Optical Module Bail Slider Mechanism for Cage Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical module attachment and detachment mechanisms are complex, leading to high component costs and assembly accuracy issues, which destabilize the engaged state with the cage due to the need for multiple components like springs and cams.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a rotating bail and slide plate formed from an integrated metal plate, where the bail and slide plate are folded to create a bail slider with a spring unit, allowing for easy assembly and reducing the number of components by converting rotary motion into reciprocating motion for engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional attaching/detaching mechanism with multiple components (spring, cam, bail, engaging unit) is used, then the optical module can be fixedly held to the cage, but the number of components increases, making component cost high and assembly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bail and slide plate into a single integrated metal plate component. The bail portion and slide plate are formed as one piece through folding and bending operations, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the engagement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metal plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the bail for rotation operation and the slide plate for longitudinal sliding. The single component performs both the rotation function and the sliding function that previously required separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (bail and engaging unit) are used in the attaching/detaching mechanism, then the engagement function can be achieved, but dimensional tolerances and bending variations affect assembly accuracy, making improvement in yield difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bail and slide plate into one component, the patent eliminates interface tolerances between separate parts. The single integrated structure ensures consistent geometric relationships without the accumulation of dimensional variations from multiple components.
3Reliability
If a spring and cam are necessary for the attaching/detaching mechanism, then the optical module can be fixedly held during rotation, but it takes time to incorporate these components, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated metal plate structure eliminates the need for separate spring and cam components. The geometric design of the folded metal plate itself provides the necessary mechanical advantage and spring-like flexibility, removing the need for additional time-consuming component incorporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metal plate structure is self-sufficient, providing both the structural framework and the elastic deformation capability needed for the engagement function. The single component performs all necessary functions without requiring additional auxiliary parts.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces component costs, and stabilizes the optical module's engagement with the cage by eliminating the need for separate cams and springs, improving yield and operability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring unit extending between both ends of the pair of arms
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a rotating bail disposed on a front part of a case that is inserted into and removed from a cage; a slide plate that slides along a longitudinal direction of the case in conjunction with rotation of the bail; and an engagement member is disposed on the slide plate, freely engages with an engagement member of the cage, and is released from an engaged state by a sliding of the slide plate in conjunction with the rotation of the bail. The bail and the slide plate are formed by an integrated metal plate in a folded state.