Folding latching mechanism
A folding latching mechanism and related structure. An embodiment of the folding latching mechanism includes a latch member having a claw-shaped clasp disposed proximate to a pivot member that enables a pivotal coupling about a first pivot axis. A lever arm is pivotally-coupled to the latch member about a second pivot (fold) axis that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis of the latch member. During use, the latch member is rotated about its first pivot axis via the lever arm in an extended position, whereby the latching member is securely coupled to a frame member via its clasp. The lever arm is then rotated about its fold axis and secured in place. The folding latching mechanism may be employed on an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) board hosting one or more Advanced Mezzanine Card (AdvancedMC) modules, wherein the mechanism does not interfere with the I/O port interfaces for the modules.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a latching member, having a pivot member disposed toward a first end having a centerline defining a first pivot axis and a claw-shaped clasp disposed proximate to the first pivot axis; and
a lever arm, pivotally-coupled to the latching member toward a second end of the latching member opposite the first end to define a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
means for maintaining the lever arm in a folded position relative to the latching member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
means for maintaining the lever arm in an extended position relative to the latching member.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the claw-shaped clasp is located relative to the first pivot axis to effect an over-center latching configuration.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lever arm is pivotally-coupled to the latching member via a hinged joint.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lever arm includes a push tab disposed toward a cantilevered end of the lever arm.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pivot member comprises a counterbore having a through hole, each of the counterbore and through hole having a centerline along the first pivot axis.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pivot member comprises a stub shaft having a centerline along the first pivot axis.
9. An apparatus comprising:
a carrier board frame including a faceplate having a top and bottom; and
first and second folding latching mechanisms, each including,
a latching member, pivotally-coupled toward a first end with the carrier board frame to define a first pivot axis and including a claw-shaped clasp disposed proximate to the first pivot axis; and
a lever arm, pivotally-coupled to the latching member toward a second end of the latching member opposite the first end and defining a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis,
wherein the latching member of the first folding latching mechanism is pivotally coupled to the carrier board frame proximate to the top of the faceplate, and the latching member of the second folding latching mechanism is pivotally coupled to the carrier board frame proximate to the bottom of the faceplate.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising:
means for maintaining the lever arms for each of the first and second folding latching mechanisms in a folded position under which the lever arms are folded over a front of the faceplate.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising:
means for maintaining the lever arms for each of the first and second folding latching mechanisms in an extended position relative to their respective latching member.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the claw-shaped clasp for the latching member of each of the first and second folding latching mechanisms is located relative to that latching member's first pivot axis to effect an over-center latching configuration.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising:
means for detecting whether the latching member for at least one of the first and second folding latching mechanisms is rotated about its respective first pivot axis at a latching position.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising:
means for detecting whether the lever arm for at least one of the first and second folding latching mechanisms is rotated about its respective second pivot axis at a folded position.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the means for detecting whether the lever arm for at least one of the first and second folding latching mechanisms is rotated about its respective second pivot axis at a folded position comprises a mechanically-actuated switch that is actuated by an actuation member coupled to the lever arm.
16. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the carrier board frame and first and second folding latching mechanisms are configured to interface with an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) chassis.
17. Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) board, comprising:
an ATCA carrier board including support components to interface with at least one Advanced Mezzanine Card (AdvancedMC) module;
a carrier board frame to which the ATCA carrier board is mounted, including a faceplate having a top and bottom and configured to receive said at least one AdvancedMC module; and
first and second folding latching mechanisms, each including,
a latching member, pivotally-coupled to one of the ATCA carrier board or ATCA carrier board frame to effect rotation relative to the carrier board frame about a first pivot axis and including a claw-shaped clasp disposed proximate to the first pivot axis; and
a lever arm, pivotally-coupled to the latching member toward a second end of the latching member opposite the first end and defining a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis,
wherein the first folding latching mechanism is disposed proximate to the top of the faceplate, and the second latching member is disposed proximate to the bottom of the faceplate.
18. The ATCA board of claim 17 , further comprising:
at least one Advanced MC module, installed on the ATCA carrier board.
19. The ATCA board of claim 17 , further comprising:
means for detecting whether the lever arm for each of the first and second folding latching mechanisms is rotated about its respective second pivot axis at a folded position.
20. The ATCA board of claim 17 , further comprising:
means for maintaining the lever arms for each of the first and second folding latching mechanisms in a folded position under which the lever arms are folded over a front of the faceplate.
21. The ATCA board of claim 17 , further comprising one or more protrusions on a hinge arm to help maintain the lever arm in a folded position relative to the latching member.
22. The ATCA board of claim 21 , further comprising a ball and socket-type mechanism to help maintain the lever arm in the folded position relative to the latching member.
23. The ATCA board of claim 17 , further comprising a ball and socket-type mechanism to help maintain the lever arm in a folded position relative to the latching member.