Spring-Loaded Latch Rail for Circuit Pack Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic shelf assemblies fail to consistently secure shortened connectors in high-speed optical networking systems due to tightening manufacturing and assembly tolerances, leading to increased expenses and inadequate connector mating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spring-loaded circuit pack latch rails, where the spring mechanism is pre-loaded beyond the connector insertion force, allowing the latch rail to deflect and absorb manufacturing and assembly tolerances, ensuring proper securing of circuit packs without excessive force on connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are shortened to improve signal integrity in high-speed optical networking systems, then signal quality is improved, but manufacturing and assembly tolerances become tighter and more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The latch rail member is made movable relative to the support rail through a spring mechanism, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and absorb manufacturing tolerances. The spring-loaded design enables the latch rail to deflect and accommodate variations in connector dimensions while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the force parameter applied to the connector, using a pre-load force greater than the connector insertion force to ensure consistent bottoming out. This parameter change allows the system to compensate for tolerance variations without requiring tighter manufacturing precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional latches are used to secure circuit packs, then the structure is simple, but manufacturing and assembly tolerances are not adequately absorbed, leading to inconsistent connector seating
Solution Approach 1:
The latch rail member is made movable relative to the support rail through a spring mechanism, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and absorb manufacturing tolerances. The spring-loaded design enables the latch rail to deflect and accommodate variations in connector dimensions while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded with a force greater than the connector insertion force, providing beforehand cushioning that ensures connectors will bottom out consistently. This pre-loaded spring acts as a cushion that absorbs tolerance variations before the latch fully engages.
3Reliability
If excessive force is applied to secure circuit packs, then connection reliability is improved, but connector damage and stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded with a force greater than the connector insertion force, providing beforehand cushioning that ensures connectors will bottom out consistently. This pre-loaded spring acts as a cushion that absorbs tolerance variations before the latch fully engages.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the force parameter applied to the connector, using a pre-load force greater than the connector insertion force to ensure consistent bottoming out. This parameter change allows the system to compensate for tolerance variations without requiring tighter manufacturing precision.
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 ensures consistent 'bottoming out' of connectors, securely retaining circuit packs while accommodating tolerances, thereby reducing connector stress and maintaining signal integrity in high-speed optical networking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism coupled to the latch rail member and the support rail, wherein the spring mechanism allows for relative movement of the latch rail member with respect to the support rail while biasing the latch rail member towards the support rail
Implementation Method 2
The spring mechanism utilized with each latch rail is pre-loaded in excess of the given connector insertion force and the connector will 'bottom out' before the spring mechanism is compressed further
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic shelf assembly configured to selectively receive a circuit pack including a pivotable handle incorporating a retention hook, the electronic shelf assembly including: a shelf assembly housing configured to selectively receive the circuit pack; a support rail coupled to the shelf assembly housing; a latch rail member movably coupled to the support rail and defining a recess configured to selectively receive and retain the retention hook of the pivotable handle of the circuit pack, thereby selectively securing the circuit pack within the shelf assembly housing; and a spring mechanism coupled to the latch rail member and the support rail, wherein the spring mechanism allows for relative movement of the latch rail member with respect to the support rail while biasing the latch rail member towards the support rail, thereby selectively biasing the circuit pack into the shelf assembly housing.