Quick Release Plug Pack Assembly Low Profile Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug pack assemblies face challenges in achieving a low-profile design that allows for quick and easy insertion and removal of multiple plugs without interfering with switch port components like ejector levers, while also facilitating efficient cable management.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cassette assembly incorporates a housing with a compression lever and latch depressor mechanism that allows for rotation and pivoting actions, enabling simultaneous release of multiple plugs by applying force to the compression lever, which translates to the latch depressor to disengage the plugs from their ports, and features a reduced height profile to avoid interference with switch port components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional plug pack assembly design is used, then the plugs can be held securely, but the height profile becomes too high and interferes with switch port components like ejector levers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the hinge feature from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, allowing the compression lever to pivot in a different dimensional plane. This dimensional change enables the mechanism to achieve the same quick-release function while reducing the vertical height profile to avoid interference with ejector levers and other switch port components.
2Productivity
If the compression lever mechanism is added for quick release, then plug removal speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the compression lever mechanism: it serves as both the actuating lever for release and the structural element that pivots on the hinge feature. The latch depressor is integrated with the compression lever through the hinge feature, creating a unified mechanism that reduces the number of separate components while maintaining quick-release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge feature serves multiple functions: it acts as the pivot point for the compression lever, provides a mounting point for the latch depressor, and enables the rotational motion necessary for quick release. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate pivot mechanisms and mounting structures.
3Ease of operation
If the latch depressor pivots with a wide arc, then it can effectively release all plugs, but it may interfere with switch port components
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the hinge feature to a horizontal orientation, the patent alters the dimensional plane in which the latch depressor pivots. This causes the depressor to move laterally rather than vertically, reducing its vertical travel arc and preventing interference with ejector levers while maintaining effective contact with the plug latches for reliable release.
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 design enables fast and easy mass insertion and removal of plugs, while maintaining a low profile to prevent interference with switch port components, enhancing cable management and installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the compression lever is configured to rotate about the boss member when the boss member is fit within the slot and a force is applied to the compression pad
Implementation Method 2
a force is applied to the compression pad
Implementation Method 3
the latch depressor is configured to pivot about the back edge when the force is applied to the latch depressor through the post and the back edge is abutted against the flat surface of the housing
Implementation Method 4
the force is applied to the latch depressor through the post
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette assembly includes a housing for plugs having release latches, the housing including a support surface and first hinge feature. The assembly also includes a compression lever including a post and a second hinge feature configured to cooperate with the first hinge feature to form a hinge. The assembly also includes a latch depressor including first and second ends, the latch depressor having a channel configured to receive the post. In response to a force applied to the compression lever with the first and second hinge features in cooperation, the channel in receipt of the post, and a plug in the housing, the compression lever rotates about the hinge, the post translates the force to the channel, the first end of the latch depressor abuts and pivots at the support surface, and the second end of the latch depressor contacts the release latch of the plug in the housing.