Optical Module Lateral Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules require a large rotation angle to unlock, which can lead to damage or accidental unlocking, and lack a reliable mechanism for smooth disengagement from a system board cage without power interruption.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a handle and plate mechanism where the handle's movement along the bracket drives the plate's rotation, utilizing a chute and spring system to achieve lateral unlocking with reduced unlocking distance and enhanced reliability, allowing for hot-pluggable functionality without power interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rotation-based unlocking mechanism is used, then the optical module can be unlocked, but it requires a large rotation angle which increases the risk of damage or accidental unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unlocking mechanism by switching from a rotation-based operation to a linear sliding operation. The handle slides linearly along the bracket's length direction to drive the plate's buckles, eliminating the need for large rotation angles and reducing the risk of accidental unlocking while maintaining reliable disengagement from the cage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from rotational angle to linear displacement distance. By using a sliding mechanism where the handle moves along the bracket's length direction, the unlocking operation transitions from requiring a large rotation angle to requiring a controlled linear slide, improving reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical module is designed for hot-pluggable functionality, then it can be disconnected without power interruption, but it requires a reliable unlocking mechanism to ensure smooth disengagement from the cage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlocking function into multiple independent buckles (first buckle and second buckle) distributed on the plate. Each buckle can be independently actuated by the sliding handle, providing redundant locking points that enhance the reliability of disengagement. This segmentation ensures that the optical module can be reliably unlocked and removed from the cage without power interruption.
3Ease of operation
If the plate is rotationally connected to the bracket, then the buckle can be actuated, but it may cause instability or misalignment during the unlocking process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sliding mechanism where the handle moves linearly along the bracket to drive the plate's buckles. This dynamic linear motion provides stable and controlled actuation of the buckles, eliminating the instability and misalignment issues associated with rotational connections. The sliding mechanism ensures precise and reliable buckle engagement and disengagement throughout the unlocking process.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an optical module, including a bracket, and a handle and a plate both of which are connected to the bracket, where the plate is rotationally connected to the bracket, and a first end of the plate is provided with a buckle, and a second end of the plate abuts against a driving portion disposed on the handle, the driving portion is configured to: while the handle is moving along a length direction of the bracket, drive the second end of the plate that abuts against the driving portion to move, resulting in rotation of the buckle provided at the first end of the plate. On this basis, a lateral unlocking of the optical module is achieved along its length direction with a high unlocking reliability.