Vertical Component Actuation Mechanism for Connector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in securely and easily inserting and removing components, particularly heavy components, due to the reliance on gravity and potential misalignment during vertical insertion and extraction, which can damage connectors and require excessive force.
Innovation Solution
An actuation mechanism with a lever and horizontal support member allows for controlled vertical insertion and removal of components, using a latch and tabs to securely hold the component in place, reducing the risk of damage and overcoming gravitational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are inserted vertically in the downwards direction, then gravity helps to mate the connectors, but the force of gravity may be greater than the mating force and actually damage the connector if the connectors do not line up properly during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support member as an intermediary between the component and the bay. This support member provides controlled support during insertion, preventing the component from falling too far if misalignment occurs, while still allowing gravity to assist the insertion process. The support member acts as a safety mechanism that mediates between the beneficial gravitational force and the potential harm of excessive force on connectors.
2Reliability
If a heavy component is installed in the upwards direction, then gravity is resisting the mating force of the connector, but the force on the component due to gravity may exceed the unmating force of the connector and cause the component to fall out of the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a latch mechanism that provides a counteracting force to hold the component in place against gravitational pull. The latch engages with the component after insertion, creating a balancing force that opposes gravity's downward pull on heavy components. This allows upward insertion to proceed without requiring excessive force to overcome gravity during the mating process.
3Reliability
If an operator has to overcome not only the unmating force but also gravity to remove the component, then removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic latch mechanism that can be easily actuated to change the force balance. When the latch is engaged, it provides strong holding force to secure the component against gravity. When actuated for removal, the latch releases, dynamically changing the system state to allow easy component removal without requiring the operator to continuously overcome both latch force and gravity.
4Reliability
If connectors are joined during vertical insertion, then the component is securely mounted, but misalignment during insertion can damage the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The support member provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to support the component before full insertion is complete. If misalignment occurs during insertion, the support member prevents the component from falling the full distance, cushioning the impact and preventing connector damage. This protective measure is in place before the harmful event (misalignment impact) could occur.
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 enables easy and secure mounting and removal of components, preventing connector damage and ensuring a stable electrical connection despite temperature variations, humidity, shock, and vibration, even with heavy components.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation mechanism with a lever and horizontal support member allows for controlled vertical insertion and removal of components
Implementation Method 2
overcoming gravitational forces
Implementation Method 3
using a latch and tabs to securely hold the component in place
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a bay for a removable component with a vertical axis of insertion and removal. The component is inserted upwardly in the electronic device with aid of an actuation mechanism. For example, the actuation mechanism may include a lever and a horizontal support member sized to hold the bottom side of the component. Rotation of the lever translates the support member in the vertical direction to smoothly lift the component into a seated position in which connectors in the component and the electronic device are coupled. The actuation mechanism may include a latch to hold the component securely in the seated position. Rotation of the lever in the opposite direction lowers the support member. The actuation mechanism may include one or more tabs on the horizontal support member or elsewhere that pull the component during removal to overcome the unmating force of the connectors.