Shrouded Ejector for Pluggable Transceivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ejector systems for pluggable transceivers, such as SFP, are limited by accessibility from only one direction and require cable disconnection, making them unsuitable for high-density applications and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A shrouded ejector apparatus that encapsulates the top, sides, and bottom of the transceiver, allowing access from any side and enabling engagement prongs to disengage the locking mechanism without removing cables, facilitating high-density placement and easy ejection with connected cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bail-style ejectors are used, then the transceiver can be ejected, but the user must disconnect cables or fibers prior to actuation and the design becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a stationary engagement prong that interfaces with the latch boss, and a movable actuator that applies force to disengage the latch. This segmentation allows the ejection function to be achieved without requiring complex bail-style mechanisms that wrap around the transceiver housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection function is extracted from the ejection mechanism. The transceiver housing includes integrated cable strain relief features and mounting structures that secure cables independently of the ejection system. This allows cables to remain connected while the ejection mechanism operates through the bottom of the housing without interfering with cable attachments.
2Productivity
If tabbed or bail latch ejector systems are used, then the transceiver can be ejected, but the ejector can only be engaged from one direction thereby limiting the ability to densely populate modules
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism employs asymmetric design where the engagement prong is positioned at the bottom of the transceiver housing, accessible from the rear side. This asymmetric placement allows operators to access and eject transceivers from the rear of the housing without interfering with front-facing transceivers, enabling higher port density arrangements where transceivers are closely spaced on the front edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection access is moved from the front horizontal dimension to the rear vertical dimension. Instead of requiring lateral access to the front of each transceiver, the mechanism provides access from the rear bottom direction, adding a third dimension to the ejection operation. This allows front-row transceivers to be densely packed while rear access remains unobstructed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ejector designs are used, then the transceiver can be ejected, but the design does not work with longer neck connector styles
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector mechanism is designed with universal compatibility features. The engagement prong interfaces with a standardized latch boss feature that can be positioned at various locations on the transceiver housing. This universal design allows the same ejection mechanism to work with different connector styles including longer neck connectors, as the prong can engage the latch boss regardless of the connector length or type attached to the transceiver.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel ejector apparatus for pluggable transceivers, such as transceivers defined by multi-source agreements (MSAs) including SFP, SFP+, XFP, and the like. The ejector apparatus utilizes a shrouded design where the ejector apparatus encapsulates the top, sides, and bottom of a pluggable transceiver thereby allowing an operator to grasp any side of the ejector apparatus to actuate engagement prongs. In keeping with MSA guidelines, the ejector apparatus utilizes prongs to disengage a locking mechanism in order for the kick out springs to release the module. Advantageously, the ejector apparatus enables high density placement of corresponding transceivers, allows access from all sides of the transceiver for ejection, and allows cables to remain connected to the transceiver during ejection.