Pluggable Transceiver Retainer for Shipping Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic modules in network switches often unintentionally disengage from their cages during shipping, leading to potential damage to both the modules and the switch, due to the activation of release mechanisms or movement during transport.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system is introduced, comprising a slider with protrusions that engage resilient tabs in the cage, a handle to actuate the slider, and a retainer with occlusion members and hingedly coupled retainer members that prevent the slider from disengaging, ensuring the module remains securely locked within the cage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling mechanism with a latch is used to retain the optoelectronic module, then the module can be easily installed and removed, but the module may unintentionally disengage during shipping due to activation of the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-installed on the optoelectronic module before shipping, creating a preliminary counter-force against the release mechanism. The retainer's occlusion member extends into the cage to physically block the release mechanism from activating, preventing unintentional disengagement during transport while maintaining the ease of operation through the original latch mechanism.
2Reliability
If a retainer with occlusion member is positioned inside the port to prevent disengagement, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the occlusion member that extends into the cage to block the release mechanism, the retainer members that engage with the housing, and the tab for actuation. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components while achieving reliable prevention of unintentional disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it occludes the port to prevent contamination, engages with the housing to secure the module, and blocks the release mechanism to prevent disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the retainer member is hingedly coupled to the occlusion member to allow engagement and disengagement, then ease of operation is maintained, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer member is designed with a hinged coupling that allows it to transition between different states: a first configuration where it engages with the housing to provide stability, and a second configuration where it disengages to allow removal. This dynamic design maintains structural stability during operation while enabling ease of installation and removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic module may include a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver and a slider configured to move with respect to the housing. The slider may include at least one protrusion configured to engage a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing. The optoelectronic module may include a handle coupled to the slider to actuate the slider, and a retainer configured to engage both the handle and the housing to retain the handle and the slider with respect to the housing. The retainer may include at least one occlusion member sized and shaped to be positioned inside a port of the optoelectronic module.