Optical Module Unlocking Device Metal Pull Ring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of optical module unlocking devices is compromised due to aged plastic parts, which can lead to failure in unlocking the module, especially in high-temperature and high-stress environments, affecting the stability and reliability of SFP+AOC optical modules.
Innovation Solution
The optical module unlocking device employs a metal pull ring with bosses and an upper cover featuring skewed slots and a torsion spring, allowing the bosses to slide and bulge, thereby unlocking the module without relying on plastic components, ensuring high reliability and simplicity in the unlocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If plastic parts are used in the unlocking device, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the reliability deteriorates due to aging and breakage in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but complex metal components with simpler, less expensive plastic parts that are designed to be replaced if they fail. The unlocking device uses plastic elastic blocks and plastic connecting blocks instead of metal components, reducing manufacturing cost while accepting that these parts may have limited service life in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, and specifically selects plastic materials with appropriate mechanical properties. The plastic elastic block is designed to deform elastically under stress, and the material parameters are optimized to balance between cost, ease of manufacture, and acceptable reliability in the operating environment.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic parts are used as key stressed components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the strength and durability deteriorate under high stress and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that plastic parts under high stress will have reduced strength and service life, but compensates by designing them as replaceable components. The plastic elastic block and plastic connecting block are manufactured at low cost and can be easily replaced if they fail, making the overall system more economical despite the reduced individual part strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the unlocking device with built-in stress distribution features. The plastic elastic block is designed to deform in a controlled manner, absorbing stress before it reaches critical levels. The structure includes features that distribute loads away from critical plastic parts, providing a cushioning effect that extends their service life despite their inherent strength limitations.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in high-temperature environments, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the chemical stability and physical properties deteriorate due to thermal aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple plastic components that are easy to manufacture but acknowledges their limited stability in high-temperature environments. These plastic parts are designed to be replaced periodically or when signs of degradation appear, making the manufacturing simplicity worthwhile despite the need for periodic maintenance in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines plastic materials with metal components in a hybrid structure. The plastic parts (elastic block, connecting block) provide manufacturing simplicity and cost advantages, while metal components (spring steel plate, positioning pins) provide structural support and stability. This composite approach allows each material to perform where it excels.
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 enhances the reliability and ease of unlocking the optical module, reduces component quantity, simplifies assembly, and lowers costs while providing a durable and efficient unlocking mechanism, even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an upper cover featuring skewed slots and a torsion spring, allowing the bosses to slide and bulge
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical module unlocking device and an optical module. For the optical module unlocking device, a boss is arranged on a metal front end of a pull ring. The boss abuts against the skewed slot of an upper cover. The metal front end located in the upper cover can slide relatively along the limiting post of the upper cover and at least one boss is driven to slide into the skewed slot of the upper cover and then hide into the bottom of the skewed slot or abut against a bevel edge of the at least one skewed slot and then bulge. After the at least one boss abuts against the bevel edge of the at least one skewed slot and then bulges, a shielding cage spring strip which is about to be cooperated with the boss is opened by being pushed upwards, and the optical module can be unlocked. The reliability of the optical module unlocking device is high and the unlocking motion of the optical module is simple. The optical module unlocking device of the present disclosure has the advantages of less component quantities, simple assembling, high assembling efficiency and low cost.