the module out once the latch is released, reducing the time required for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the slider member for lateral movement, the latch arms for securing, and the ejector for ejection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing stable locking during operation while enabling quick removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, a slider member movably received in the channel, a cover member confining the slider member to the housing, a gasket mounted to the housing and having a pair of engaging portions, and an ejector located above on the slider member. The slider member has a body portion and a pair of arm portions extending forwardly from the body portion. The ejector is located above the pair of arm portions, and has a pair of cantilever portions pivotable outward, in response to a sliding movement of the slider member, against the pair of engaging portions.