Lever actuated locking mechanism
A lever actuated locking mechanism for attaching an optical element to a printed circuit board assembly. The locking mechanism includes a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element. A locking tab protrudes from one side of a distal end of the first arm. A first actuating lever arm extends from a mid-portion of the first arm. An actuating lever connects to a distal end of the first actuating lever arm, wherein applying pressure to the actuating lever causes the locking tab to pivot about a point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.
1 . A lever actuated locking mechanism for attaching an optical element to a printed circuit board assembly, the lever actuated locking mechanism comprising:
a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element;
a locking tab protruding from one side of a distal end of the first arm;
a first actuating lever arm extending from a mid-portion of the first arm; and
an actuating lever connected to a distal end of the first actuating lever arm,
wherein applying pressure to the actuating lever causes the locking tab to pivot about a point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.
2 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a second arm extending from the side edge of the opening formed in the optical element and a bridge connecting distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.
3 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the mid-portion of the first arm is spaced intermediate the locking tab and the side edge.
4 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the lever actuated locking mechanism is positioned within the opening formed in the optical element, wherein the side edge is a first side edge, and wherein the actuating lever extends towards a second side edge of the opening that is opposite the first side edge.
5 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the locking tab and the actuating lever deflect in a common direction when pressure is applied to the actuating lever.
6 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first actuating lever arm cooperates with the first arm to form a Y-shape.
7 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 2 , further comprising a second actuating lever arm extending from a mid-portion of the second arm, wherein the actuating lever connects the distal end of the first actuating lever arm to a distal end of the second actuating lever arm.
8 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 2 , wherein the locking tab protrudes from one side of the bridge.
9 . A light assembly comprising:
an enclosure defining a receiving cavity;
a printed circuit board assembly attached to a lower surface defining the receiving cavity; and
an optical element disposed within the receiving cavity and connected to the printed circuit board assembly, wherein the optical element includes a lever actuated locking mechanism comprising:
a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element;
a locking tab protruding from one side of a distal end of the first arm;
a first actuating lever arm extending from a mid-portion of the first arm; and
an actuating lever connected to a distal end of the first actuating lever arm,
wherein applying pressure to the actuating lever causes the locking tab to pivot about a point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.
10 . The light assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a second arm extending from the side edge of the opening formed in the optical element and a bridge connecting distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.
11 . The light assembly of claim 9 , wherein the enclosure further comprising a pocket dimensioned to receive the distal end of the first arm and the locking tab.
12 . The light assembly of claim 9 , wherein the locking tab is configured to engage an edge of the printed circuit board assembly for securing the optical element to the printed circuit board assembly.
13 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the mid-portion of the first arm is spaced intermediate the locking tab and the side edge.
14 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the lever actuated locking mechanism is positioned within the opening formed in the optical element, wherein the side edge is a first side edge, and wherein the actuating lever extends towards a second side edge of the opening that is opposite the first side edge.
15 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the locking tab and the actuating lever deflect in a common direction when pressure is applied to the actuating lever.
16 . The lever actuated locking mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the first actuating lever arm cooperates with the first arm to form a Y-shape.
17 . The light assembly of claim 10 , further comprising a second actuating lever arm extending from a mid-portion of the second arm, wherein the actuating lever connects the distal end of the first actuating lever arm to a distal end of the second actuating lever arm.
18 . The light assembly of claim 10 , wherein the locking tab protrudes from one side of the bridge.
19 . The light assembly of claim 12 , wherein the optical element including two or more lever actuated locking mechanisms.
20 . The light assembly of claim 12 , wherein the lever actuated locking mechanism is detachable from the edge of the printed circuit board assembly.