Pluggable Data Module Latch With Oblique Slot Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) data communication modules either rely on the flexibility of the catch, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies, or involve complex structures with many moving parts, resulting in high frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism utilizing an actuator with a sliding portion in an oblique slot within the module housing, where the bail pivots to extend or retract a pin portion, allowing for efficient latching and unlatching without relying on catch flexibility or complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a moving-catch latching mechanism is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved by minimizing the number of parts, but the mechanism suffers from dependence upon the resilience or flexibility of the catch
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the catch to achieve unlatching (moving-catch mechanism), this invention inverts the approach by moving the pin (moving-pin mechanism). The pin is coupled to the bail through a cam pivot, causing it to retract into the module housing when the bail pivots to the unlatched position, eliminating dependence on catch flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter from catch movement to pin movement. The actuator with its oblique slot converts the rotational motion of the bail into linear retraction of the pin, fundamentally changing how the latching parameter is manipulated while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Force
If a moving-pin latching mechanism is used, then frictional resistance between pin and catch is reduced, but the mechanism becomes complex with a substantial number of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated actuator. The actuator combines the cam mechanism, the sliding portion in the oblique slot, and the pin retraction function into one unified component, reducing the total number of moving parts while maintaining low frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes an oblique slot oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the module housing. This dimensional orientation allows the sliding portion to convert rotational bail motion into linear pin retraction efficiently, achieving low friction movement with fewer parts.
3Ease of operation
If the pin is retracted into the module housing during unlatching, then interference between pin and catch is eliminated, but the latching mechanism requires additional moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is self-contained with the pin integrated directly into its structure. When the bail pivots, the cam pivot automatically drives the pin to retract through the oblique slot mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators or additional moving components to achieve pin retraction.
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 provides a balanced approach by minimizing parts and friction, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and ease of module insertion and removal while maintaining effective electromagnetic interference shielding.
Implementation Method 1
The bail is mounted to the first end of the module housing through a bail pivot and is pivotable between a first position, in which the module is latched, and a second position, in which the module is not latched (unlatched)
Implementation Method 2
The first end of the actuator is coupled to the bail through a cam pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism of a data communication module operates by a portion of an actuator sliding in a slot in the module housing that is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the module housing, thereby translating a force generated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the module housing into a force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as the bail of the latch mechanism pivots between a latched position and an unlatched position. A first end of the actuator is coupled to the bail through a cam pivot. A second end of the actuator has a pin portion that extends through or retracts into an opening in a wall of the module housing.