Removable Transceiver Module Rail-Pair Receptacle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot-pluggable transceiver modules occupy significant space on system boards, limit vertical stacking, and increase cooling and power consumption due to the use of right-angle electrical blindmate connectors and complex lever-action mechanisms, which also complicate thermal management and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A removable transceiver module design that eliminates the need for a cage and cover, using a rail-pair receptacle with longitudinal guide rails and a lever handle mechanism to align and secure connectors, allowing for lateral and vertical movement for easy installation and improved cooling through open-top design and ventilation holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If right-angle electrical blindmate connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but significant space is occupied on system board and vertical stacking is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional right-angle connectors occupying board space to a rail-pair receptacle system where connectors align vertically along guide rails. This dimensional reorganization allows connectors to mate in a vertical plane rather than consuming horizontal board real estate, enabling higher density configurations and vertical stacking of transceiver modules.
2Reliability
If lever-action mechanisms are used to secure connectors, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lever-action mechanism from the system board and relocates it to the removable transceiver module itself. The module includes a lever that the user operates to engage or disengage the module from the receptacle. This extraction simplifies the system board design by eliminating complex securing mechanisms while maintaining reliable connections through the user-operated lever on the module.
3Reliability
If cage and cover structures are used to protect components, then component protection is achieved, but cooling efficiency decreases and thermal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky cage and cover structures with thin gaskets positioned at the interface between the transceiver module and system board. These gaskets provide necessary sealing and protection while maintaining an open-top design that allows airflow and heat dissipation. The thin-film approach preserves component protection functionality while dramatically improving thermal management and cooling efficiency.
4Reliability
If traditional enclosed transceiver module design is used, then component protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective enclosure functions from the traditional transceiver module design and relocates them to the system board receptacle structure. The receptacle includes guide rails, alignment features, and gaskets that provide protection and guidance. This extraction allows the transceiver module itself to have a simpler, more manufacturable design while the system board assumes the protective functions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2E
AI summary
Examples relate to a removable transceiver module that comprises a base frame installable in a rail-pair receptacle that surrounds a first connector in a system board. It further comprises a module base board, a second connector attached thereto and a lever handle pivotally attached to the base frame and coupled to the module base board. The transceiver module is installed in the rail-pair receptacle in response to a lateral movement of the base frame to the receptacle to align the first and second connectors. The lever handle is movable between a closed position to couple the second connector to the first connector and an open position to install the transceiver module into the receptacle. This lever handle determines a vertical move of the module base board between the closed position and the open position.