Module Locking Apparatus Side-Wall Hook Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing module locking systems in communications cabinets require complex operations and occupy valuable space on the module panel, making them inefficient for high-power density applications.
Innovation Solution
A module locking apparatus featuring a casing, supporting base, tongue, elastic component, and ejector lever, where the elastic component pushes a hook to engage with the cabinet for locking and the ejector lever is used for unlocking, reducing panel space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common locking structure with slider and ejector lever is used, then the module can be locked onto the cabinet, but the fastener occupies valuable space on the module panel and reduces effective area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the panel surface by moving all locking components (tongue, hook, elastic component) to the side wall of the module. The ejector lever is the only component that interacts with the panel, and even then only partially. This extraction eliminates the need for large locking apparatus on the panel surface, preserving the effective area while maintaining locking reliability through the side-mounted hook engagement with the cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the locking mechanism from a two-dimensional panel surface layout to a three-dimensional side-wall configuration. By positioning the tongue, hook, and elastic component on the module's side wall rather than the panel, the design utilizes the vertical dimension and side surface area, thereby freeing up the panel's effective area while achieving reliable locking through lateral engagement.
2Reliability
If a common locking structure with slider and ejector lever is used, then the module can be locked onto the cabinet, but the operations are relatively complex requiring multiple actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slider component from the operation sequence, extracting only the ejector lever as the user-interfacing element. This simplification reduces the number of actions required: users only need to push the ejector lever to unlock, and the module can be directly pushed in to lock, eliminating the need for separate slider manipulation while maintaining secure locking through the hook-tongue-cabinet engagement system.
3Productivity
If power density of communications product is increasing and utilization of product space is increasingly high, then more functionality is achieved, but the locking apparatus needs to occupy less space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the panel surface to the side wall, eliminating the space occupation conflict between high-power-density components and locking apparatus. By positioning all locking components (tongue, hook, elastic component) on the side wall and using only the ejector lever for user interaction, the design preserves maximum panel area for power modules and high-density components while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space conflict by transitioning the locking apparatus to a different spatial dimension - the side wall of the module. This three-dimensional repositioning allows the panel surface to be fully utilized for high-power-density components while the locking mechanism operates laterally, engaging the cabinet through the side-mounted hook without competing for panel space.
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
Simplifies locking and unlocking operations by using the ejector lever alone and minimizes panel space usage, enhancing the module's aesthetic appeal and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic component is configured to drive the hook to be exposed out of the casing and engage with the cabinet
Implementation Method 2
The ejector lever is rotatably connected to the supporting base, and can press the tongue to rotate in a direction away from the casing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This application relates to a module locking apparatus, a module, and electrical equipment. The locking apparatus includes a supporting base and a casing that covers the supporting base, and further includes an ejector lever, a tongue, and an elastic component. The tongue is located between the supporting base and the casing; one end of the tongue is rotatably connected to the supporting base, and the other end of the tongue is a free end; and a hook configured to lock a module into a cabinet is disposed on the free end. The elastic component is configured to drive the hook to be exposed out of the casing and locked onto the cabinet. The ejector lever is rotatably connected to the supporting base, and is configured to press the tongue to rotate in a direction away from the casing. According to the foregoing technical solution, the elastic component is used to push the hook to lock the module and the cabinet together, and to implement unlocking, only the ejector lever needs to be pulled to press the hook down. The operations are simple. In addition, when this structure is used, only a part of the ejector lever is exposed out of a panel of the module. Compared with a module locking structure in the prior art, in this structure, an area occupied on the panel is reduced.