Mass-interconnect engaging device

1 . An engaging device of a Mass-Interconnect, the engaging device comprising: an interchangeable test adapter (ITA); and a locking mechanism, comprising: a plunger; an actuator; a leaflet insert latch overlaying the plunger; a sleeve encompassing the leaflet insert; and a slide connected to the plunger, wherein: the locking mechanism is configured to engage and disengage from the ITA; the plunger comprises a plunger head at a first end thereof; the slide is connected to the plunger at a second end thereof; and the plunger head prevents the leaflet insert from slipping out of a locking bushing of the ITA when the locking mechanism is engaged and locked with the ITA.

2 . The engaging device of claim 1 , further comprising a control lever connected to the slideODC link, wherein the slideODC link, the control lever, and the sleeve bear substantially all of the force required to engage or disengage the ITA.

3 . The engaging device of claim 2 , further comprising a locking tab disposed at an end of the leaflet insertflexible latch, the locking tab transferringtransfering force from the plunaeractuator directly to the locking bushing when engaging the ITA.

4 . The engaging device of claim 3 , wherein the leaflet insertfloxiblo latch bears no significant longitudinal forces without simultaneous contact between the leaflet insertfloxiblo latch, the plungeractuator head, and the locking bushing.

5 . The engaging device of claim 1 , wherein: the plunaerho actuator further comprises a depression portion having a smaller diameter than a diameter of a remainder portion of the plungeractuator; and the leaflet insertflexible latch comprises a thickened portion corresponding to an area where the leaflet insertflexible latch extends over the depression portion of the plunaeractuator.

6 . The engaging device of claim 5 , wherein the thickened portion of the leaflet insertflexible latch protects the leaflet insertflexible latch from bending when the plunaeractuator is engaged with the ITA.

7 . The engaging device of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a first compressive element and a second compressive element disposed adjacent to the slide, wherein: the plunger is configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position; the slide is adapted to advance into an over-dead-center (ODC) locked position to achieve engagement between the ITA and a receiver; and the first compressive element and the second compressive element are configured to allow elastic deformation during movement of the slide into the ODC locked position.

8 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element and the second compressive element each comprise a polymer pad.

9 . The engaging device of claim 8 , wherein the plunger is configured to remain stationary when the slide moves into the ODC locked position.

10 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element and the second compressive element are respectively disposed on opposing sides of the slide such that the slide is elastically supported both above and below during movement into the ODC locked position.

11 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element and the second compressive element each comprise a polymer pad configured to guide linearmovement of the slide and absorb compressive forces generated during engagement of the ITA and the receiver.

12 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element comprises a first polymer pad disposed on a first side of the slide and the second compressive element comprises a second polymer pad disposed on a second side of the slide opposite the first side, and the slide is supported between the first polymer pad and the second polymer pad.

13 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element and the second compressive element are positioned to limit lateral and vertical play of the slide during movement into and out of the ODC locked position.

14 . The engaging device of claim 7 , wherein the first compressive element and the second compressive element cooperate with the slide to distribute engagement forces across multiple contact regions of the locking mechanism.

15 . The engaging device of claim 1 , further comprising a torsion shaft coupled to the slide via a linkage comprising a torsion shaft link and a slide link, wherein the torsion shaft link is connected to the torsion shaft and the slide link is connected to the slide, and the torsion shaft link and slide link are interconnected such that rotation of the torsion shaft is translated into linear movement of the slide.

16 . The engaging device of claim 15 , further comprising a handle coupled to the torsion shaft, wherein rotation of the handle is configured to drive the torsion shaft to move the slide between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

17 . The engaging device of claim 16 , wherein the torsion shaft, the torsion shaft link, and the slide link are arranged to provide over-dead-center locking at the linkage when the slide reaches the engaged position.