Patent Publication Number: US-9841568-B2

Title: Latch mechanisms for modules

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/296,943, filed Jun. 5, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/954,294, filed Mar. 17, 2014, titled LATCH MECHANISM FOR MODULES, both which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiments discussed herein relate generally to communication modules. More particularly, example embodiments relate to latch mechanisms for selectively engaging communication modules with a housing of a host device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic modules, such as transceiver or transponder modules configured to transmit and receive electrical or optical data signals, are used in electronic and optoelectronic communication. Some modules are pluggable, which permits the module to be inserted into and removed from a receptacle of a host device, such as a host computer, switching hub, network router, or switch box. Some host devices include multiple receptacles and can therefore accommodate multiple modules simultaneously. Each module typically communicates with a printed circuit board of the host device by transmitting and/or receiving electrical signals to and/or from the host device printed circuit board. These electrical signals can also be transmitted by or to the module outside the host device as optical and/or electrical signals. 
     The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. 
     SUMMARY 
     The embodiments discussed herein relate generally to communication modules. More particularly, example embodiments relate to latch mechanisms for selectively engaging communication modules with a housing of a host device. 
     This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In an example, a module includes a housing and a release slide slidingly positioned at least partially on the housing. The housing includes a first rib located on a first side of the housing and a second rib located on a second side of the housing positioned opposite the first side of the housing. The release slide includes a release slide base, a first release slide arm extending from the release slide base, and a second release slide arm extending from the release slide base. The first release slide arm is at least partially positioned on the first side of the housing and the second release slide arm is at least partially positioned on the second side of the housing. A first flange extends from the first release slide arm and is positioned at least partially over the first rib. A second flange extends from the second release slide arm and is positioned at least partially over the second rib. 
     In another example, a module includes a housing, a release slide slidingly positioned at least partially on the housing, and a handle coupled to a coupling structure of the release slide. The housing includes a depression formed in the housing relative to outer surfaces of the housing, a face adjacent to the depression, channels formed in the housing, a first rib, and a second rib. The first rib is located entirely within the depression on a first side of the housing. The second rib is located entirely within the depression on a second side of the housing positioned opposite the first side of the housing. The release slide includes a release slide base, fingers extending from the release slide base, a first release slide arm extending from the release slide base, and a second release slide arm extending from the release slide base. The fingers are positioned at least partially within the channels formed in the housing. The first release slide arm is at least partially positioned on the first side of the housing and the second release slide arm is at least partially positioned on the second side of the housing. A first flange extends from the first release slide arm and is positioned at least partially over the first rib. A second flange extends from the second release slide arm and is positioned at least partially over the second rib. The release slide is selectively slidable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The face of the housing is positioned to arrest sliding movement of the release slide in a first direction by way of contact with the release slide. The channels formed in the housing are positioned to arrest sliding movement of the release slide in a second direction by way of contact with the fingers of the release slide. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the embodiments. The features and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the embodiments as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of portions of an example host device with an example optoelectronic module in a latched configuration located partially inside the example host device; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of the portions of the host device of  FIG. 1A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 2A  is top perspective view of portions of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 1A  in the latched configuration and with portions of the optoelectronic module omitted; 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 2A  in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of a portion of the host device of  FIG. 1A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration and with portions of the optoelectronic module omitted; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the portion of the host device of  FIG. 3A  with the optoelectronic module in an unlatched configuration; 
         FIG. 3C  is a cutaway side view of the portion of the host device of  FIG. 3A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 3D  is a cutaway side view of the portion of the host device of  FIG. 3A  with the optoelectronic module in the unlatched configuration; 
         FIG. 3E  is an exploded top perspective view of a portion of a front end section of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3F  is an exploded bottom perspective view of a portion of the front end section of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded top perspective view of another example optoelectronic module; 
         FIG. 4B  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of portions of another example host device with another example optoelectronic module in a latched configuration located partially inside the example host device; 
         FIG. 5B  is a bottom perspective view of the host device of  FIG. 5A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top perspective view of portions of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 5A  in the latched configuration with the host device omitted; 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 6A  in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of the example host device of  FIG. 5A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration and with portions of the optoelectronic module omitted; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the host device of  FIG. 7A  with the optoelectronic module in an unlatched configuration; 
         FIG. 7C  is a cutaway side view of the portion of the host device of  FIG. 7A  with the optoelectronic module in the latched configuration; 
         FIG. 7D  is a cutaway side view of the portion of the host device of  FIG. 7A  with the optoelectronic module in the unlatched configuration; 
         FIG. 7E  is an exploded top perspective view of the portion of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 7A ; and 
         FIG. 7F  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the portion of the optoelectronic module of  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Example embodiments relate to latch mechanisms for selectively engaging communication modules with host devices. Example embodiments also relate to modules such as communication modules that include latch mechanisms for selectively engaging the communication modules with host devices. 
     Embodiments described herein may include fewer and/or less complex parts, and may allow for simplified assembly compared to traditional latch mechanisms. Furthermore, components of the latch mechanism may be manufactured via less complex, less expensive, and/or less time-consuming manufacturing processes relative to traditional latch mechanisms. For at least these reasons, some embodiments may be less expensive and/or less expensive to implement relative to traditional latch mechanisms. 
     Embodiments described herein may alternatively or additionally reduce, and potentially may eliminate, undesired motions of a latch mechanism relative to a housing of the module. For example, embodiments described herein may reduce undesired looseness in the latch mechanism compared to traditional latch mechanisms. Embodiments may exhibit reduced rocking and/or rolling motions of the latch mechanism compared to traditional latch mechanisms. 
     In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a release slide with an interfacing portion having a low profile relative to a housing of a module. The low height of the interfacing portion of the release slide relative to the housing may reduce the mechanical looseness between the release slide and the housing. 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. The drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments and, accordingly, are not limiting of the scope of the claimed subject matter, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale. Many of the features of the disclosed embodiments may be substantially symmetrical and/or may be arranged symmetrically and a pluralized reference to a feature may refer to a pair of similar features of which only one may be labeled in the drawings. 
     1. Example Host Device and Communications Module 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of a portion of an example host device  100  with an example optoelectronic module  200  in a latched configuration located at least partially inside the host device  100 . The optoelectronic module  200  includes a handle  204  and is coupled to a fiber optic cable  206 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of the optoelectronic module  200  in the latched position and with one or more portions of the optoelectronic module  200  omitted. For example, in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the handle  204  and the fiber optic cable  206  are omitted. 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 1A-2B , the optoelectronic module  200  may be employed in the communication of optical signals and the conversion of optical signals to and from electrical signals. In connection, the host device  100  may be employed in the communication of corresponding electrical signals. 
     The optoelectronic module  200  may include a transmit port and/or a receive port (not shown) located within a port opening  212  (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 2A ) at a front end section  201  of the optoelectronic module  200 . The transmit port and/or the receive port may be in optical communication with fibers of the fiber optic cable  206 . The optoelectronic module  200  may be configured for optical signal transmission and reception via the fiber optic cable  206  at a variety of data rates including, but not limited to, 1.25 Gb/s, 2.125 Gb/s, 2.5 Gb/s, 4.25 Gb/s, 8.5 Gb/s, 10.3 Gb/s, 10.5 Gb/s, 11.3 Gb/s, 14.025 Gb/s, or 100 Gb/s or higher. 
     The optoelectronic module  200  may be configured for optical signal transmission and reception at various wavelengths including, but not limited to, 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1470 nm, 1490 nm, 1510 nm, 1530 nm, 1550 nm, 1570 nm, 1590 nm, or 1610 nm. The optoelectronic module  200  may be configured to support various communication protocols including, but not limited to, Optical Fast Ethernet, Optical Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, and 16× Fibre Channel. 
     Although one example of the optoelectronic module  200  is configured to have a form factor that is substantially compliant with an enhanced small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) multi-source agreement (MSA), the optoelectronic module  200  may alternatively be configured in a variety of different form factors that are substantially compliant with other MSAs including, but not limited to, a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) MSA. Finally, although the optoelectronic module  200  is illustrated as a pluggable optoelectronic transceiver module, example embodiments of the latching mechanism disclosed herein may alternatively be employed, for example, in connection with pluggable electronic transceiver modules, other pluggable electronic devices such as pluggable media drives, or the like. 
     The host device  100  may include a cage  102  (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ) configured to be connected to a host printed circuit board (not shown). The cage  102  at least partially receives the optoelectronic module  200  when the optoelectronic module  200  is inserted into the cage  102  and is mechanically and electrically connected to the host device  100 . The cage  102  includes a cage recess  104 . The cage recess  104  may allow the optoelectronic module  200  to selectively engage the cage  102  such that the optoelectronic module  200  is prevented from moving significantly within the cage  102  until the optoelectronic module  200  is intentionally disengaged from the cage  102 . As a result, the mechanical and electrical connection between the optoelectronic module  200  and the host device may be maintained and unintentional disconnection may be reduced and potentially eliminated. 
     2. First Example Latching Mechanism 
     The optoelectronic module  200  includes an example latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is configured for use in selectively securing and releasing the optoelectronic module  200  within a receptacle, such as the cage  102 . 
     The optoelectronic module  200  may include a release slide  202 . Optionally, the optoelectronic module  200  may include the handle  204  coupled to the release slide  202 . The release slide  202  may be formed in various ways, including, but not limited to, being stamped from sheet metal or molded from hard plastic. 
     The handle  204  may be formed from a polycarbonate material, though other suitable materials may alternately or additionally be used. The handle  204  may be rigid enough to generally maintain its shape, but capable of being flexed by a user, for example, during extraction of the optoelectronic module  200  from the cage  102 . 
     The handle  204  may include a first end section  246  and a second end section  247 . The first end section  246  may be coupled to a coupling structure  203  of the release slide  202 . For example, the first end section  246  of the handle  204  may be over-molded around the coupling structure  203 . 
     The handle  204  is configured to be manually pulled and pushed in order to slide the release slide  202  between its latched position and its unlatched position relative to a housing  208 . Alternately or additionally, the release slide  202  may be directly pulled and pushed between the latched position and the unlatched position. The release slide  202  may optionally be shaped to assist a user in gripping the release slide  202  directly. 
     The housing  208  may include a top housing  209  and a bottom housing  210  (shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) coupled together. The top housing  209  may be removed from the bottom housing  210 , e.g., to access an interior of the optoelectronic module  200 . The housing  208  may at least partially surround receiver and/or transmitter circuitry (not shown), including a printed circuit board having an edge connector (not shown) configured to be electrically coupled to the host device. The bottom housing  210  and/or the top housing  209  may be die cast in zinc. Alternately or additionally, the bottom housing  210  and/or the top housing  209  may be die cast, or otherwise manufactured, from other suitable materials or a combination of other suitable materials. 
     The optoelectronic module  200  may include a conductive electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield  211  (shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) located at least partially around the housing  208 . The EMI shield  211  may reduce the degree of electromagnetic interference created and/or experienced by the optoelectronic module  200 . The EMI shield  211  may include conductive fingers  213 . The conductive fingers  213  may form an electrically conductive connection with the cage  102 . 
     The optoelectronic module  200  includes an engagement pin  207  (shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 1B and 2B ). The engagement pin  207  is configured to engage the cage recess  104  when the optoelectronic module  200  is in the latched configuration. By engaging the cage recess  104 , the engagement pin  207  may generally prevent the optoelectronic module  200  from moving significantly within the cage  102  until the engagement pin  207  and the cage recess  104  are intentionally disengaged from each other. The engagement pin  207  and the cage recess  104  may be disengaged from each other when the optoelectronic module  200  is in the unlatched configuration. 
     As used herein, the term “latched configuration” refers to the configuration of the optoelectronic module  200  that results in the engagement pin  207  being engageable with the cage  102 . The components of the optoelectronic module  200  are referred to herein as being in a “latched position” when the optoelectronic module  200  is in the latched configuration. Conversely, as used herein, the term “unlatched configuration” refers to the configuration of the optoelectronic module  200  that results in the engagement pin  207  not being engageable with the cage  102 . The components of the optoelectronic module  200  are referred to herein as being in an “unlatched position” when the optoelectronic module  200  is in the unlatched configuration. 
     In addition, the optoelectronic module  200  may include a front, a rear, a top, a bottom, and two opposing sides. The front of the optoelectronic module  200  may generally refer to an end of the optoelectronic module  200  within which the port opening is defined. The rear of the optoelectronic module  200  may generally refer to an end of the optoelectronic module  200  opposite the front. The bottom of the optoelectronic module  200  may generally refer to a surface of the optoelectronic module  200  from which the engagement pin  207  extends when in its latched position. The top of the optoelectronic module  200  may generally refer to a surface of the optoelectronic module  200  that is opposite the bottom. The two opposing sides of the optoelectronic module may generally refer to surfaces of the optoelectronic module  200  that connect the top to the bottom. 
     Use of the terms front, rear, top, and bottom, and/or up, down, forward, backward, and other directional terms as applied to the optoelectronic module  200 , any of its components, and/or other embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-7F  may be interpreted in view of the foregoing convention. For example, the first end section  246  of the handle  204  may alternately be referred to as a rear end section of the handle  204 , while the second end section  247  of the handle may alternately be referred to as a front end section of the handle  204 . Alternately or additionally, the second end section  247  of the handle  204  may be described as being located forward of the first end section  246 , and/or the first end section  246  may be described as being located rearward of the second end section  247 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a side view of the host device  100  with the optoelectronic module  200  in the latched configuration and with the fiber optic cable  206 , the handle  204 , and portions of the housing  208  omitted.  FIG. 3B  is a side view of the host device  100  of  FIG. 3A  with the optoelectronic module  200  in the unlatched configuration. 
       FIG. 3C  is a cutaway view of the host device  100  with the optoelectronic module  200  in the latched configuration.  FIG. 3D  is a cutaway view of the host device  100  with the optoelectronic module  200  in the unlatched configuration. 
       FIGS. 3E and 3F  are, respectively, top and bottom exploded perspective views of a portion of the front end section  201  of the optoelectronic module  200 . 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 3A-3F , in some embodiments, the housing  208  may include a pair of ribs  236  ( FIGS. 3B, 3E, and 3F ) located on opposite sides of the housing  208 . For example, the bottom housing  210  may include a first of the ribs  236  formed on a first side of the bottom housing  210  and a second of the ribs  236  formed on a second side of the bottom housing  210  opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the ribs  236  may include elongate protrusions. Alternately or additionally, the ribs  236  and/or the housing  208  may be sized and shaped to form guides  237  ( FIGS. 3B, 3E, and 3F ). 
     In some embodiments, the ribs  236  may be located in a depression  216  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) relative to outer surfaces  217  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) of the housing  208 . Alternately or additionally, the ribs  236  may not extend beyond the outer surfaces  217  of the housing  208 , e.g., the ribs  236  may be located entirely within the depression  216  relative to the outer surfaces  217 . Alternately, the ribs  236  may extend beyond the outer surfaces  217 . 
     The release slide  202  may include a release slide base  238  ( FIGS. 3D-3F ) and a pair of release slide arms  240  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) extending from the release slide base  238 . The release slide arms  240  may extend upward from the release slide base  238  parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the release slide  202  includes flanges  242  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ). The flanges  242  may be located on the release slide arms  240 . Alternately or additionally, the flanges  242  may extend from the release slide arms  240  inwardly towards each other. 
     In some embodiments, the flanges  242  may be substantially coplanar. In some embodiments, the flanges  242  may include elongate shelf structures. Alternately, each of the flanges  242  may include one or more fingers (not shown) or the like. 
     The flanges  242  and the release slide arms  240  may be sized and shaped to form tracks  244  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) sized and shaped to fit on and/or accommodate the ribs  236 . Each of the flanges  242  may be positioned at least partially over a corresponding one of the ribs  236 . The release slide base  238  may be positioned at least partially under the ribs  236 . In some embodiments, the flanges  242  may fit at least partially within the guides  237 . 
     The ribs  236 , the release slide arms  240 , and the flanges  242  are sized and shaped to allow the release slide  202  to slide relative to the housing  208 . In some embodiments, the ribs  236  may be sized and positioned such that the portion of the release slide arms  240  that fits over the ribs  236  may have a low profile relative to a height of the housing  208  where the ribs  236  are located. In some embodiments, the low profile of the portion of the release slide arms  240  that fits over the ribs  236  and the configuration of the ribs  236  may reduce sensations of looseness of the release slide  202  relative to the housing  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the flanges  242 , the release slide arms  240 , and/or the release slide base  238  may form a close fit with the ribs  236  and/or the housing  208  such that the release slide  202  resists rocking and rolling motions relative to the housing  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the ribs  236  are positioned at least partially to one side of the port opening  212 . For example, the ribs  236  may be located at least partially below the port opening  212 . In some embodiments, the ribs  236  may be located entirely to one side of the port opening  212 . For example, as best seen in  FIG. 3E , the ribs  236  may be located entirely below the port opening  212 . 
     With combined reference to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the second end section  247  of the handle  204  may be positioned at least partially to a different side of the port opening  212 . Thus, the second end section  247  may be located on a side of the port opening  212  and the fiber optic cable  206  (when present) different from the side of the optoelectronic module  200  including the engagement pin  207 . For example, the engagement pin  207  may be located at the bottom of the optoelectronic module  200  and the second end section  247  of the handle  204  may be located at the top of the optoelectronic module  200 . 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 3A-3F , the release slide  202  may fit at least partially within the depression  216 . In some embodiments, the depression  216  may be sized and shaped such that outer surfaces  219  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) of the release slide  202  and the outer surfaces  217  of the housing  208  are substantially aligned or flush with each other. 
     In some embodiments, the release slide  202  may include fingers  248  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) sized and shaped to be received in corresponding channels  250  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) formed in the housing  208 . One or more of the fingers  248  may extend inward from the outer surfaces  219  and/or may extend upward from the release slide base  238 . Alternately or additionally, the corresponding channels  250  may be formed in corresponding locations of the housing  208 . The fingers  248  and the channels  250  may form a pull stop and/or a push stop for the release slide  202  such that the sliding movement of the release slide  202  is arrested by the fingers  248  contacting the ends of the channels  250  when the release slide  202  reaches a latched position and/or an unlatched position. 
     Alternately or additionally, the housing  208  may include a face  252  ( FIGS. 3B and 3E ) configured to form a push stop for the release slide  202  such that the sliding movement of the release slide  202  is arrested by the release slide  202  contacting the face  252  of the housing  208 . The face  252  may be positioned adjacent to the depression  216 . 
     Alternately or additionally, the fingers  248  and the channels  250  may reduce sensations of looseness of the release slide  202  relative to the housing  208 . For example, up and/or down movement, latitudinal movement, and/or rotational movement such as tipping, rocking, and/or rolling of the release slide  202  relative to the housing  208  may be arrested by the fingers  248  contacting sides and/or beds of the channels  250 . 
     Optionally, the optoelectronic module  200  may include one or more resilient members  254  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) configured to urge the release slide  202  to its latched position. In some embodiments the resilient members  254  may include coil compression springs. However, other types of resilient members may alternatively or additionally be used. For example, the resilient members  254  may include one or more tension springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, cantilever springs, other compression springs, or the like or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the resilient members  254  may be formed as an integrated portion of the release slide  202 . 
     In some embodiments, the resilient members  254  may be located at least partially within recesses  256  ( FIG. 3F ) formed in the housing  208 . Alternately or additionally, each resilient member  254  may be located in the corresponding recess  256  with a front end of the resilient member  254  at or near a front wall of the corresponding recess  256  and a rear end of the resilient member  254  at or near a front surface of a finger  258  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) that extends upward from the release slide base  238 . Thus, forward motion of the release slide base  238  relative to the housing when the release slide base  238  is moved from the latched position towards the unlatched position may cause the fingers  258  to compress the resilient members  254  within the recesses  256  against the front walls of the recesses  256 . When thus compressed, the compressed resilient members  254  may urge the release slide base  238  from its unlatched position towards its latched position. 
     Stated another way, the resilient members  254  contact the housing  208  and the release slide  202  such that the resilient members  254  are resiliently deformed when the release slide  202  is moved from its latched position. For example, the front ends of the resilient members  254  may contact the front walls of the recesses  256  and the rear ends of the resilient members  254  may contact the fingers  258  of the release slide  202  such that the resilient members  254  are resiliently compressed between the housing  208  and the release slide  202  as the release slide  202  is moved from the latched position towards the unlatched position. The resilient members  254  may alternately or additionally contact a cam  218  such that the resilient members  254  are resiliently deformed when the cam  218  is moved from its latched position towards its unlatched position. 
     In some embodiments, the release slide  202  may include openings  260  sized to receive the resilient members  254  such that the resilient members  254  may be assembled into the optoelectronic module  200  assembly with the release slide  202  positioned on the housing  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the engagement pin  207  may be located on a first end section  214  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) of a latch  205 . The latch  205  may also include a second end section  215  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) that interfaces with the cam  218 . The cam  218  may interface with the release slide  202  such that the cam  218  rotates about a cam axis  220  as the release slide  202  is moved relative to the housing  208 . For example, the cam  218  may rotate from a latched position to an unlatched position as the release slide  202  is moved from its latched position to its unlatched position. 
     The housing  208  may include seats  262  ( FIG. 3F ) configured to interface with the cam  218  such that the cam  218  may rotate about the cam axis  220  as the optoelectronic module  200  is moved between its latched configuration and its unlatched configuration. In some embodiments, the cam  218  may include substantially cylindrical-shaped sections  264  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) that may interface with corresponding, suitably-shaped seats  262 . Alternately or additionally, other shapes and/or configurations of the cam  218  and/or the seats  262  may be used. 
     The cam  218  may include one or more first cam arms  266  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ). The first cam arms  266  may include protrusions  268  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) radially offset from the cam axis  220 . The protrusions  268  may be received in openings  270  (FIGS.  3 E and  3 F) located on the release slide arms  240  of the release slide  202 . The protrusions  268  may include ramps  272  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3E, and 3F ) to assist in assembly of the cam  218  and the release slide  202 . 
     When the cam  218  rotates about the cam axis  220 , the protrusions  268  travel along a circular curve having a radius equal to the radial offset of the protrusions  268  from the cam axis  220 . Similarly, rotating the protrusions  268  about the cam axis  220  causes the cam  218  to rotate about the cam axis  220 . Sliding motion of the release slide  202  may cause the cam  218  to rotate about the cam axis  220 . In particular, as the release slide  202  is slid forward or backward relative to the housing  208  and the cam  218  seated in the seats  262 , the openings  270  engage the protrusions  268  and cause them to move forward or backward with the release slide  202 . Because the cam  218  is seated in the seats  262  of the housing, which may prevent translational movement of the cam  218  relative to the housing  208 , the forward and backward motion of the protrusions  268  may be accommodated as rotation of the protrusions  268 , and thus of the cam  218 , about the cam axis  220 . Although one embodiment of the optoelectronic module  200  may include protrusions  268  of the cam  218  interfaced with the openings  270  on the release slide  202 , the cam  218  and the release slide  202  may be configured to interface in other ways that produce the same or similar motion of the cam  218  in response to the release slide  202  being moved from its latched position to its unlatched position. 
     The cam  218  may include a second cam arm  274  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ). The second cam arm  274  may include a seat  276  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) configured to interface with a post  280  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) positioned on the second end section  215  of the latch  205 . The seat  276  may generally be radially offset from the cam axis  220 . 
     Optionally, the post  280  may include a tapered tip  282  ( FIGS. 3E and 3F ) on one side of the post  280  and the seat  276  may further be shaped to aid in assembling the latch  205  and the cam  218  to have a proper assembled configuration. Alternately or additionally, other asymmetrical features may be used in place of the tapered tip  282 . 
     The cam  218  may include a slot  278  configured to at least partially receive a neck  284  of the latch  205  when the optoelectronic module  200  is in the latched configuration. 
     When the cam  218  rotates about the cam axis  220 , the seat  276  travels along a circular curve having a radius equal to the radial offset of the seat from the cam axis  220 . Rotation of the cam  218  may thus urge the post  280  along the same or similar circular curve as the seat  276 . As the cam  218  is rotated from its latched position to its unlatched position, the cam  218  may urge the second end section  215  of the latch  205  outwards, e.g., away from a longitudinal midline of the optoelectronic module  200 , or downwards. The second end section  215  may also be urged towards the rear of the housing  208 , e.g., towards the end of the optoelectronic module  200  opposite the front end section  201 . 
     The motion of the second end section  215  of the latch  205  may urge the latch  205  to rotate and slide relative to a crossbar  221  of the bottom housing  210 , thus urging the first end section  214  of the latch  205  inwards, i.e., towards a longitudinal midline of the optoelectronic module  200  or upwards, and towards the rear of the housing  208 . The bottom housing  210  may include a recess  222  sized and shaped to receive the latch  205  such that the engagement pin  207  disengages from the cage recess  104  and allows the optoelectronic module  200  to be removed from the cage  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the release slide  202  may include an opening  224  sized and shaped to allow the second end section  215  of the latch  205  to move farther outwards or downwards than might otherwise be allowed if the release slide  202  did not include the opening  224 . For instance, as perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 3D , the opening  224  allows the second end section  215  of the latch  205  to pass through a plane defined by the release slide base  238 . By allowing the second end section  215  to move farther outwards, the first end section  214  may be allowed to move farther inwards. Combined with the forward motion of the latch  205 , the engagement pin  207  may therefore move from its latched position or engaged position (best seen in  FIG. 3C ) to its unlatched position or disengaged position (best seen in  FIG. 3D ) within the space occupied by the optoelectronic module  200  and in response to a relatively small movement of the release slide  202 . 
     The movement of the engagement pin  207  in a direction at least partially opposite to the direction of the release slide  202  may provide a smooth and/or enjoyable extraction feel for a user removing the optoelectronic module  200 . For example, the force provided on the release slide  202  may not work against disengaging the engagement pin  207  from the cage opening  104 . 
     As may be best understood with reference to  FIG. 3C , the recess  222  and the cam  218  may be further sized and shaped to allow the optoelectronic module  200  to be inserted into the cage  102  while the optoelectronic module  200  is in the latched configuration. As the optoelectronic module  200  is inserted into the cage  102 , the latch  205  may be urged to rotate inwards by the engagement pin  207  contacting a cage tab  106 . In some embodiments, the inwards rotation of the latch  205  may be arrested by a stop  226 . As used herein “insertion position” describes an inward-most position of the latch  205  achieved when the optoelectronic module  200  is inserted into the cage  102  while in the latched configuration. As the optoelectronic module  200  is further inserted into the cage  102 , the engagement pin  207  may urge the cage tab  106  to protract or abduce relative to the cage  102 , e.g., move away from a longitudinal midline of the cage  102  or downward, until the engagement pin  207  engages the cage recess  104 . 
     The engagement pin  207  may include a ramped leading surface, as illustrated at least in  FIGS. 3C and 3D . The engagement pin  207  may also include a relatively abrupt trailing edge opposite the ramped leading surface. As the optoelectronic module  200  is inserted into the cage  102 , the ramped leading surface of the engagement pin  207  may come in contact with the cage tab  106 . The ramped leading surface may allow the engagement pin  207  to relatively easily slide up the cage tab  106 , causing the latch  205  to rotate such that the first end section  214  rotates upwards and/or to relatively easily urge the cage tab  106  downward as the optoelectronic module  200  is further inserted into the cage  102 . At this point, the cage tab  106  may be resiliently bent downward. After the trailing edge of the engagement pin  207  clears a corresponding trailing edge of the cage tab  106  (alternately referred to as a leading edge of the cage recess  104 ), the cage tab  106  may spring upward, thereby causing the engagement pin  207  to “snap” into engagement with the cage  102 . 
     The optoelectronic module  200  may thus provide tactile feedback and/or audio feedback to a user to indicate when the optoelectronic module  200  has been inserted far enough into the cage  102  that the engagement pin  207  is engaged with the cage recess  104 . For example, a user may experience resistance as the engagement pin  207  is in contact with the cage tab  106  until the engagement pin  207  engages the cage recess  104 , at which point the user may experience a sudden decrease in resistance as the engagement pin  207  and the cage tab  106  may cease to resistively contact one another. Alternately or additionally, audio feedback, e.g., in the form of a clicking sound, snapping sound, or the like may potentially be generated as the cage tab  106  resiliently and suddenly retracts or adduces relative to the cage  102 , e.g., moves towards a longitudinal midline of the cage  102  (or upwards), and contacts the latch  205 . 
     As may be best seen in  FIGS. 3C-3F , in some embodiments, the latch  205  may include a protrusion  228  sized and shaped to be received by a saddle  230  located on the crossbar  221  of the bottom housing  210 . Alternately or additionally, the latch  205  may include a fin  232  sized and shaped to be received by one or more trenches  234  formed in the recess  222  of the housing  208 . The fin  232  may add strength to the latch  205 . 
     The saddle  230  may allow the engagement pin  207  to be positioned relative to the housing  208  in assembly of the optoelectronic module  200 . The protrusion  228  may fill the saddle  230  and may encourage proper assembly of the optoelectronic module  200 . For example, the protrusion  228  and the saddle  230  may prevent upside down or inverted assembly of the latch  205  with the housing  208 . 
     The latch  205  may further include shoulders  286  configured to contact shoulders  288  of the housing when the latch  205  is in its latched position, its unlatched position, and/or its insertion position. The contact between the shoulders  286  and the shoulders  288  and/or the housing  208  generally may encourage desired positioning of the latch  205  for engaging and/or disengaging the cage recess  104 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the second end section  247  of the handle  204  may be positioned at least partially to a different side of the port opening  212  than the engagement pin  207 . Thus, the second end section  247  may be located on a side of the port opening  212  and the fiber optic cable  206  (when present) different from the side of the optoelectronic module  200  including the engagement pin  207 . For example, the engagement pin  207  may be located at the bottom of the optoelectronic module  200  and/or below the port opening  212  and the second end section  247  of the handle  204  may be located at the top of the optoelectronic module  200  and/or above the port opening  212 . 
     3. Second Example Latching Mechanism 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are, respectively, top and bottom exploded perspective views of a portion of a front end section of another example optoelectronic module  300 . 
     The optoelectronic module  300  may engage and/or disengage from a host device cage (not shown) such as the cage  102  of  FIGS. 1A-1B  in a manner analogous to the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-3F . The optoelectronic module  300  may include some elements that are similar or identical to the elements of the optoelectronic module  200 , such as the resilient members  254 , the latch  205 , the cam  218 , and their associated elements, for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The optoelectronic module  300  may include a bottom housing  301 . The optoelectronic module  300  may further include a top housing (not shown) generally corresponding to the top housing  209  of the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-3F . The bottom housing  301  may include some elements that are similar or identical to the elements of the housing  208  of  FIGS. 1A-3F  such as the crossbar  221 , the recess  222 , the saddle  230 , the trenches  234 , the channels  250 , the face  252 , the recesses  256 , the seats  262 , and the shoulders  288 , for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The bottom housing  301  may include port openings  314  for reception of communication cables, such as communication cables analogous to the fiber optic cable  206  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The bottom housing  301  may include a depression  312  analogous to the depression  216  of the housing  208  of  FIGS. 1A-4B . The depression  312  may be sized and shaped to at least partially receive a release slide  302 . In some embodiments, the depression  312  may be sized and shaped to receive the release slide  302  such that outer surfaces  315  of the release slide  302  are substantially aligned and/or flush with outer surfaces  316  of the bottom housing  301 . 
     The bottom housing  301  may include ribs  320  and/or guides  322  that are analogous, respectively, to the ribs  236  and the guides  237  of the optoelectronic module  200 . 
     The release slide  302  may be analogous to the release slide  202  of  FIGS. 1A-3F . The release slide  302  may include some elements that are similar or identical to the elements of the release slide  202 , such as the flanges  242 , the tracks  244 , the fingers  248 , the openings  260 , the openings  270 , and the opening  224 , for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The release slide  302  may include fingers  318  analogous to the fingers  258  of the release slide  202 . In some embodiments, the bottom housing  301  may include openings  319  to allow the fingers  318  to be bent into position while the release slide  302  is located on the bottom housing  301 . 
     The optoelectronic module  300  may optionally include a handle  304 . The handle  304  may include a first end section  306  coupled to the release slide  302 . The handle  304  may further include a second end section  308 . The second end section  308  may be positioned at least partially to a same side of the port openings  314  (and communication cable, when present) as the engagement pin  207  and/or the ribs  320 . 
     The release slide  302  may include a release slide base  309  and release slide arms  310  analogous, respectively, to the release slide base  238  and the release slide arms  240  of the release slide  202 . The configuration of the release slide base  309  and the release slide arms  310  may allow the handle  304  to be located substantially in line with the release slide  302 . Similarly, the forces for removing the optoelectronic module  300  may be substantially inline and may minimize up and/or down movement, latitudinal movement, and/or rotational movement such as tipping, rocking, and/or rolling of the release slide  302  relative to the bottom housing  301  as the optoelectronic module  300  is disengaged from the cage. 
     4. Third Example Latching Mechanism 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of another example host device  500  with another example optoelectronic module  400  in a latched configuration located at least partially inside the host device  500 . 
     The host device  500  includes some elements that are similar or identical to elements of the host device  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , such as the cage  102 , the cage recess  104 , and the cage tab  106 . 
     The optoelectronic module  400  includes some elements that are similar or identical to elements of the optoelectronic module  300  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , such as the handle  304  and its associated elements, for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are, respectively, a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic module  400  with the handle  304  omitted. 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 5A-6B , the optoelectronic module  400  may be employed in the communication of optical signals and the conversion of optical signals to and from electrical signals in a manner similar to or the same as the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-4B . 
     The optoelectronic module  400  may include a housing  404  having a top housing  406  and a bottom housing  408  analogous, respectively, to the top housing  209  and the bottom housing  210  of the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-4B . The optoelectronic module  200  may include elements that are similar or identical to elements of the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-4B , such as the port opening  212 , the EMI shield  211 , and the conductive fingers  213 , for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The optoelectronic module  400  includes another example latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is configured for use in selectively securing and releasing the optoelectronic module  200  within a receptacle, such as the cage  102 . For example, a release slide  402  may selectively protract the cage tab  106  relative to the cage  102  such that the cage recess  104  is disengaged from an engagement pin  407  of the housing  404 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side views of the host device  500  with the optoelectronic module  400  in the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration, respectively. 
       FIGS. 7C and 7D  are cutaway side views of the host device  500  with the optoelectronic module  400  in the latched configuration and the unlatched configuration, respectively. 
       FIGS. 7E and 7F  are, respectively, top and bottom exploded perspective views of the optoelectronic module  400 . 
     With combined reference to  FIGS. 7A-7E , the optoelectronic module  400  may include some elements that are similar or identical to the elements of the optoelectronic module  200  of  FIGS. 1A-4B , such as the resilient members  254  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ), for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The housing  404  may include elements that are similar or identical to elements of the optoelectronic module  200 , such as the channels  250  ( FIG. 7F ), the face  252  (FIGS.  7 B and  7 E), and the recesses  256  ( FIG. 7F ), for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The housing  404  may include a depression  422  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) sized and shaped to at least partially receive the release slide  402 . In some embodiments, the depression  422  may be sized and shaped to receive the release slide  402  such that outer surfaces  412  ( FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7E, and 7F ) of the release slide  402  are substantially aligned and/or flush with outer surfaces  410  ( FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7E, and 7F ) of the housing  404 . 
     The housing  404  may further include ribs  432  ( FIGS. 7A, 7E, and 7F ) and/or guides  434  analogous ( FIGS. 7A, 7E, and 7F ), respectively, to the ribs  236  and the guides  237  of the optoelectronic module  200 . The release slide  402  may further include fingers  436  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) analogous to the fingers  258  of the release slide  202 . In some embodiments, the housing  404  may include openings  438  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) sized to allow the fingers  436  to enter the recesses  256  during assembly of the optoelectronic module  200 . The openings  438  may further be sized such that the resilient members  254  are retained within the recesses  256  after being assembled into the optoelectronic module  200 , e.g., after being inserted through the openings  260  as the release slide  402  is located on the housing  404 . For example, the openings  438  may be narrower than a diameter of the resilient members  254 . 
     The housing  404  includes the engagement pin  407  ( FIGS. 7C-7E ) configured to engage the cage recess  104  ( FIGS. 7C and 7D ) on the cage tab  106  ( FIGS. 7B-7D ) such that the optoelectronic module  400  is generally prevented from moving significantly within the cage  102  ( FIGS. 7A-7D ) until the cage tab  106  is intentionally disengaged from the engagement pin  407 . As the optoelectronic module  400  is inserted into the cage  102 , the engagement pin  407  contacts the cage tab  106  and urges it to protract. 
     The optoelectronic module  400  is configured to urge the cage tab  106  to protract from the cage  102  such that the cage recess  104  disengages the engagement pin  207  when the optoelectronic module  400  is in the unlatched configuration. 
     The release slide  402  may be formed and may slide relative to the housing  404  in a manner analogous to the release slide  202  of  FIGS. 1A-4B . The release slide  402  may further include some elements that are similar or identical to elements of the release slide  202  of  FIGS. 1A-4B , such as the fingers  248  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ), and the openings  260  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ), for which a more detailed description is already provided above. 
     The release slide  402  includes flanges  428  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) and tracks  430  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) analogous, respectively, to the flanges  242  and the tracks  244  of the release slide  202 . The release slide may further include a coupling structure  418  for coupling the release slide  402  to the handle  304  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) in a manner analogous to the coupling structure  203  of the release slide  202 . 
     The release slide  402  includes a disengagement arm  414  ( FIGS. 7C-7F ) having an interfacing section  420  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ) and an opening  416  ( FIGS. 7E and 7F ). The disengagement arm  414  may fit at least partially within a passage  440  ( FIG. 7F ) when the release slide  402  is in its latched position. When the release slide  402  is in its latched position, the engagement pin  407  extends through the opening  416  such that the cage recess  104  may engage the engagement pin  407 . 
     As the release slide  402  is moved from its latched position to its unlatched position, the interfacing section  420  may interface with a surface  409  ( FIGS. 7C-7F ) of the engagement pin  407  such that the disengagement arm  414  resiliently protracts relative to the housing  404 , e.g., bends resiliently away from a longitudinal midline of the housing  404  or downward. In some embodiments, the surface  409  may include a ramped surface. Alternately or additionally, the disengagement arm  414  may interface with surfaces of the housing  404  not on the engagement pin  407  that urge the disengagement arm  414  to protract relative to the housing as the release slide  402  is moved from its latched position to its unlatched position. 
     As the disengagement arm  414  protracts relative to the housing  404 , the disengagement arm  414  may urge the cage tab  106  to resiliently protract relative to the cage  102 , e.g., bends resiliently away from a longitudinal midline of the cage  102 . The cage tab  106  may be urged to protract relative to the cage  102  such that the cage recess  104  is disengaged from the engagement pin  407  and allows the optoelectronic module  400  to be removed from the cage  102 . 
     The latching mechanism of the optoelectronic module  400  may include relatively few parts, may have a low-profile, and/or may take up a relatively small amount of space. The latching mechanism may have a relatively low cost due at least in part to its simple design and its relatively few parts. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.