One-Piece Pluggable Module Latch for Efficient Unlatching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latches in communication systems are complex to assemble and inefficient in converting pulling tension into orthogonal unlatching movement, leading to ineffective release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece latch design with a handle and latching tooth mechanism, where pulling the handle linearly actuates a beam and arms to lift the latching tooth perpendicular to the actuation direction, allowing for efficient unlatching of the pluggable module from the receptacle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latches with multiple components are used, then the latching function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch components (beam, pulling arm, lifting arm, tooth arm, and latching tooth) into a single monolithic piece formed from one continuous strip of material. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the complete latching function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly complexity.
2Ease of operation
If pivoting latches are used to release the latch, then the latch can be released, but the conversion of pulling tension into latch disengagement is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a pivoting mechanism (rotational motion in one plane) to a linear actuation mechanism where the pulling arm moves linearly to directly lift the latching tooth vertically. This dimensional change from rotational to linear motion eliminates energy loss associated with pivoting and improves the efficiency of converting pulling tension into latch disengagement.
3Reliability
If conventional multi-component latches are used, then the latching mechanism functions, but the manufacturing and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entire latching mechanism is formed as a single monolithic piece from one continuous strip of material through stamping or forming operations. This eliminates all assembly steps required for multi-component latches, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining the complete latching mechanism functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece latch design is used, then assembly is simplified and manufacturing time is reduced, but the mechanism to convert linear actuation into orthogonal lifting motion must be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The single strip of material is segmented into functional zones (beam, pulling arm, lifting arm, tooth arm) that are spatially separated but structurally continuous. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining the simplicity of a one-piece construction, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and integrated mechanism complexity.
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
The latch design simplifies assembly and effectively converts pulling tension into orthogonal unlatching motion, enhancing the efficiency of securing and releasing the pluggable module in communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting arm is angled between the pulling arm and the tooth arm such that when the pulling arm is pulled forward, the lifting arm raises the tooth arm and the latching tooth from the latching position to the released position
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable module includes a pluggable body having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls therebetween. The pluggable body defines a chamber extending along a longitudinal axis between a cable end and a mating end opposite the cable end. The pluggable module includes a latch held by the pluggable body. The latch has an actuation end and a latching end opposite the actuation end. The actuation end has a handle and the latching end has a latching tooth configured to latchably secure the pluggable module to a component when the latching tooth is in a latching position. The actuation end is movable in a linear actuation direction to move the latching tooth in a linear releasing direction perpendicular to the actuation direction from the latching position to a released position.