Optical Transceiver Locking Arrangement for Easy Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical transceiver modules face challenges in mechanical retention within cage-type mountings due to space constraints and increasing cage density, requiring an efficient locking mechanism that allows for easy removal without disrupting electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement featuring a handle member that rotates to engage an actuating member, translating rotational movement into linear movement to disengage locking members of the optical transceiver cage, enabling the optical subassembly to be removed without severing electrical connections, with a low-profile configuration that maintains standard dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to retain optical subassemblies in cage-type mountings, then mechanical retention and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle member for user interaction, an actuating member that translates rotation to linear motion, and locking members that engage with the cage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable retention without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member serves as an intermediary between the handle member and the locking members. It translates the rotational motion of the handle into linear motion that displaces the locking members, providing a mechanical advantage and simplifying the direct interaction between the handle and locking components
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism allows easy removal of optical subassemblies, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical retention strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking state through user interaction. The handle member can be rotated to actuate the actuating member, which dynamically displaces the locking members to release the optical subassembly. This dynamic capability allows easy removal while maintaining strong retention during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are extracted from a fixed position and made movable through the actuating mechanism. When the handle is rotated, the actuating member displaces the locking members away from the optical subassembly, extracting them from the locked state to enable easy removal without compromising the retention strength during normal use
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking arrangement maintains standard dimensions, then adaptability to existing cage types is improved, but the complexity of achieving low-profile configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the existing optical subassembly housing structure. The actuating member and locking members are positioned to work within the constraints of the standard cage dimensions, allowing the mechanism to maintain compatibility with existing cage types while achieving a low-profile configuration through nested arrangement of components
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to an optical transceiver module with a locking arrangement that allows the optical transceiver module to be releasably coupled into an associated receptacle of an optical transceiver cage. The locking arrangement includes a handle member with teeth configured to engage notches of an actuating member to allow rotational movement of the handle to be translated into linear movement by the actuating member. The linear movement of the actuating member may be independent of the housing of the optical transceiver module, and as the handle is transitioned from a locked position to a release position such movement of the actuating member can urge release of the locking members of the optical transceiver cage by way of the tab portions of the actuating member. A user may then supply a force, e.g., a pulling force, to remove the unlocked subassembly module from the receptacle.