Spring Latch Extractor for Stress-Free Electronic Module Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic module mounting systems lack efficient and easy-to-use mechanisms for removably attaching and detaching modules from bases without causing stress or deformation to latch components during unlatching.

Innovation Solution

The use of spring latches and channel-shaped shift members with stiff metal arms that engage the base and transmit unlatching forces without bending, allowing for easy removal by pulling upward on grip elements, which automatically return to their initial positions after removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional latch mechanisms are used for mounting electronic modules, then the module can be securely attached to the base, but the unlatching process requires excessive force causing stress and deformation to latch components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidlatch component integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: latch arms for engagement, shift members for force transmission, and extractors for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with shift members designed to transmit forces without bending, preventing deformation while enabling easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shift members act as intermediaries between the extractors and latch arms. These stiff metal components transmit unlatching forces from the extractors to the latch arms without bending, serving as force transmission mediators that prevent deformation of the latch arms while enabling easy module removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If stiff shift members are used to transmit unlatching forces without bending, then latch component deformation is prevented, but the mechanism requires a more complex structure with channel-shaped components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch component integrityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shift members are designed with specific geometric parameters - channel-shaped cross-sections with optimized dimensions - to achieve the required stiffness for force transmission without bending. This parameter optimization allows the components to be stiff enough to prevent deformation while maintaining a relatively simple structural form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If grip elements are designed for easy manual engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but the elements may be difficult to detect and locate during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of engagementVSAvoidgrip element location
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The grip elements are designed with visual characteristics that make them easily detectable during installation. The contrasting appearance and positioning of the grip elements allow operators to quickly locate and engage them, solving the detection problem while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Facilitates easy and stress-free removal of electronic modules from bases with minimal initial upward movement, ensuring efficient unlatching and retraction without deforming the latch components, enhancing the operational reliability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

return coil spring 34

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

return coil spring 34

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2503864B1Latch and extractor for electronic module
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2503864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2503864B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2503864B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic module for mounting on a base includes a module body and a latch extractor assembly having a metal latch member with a spring arm, a shift member and a latch, and an extractor engageable with the shift member for movement of the latch out of engagement with the base.