Communication Module Latch Mechanism Reducing Mechanical Looseness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional latch mechanisms for communication modules are complex, costly, and prone to undesired motions such as rocking and rolling, leading to mechanical looseness and potential disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latch mechanism featuring a release slide with a low-profile interfacing portion, including ribs and flanges on the housing and release slide, which reduces mechanical looseness and minimizes rocking and rolling motions, allowing for easier assembly and reduced parts complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then reliable engagement is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch arms into a single integrated release slide component that moves horizontally. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the latching function, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity by merging multiple elements into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The release slide performs multiple functions: it simultaneously controls both latch arms, provides structural support through the housing ribs, and enables easy release through horizontal movement. This multi-functionality reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable engagement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then engagement is secured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple latch arms into a single release slide component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This merging directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining engagement reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The release slide is divided into functional segments (latch arms, flanges, ribs) that can be manufactured using standard molding or machining processes. This segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing of each feature while keeping the overall part count low, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Reliability
If conventional latch designs are used, then engagement is maintained, but mechanical looseness and undesired motions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms are designed to dynamically respond to horizontal movement of the release slide. When the slide moves, the latch arms pivot and engage or disengage from the housing features, providing stable engagement during normal operation while allowing easy release when needed. This dynamic design eliminates mechanical looseness while maintaining engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the latch arms and housing features to eliminate play and looseness. By optimizing the fit between the latch arms and housing ribs/flanges, the design achieves precise positioning and stable engagement, resolving the contradiction between engagement reliability and mechanical stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Latch mechanisms for modules are disclosed. A module includes a housing and a release slide. The housing includes a first rib located on a first side of the housing and a second rib located on a second side of the housing. The release slide is slidingly positioned on the housing. The release slide includes a release slide base, a first release slide arm extending from the release slide base, and a second release slide arm extending from the release slide base. A first flange extending from the first release slide arm is positioned at least partially over the first rib. A second flange extending from the second release slide arm is positioned at least partially over the second rib.