Receiving-Platform Lever for Circuit Card Insertion and Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for inserting and removing electronics modules, such as circuit cards, require significant force and often increase costs due to complexity and the need for additional mechanical devices, with existing receiving side-mounted solutions only aiding in extraction and not insertion.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a rotatable lever with first and second bearing surfaces to engage and apply force on circuit cards for insertion and extraction, along with a locking mechanism to secure the lever in place, mounted to the receiving platform to facilitate both insertion and extraction operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If devices are mounted on circuit cards to aid insertion and extraction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of circuit card insertion and extractionVSAvoidcomplexity of circuit card and system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by mounting the insertion/extraction aid device on the receiving platform rather than on the circuit card. This reversal allows the device to leverage the receiving platform's structural strength and eliminates the need to modify circuit cards, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-service operation by providing mechanical advantage through a lever system that allows single-handed operation. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns the lever to its starting position, eliminating the need for complex control systems or multiple operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If receiving side-mounted devices are used for circuit card extraction, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality is limited to extraction only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of circuit card extractionVSAvoidfunctionality for insertion and extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal device that performs both insertion and extraction functions. The lever can be positioned in two orientations: one where the bearing surface aids insertion by pushing the card onto the connectors, and another where it aids extraction by pulling the card off the connectors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If significant force is applied to circuit cards for insertion and extraction, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of circuit card insertion and extraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lever mechanism that provides mechanical advantage through its geometric design. The curved or angled bearing surface on the lever allows it to apply force efficiently to the circuit card, amplifying the user's input force to achieve the significant force needed for reliable connector engagement while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that provides dynamic force assistance. The spring stores and releases energy during the insertion and extraction operations, supplementing the user's applied force and ensuring sufficient force is always available to overcome connector friction and achieve reliable connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces costs by eliminating the need for device mounting on circuit cards, provides mechanical advantage for easier insertion and extraction, and ensures secure retention of circuit cards, enhancing repair and replacement efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The lever includes a first bearing surface configured to engage with and apply a force on a portion of the circuit card when the lever is rotated in a first direction, and a second bearing surface configured to engage with and apply a force on a portion of the circuit card when the lever is rotated in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9583877B1Insertion-extraction device for circuit card assemblies resident to the circuit receiving side

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A system for selectively inserting and/or extracting an electronics module into and/or from a receiving system. The system includes a lever configured to rotatably attach to a portion of the receiving system. The lever is rotatable between a first position corresponding to an at least partially uninstalled position of the electronics module with respect to the receiving system and a second position corresponding to an installed position of the electronics module with respect to the receiving system. The lever includes a first bearing surface configured to engage with and apply a force on a portion of the electronics module when the lever is rotated in a first direction, and a second bearing surface configured to engage with and apply a force on a portion of the electronics module when the lever is rotated in a second direction.