Pluggable Module Unlocking Structure for Cable-Attached Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pluggable modules in communication equipment face challenges with the rotation bail type, where modules cannot be plugged or unplugged with cables attached, and the direct-pull type lacks control over the unlocking status, leading to potential misoperations and line failures.

Innovation Solution

An unlocking structure featuring a sliding unlocking plate with a detention edge and a motion block piece, including a reset bulge, along with a push/pull handle that rotates to separate the detention bulge from the detention edge, allowing for module unlocking and resetting while maintaining cable attachment, and incorporating a return spring for automatic resetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotation bail type is used for unlocking, then the module can be securely locked, but the module cannot be plugged or unplugged with cables attached

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to plug/unplug module with cable attachedVSAvoidUnlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a push/pull handle for operation, an unlocking plate with unlocking edge for engaging the leaf spring, and a motion block piece with detention bulge for controlling the unlocking state. This segmentation allows the module to be unlocked without removing cables while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motion block piece is designed to move between a first position (where the detention bulge detains the unlocking plate) and a second position (where detachment occurs). This dynamic movement enables controlled unlocking while preventing accidental disconnection, allowing cable-attached plugging and unplugging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the direct-pull type is used for unlocking, then the module can be easily removed, but there is no control over the unlocking status leading to misoperations and line failures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveModule removal convenienceVSAvoidControl over unlocking status
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motion block piece provides visual and tactile feedback about the unlocking status. When the detention bulge is in the first position, the module is locked; when moved to the second position, the module is unlocked. This feedback mechanism prevents misoperations by making the unlocking state clearly identifiable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The motion block piece must be moved to the second position before the module can be removed. This preliminary action ensures that the unlocking process is intentional and controlled, preventing accidental line failures while maintaining easy removal when properly initiated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the unlocking plate is allowed to slide freely for unlocking, then the module can be unlocked, but accidental removal or dislocation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUnlocking functionalityVSAvoidStability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motion block piece in the first position exerts a preliminary anti-action by detaining the unlocking plate, preventing it from sliding backward and causing accidental removal. This constraint is released only when the motion block piece is intentionally moved to the second position, ensuring stable connection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The motion block piece acts as an intermediary between the push/pull handle and the unlocking plate. It mediates the unlocking process by controlling when the unlocking plate can slide, thereby preventing accidental dislocation while enabling reliable unlocking when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables convenient and safe operation of pluggable modules with cables attached, minimizing misoperations and ensuring stable connections, with easy assembly and disassembly, and no need for special tools.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring... to restore the unlocking plate to its initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4024104B1Unlocking structure and operating method for pluggable module
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 WUHAN AGILINK TECH CO LTD
  • EP4024104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024104B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4024104B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3

AI summary

An unlocking structure for a pluggable module (1XA) which mainly comprises a push/pull handle (11A), an unlocking plate (12), a casing (13, 14), and a part incorporating a motion block piece (15X). Pushing the push/pull handle (11A) moves the unlocking plate (12) toward the rear end of the casing (13, 14) to unlock the module, and then pulling the push/pull handle (11A) allows the module to be removed; in the unlocked state, the unlocking plate (12) can be reset by means of rotating the push/pull handle (11A). This unlock and reset operation provides a complete operation mechanism for the module, as not only is it able to plug in and unplug the module with cable attached, but also able to conveniently operate a reset in situ, while maximally avoiding misoperations and accidents, and the related operations being simple and easy.