Reverse Cam Release Mechanism for Compact Carrier Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for carriers within receptacles are complex, require additional force to retract, and can be caught during retraction, making it difficult to securely lock and easily remove compact electronic modules without accidental disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A releasable locking mechanism with rotatable projections and an actuator that moves along a plane to transition between locked and unlocked states, featuring an engagement face and a sliding face to securely retain the carrier and allow easy removal, with a retraction lock preventing intermediate state retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional actuating members are used to retract biased projections, then the carrier can be removed from the receptacle, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires additional force that may cause the projections to get caught on the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is designed to automatically retract through its own rotational motion without requiring a separate actuating member. The biased projection self-actuates by rotating about its longitudinal axis, with the biasing force (spring or elastomeric material) providing the retraction force, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The projection transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic retraction process through rotational motion. The projection rotates about its longitudinal axis during insertion and retraction, allowing it to dynamically engage and disengage from the receptacle's retention feature through controlled rotational movement rather than linear actuation
2Reliability
If the carrier is securely locked in the receptacle, then accidental removal is prevented, but the carrier becomes difficult to intentionally remove for replacement or upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
Different surfaces of the projection are designed with different functional qualities: the first surface (engagement face) provides secure locking when engaged with the receptacle's retention feature, while the second surface (sliding face) allows smooth disengagement during intentional removal. The projection's rotational motion selectively presents the appropriate surface quality for the current operational state
Solution Approach 2:
The projection undergoes periodic rotational motion during the lock-release cycle. During normal operation, the projection remains in a stable locked position. During intentional removal, the projection rotates periodically to transition from the locked state through an intermediate state to the retracted unlocked state, enabling controlled release when needed
3Volume of moving object
If the locking mechanism is designed to be compact to minimize space, then overall device size is reduced, but the mechanism may require more force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The projection utilizes rotational (circular) motion about its longitudinal axis rather than linear reciprocating motion. This curved path allows the projection to engage and disengage from the receptacle in a compact space, with the rotational arc providing mechanical advantage that reduces the force required compared to linear actuation mechanisms
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 mechanism securely locks and easily releases the carrier, minimizing space while preventing accidental removal, and reducing the complexity and force required for retraction, ensuring efficient module replacement and upgrade in compact electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one projection extends from the carrier and is rotatable about a rotational axis between a locked state and an unlocked state
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is operably coupled to the at least one projection and is movable along a first plane between a first position and a second position whereby in the first position the at least one projection is rotated to the locked state and in the second position the at least one projection is rotated to the unlocked state
Implementation Method 3
The engagement face engages the engagement surface in a locked state thereby retaining the carrier relative to the receptacle
Implementation Method 4
The sliding face engages the engagement surface in an unlocked state thereby permitting the carrier to be removed from the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable locking mechanism is provided that includes a carrier, at least one projection and an actuator. The projection extends from the carrier and is rotatable along a rotational axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The actuator is operably coupled to the projection and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position whereby in the first position the projection is rotated to the locked state and in the second position the projection is rotated to the unlocked state, the first axis being substantially perpendicular with the rotational axis.