Pluggable Transceiver Release Mechanism with Integrated Flexure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic connectors face challenges in achieving precise alignment and easy manufacturing, installation, and upgrading due to increasing data transfer rates, requiring more complex mechanical connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable transceiver module with a release mechanism that uses translational movement to secure and release the module from a connection port, featuring a one-piece construction with a flexure member for easy assembly and secure alignment, preventing premature removal and ensuring proper axial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical connection mechanisms are used to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a release tab for user actuation, a release structure with movable locking feature for engagement/disengagement, and a flexure member for providing restoring force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure member provides self-service by automatically providing the restoring force needed to return the locking feature to the engaged position after release. This eliminates the need for additional springs, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms, maintaining precision while reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated one-piece construction is used for release mechanism, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the release structure itself is integrated, the design segments the functional requirements: the locking feature geometry ensures precise engagement, the flexure member provides consistent restoring force, and the release tab offers controlled actuation. This functional segmentation within an integrated structure maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure member's physical parameters (thickness, length, material properties) are optimized to provide the exact restoring force needed for reliable engagement while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances. This parameter optimization allows the integrated structure to achieve precise alignment without requiring ultra-precision manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If release mechanism with translational movement is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab and release structure are merged into a single integrated component. The user interacts with one element (the release tab) that directly actuates the locking feature through translational movement, combining the actuation interface and the release mechanism into one simple structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The release tab is extracted as a distinct functional element from the main module housing, providing a dedicated interface for user interaction. This extraction allows the release mechanism to be actuated independently through simple translational movement of the tab, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
4Reliability
If locking feature with latch structure is used to prevent premature removal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is extracted as a separate functional element from the main module housing, allowing it to move independently relative to the housing. This extracted locking feature engages with a corresponding latch structure on the circuit board, providing reliable mechanical interlocking while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure member provides self-service by automatically returning the locking feature to the engaged position with the latch structure after release. This self-restoring mechanism ensures reliable re-engagement without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, maintaining both reliability and simplicity.
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 solution provides a reliable, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-install release mechanism that ensures secure alignment and safe extraction of transceiver modules, enhancing data integrity and compatibility with various computer connection ports.
Implementation Method 1
the release structure comprises an integrated flexure member and linking members
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein includes a pluggable transceiver module comprising a release mechanism for decoupling the module from a computer connection port. In one embodiment, the module release mechanism comprises a release structure having integrated flexure and linking members. The integrated flexure and linking members may be configured to facilitate locking the module in a computer connection port to prevent a small unintentional force from unseating the module and disturbing the module's electrical and optical connections. The release structure may be configured to unlock the module from a computer connection port by displacing a latch feature disposed in a cage assembly inside a computer connection port.