Angled Spring Clip Heat Sink for High-Density SFP Cage Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat sink attachment methods require extra space between adjacent cages on a circuit board, limiting the density of cages due to the need for spring clips and heat sinks to extend into gaps, which can be minimized only at the expense of insufficient space for attachment.
Innovation Solution
A heat sink assembly with a spring clip that includes first and second tabs forming angles with respect to the base, allowing for attachment without the need for additional space between cages, utilizing a snap-fit connection and beveled edges for secure contact and efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring clips and heat sinks extend into gaps between adjacent cages for attachment, then heat sink attachment is achieved, but the gap dimensions must be increased reducing cage density
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip and heat sink are merged into a single integrated assembly where the spring clip is formed as an integral part of the heat sink structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate attachment components extending into gaps, allowing the entire assembly to be mounted within the cage footprint without encroaching on adjacent cage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip utilizes a three-dimensional configuration with tabs extending at angles from the base, allowing attachment in multiple directions rather than requiring linear extension into the gap. The angled tabs can engage with surfaces on different planes, enabling secure attachment without increasing the linear gap dimension between cages.
2Productivity
If gap dimensions are reduced to maximize cage density, then cage density is improved, but insufficient space remains for spring clip disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip design employs angled tabs that extend in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear gap space. The tabs can be disposed within or alongside the cage structure by utilizing vertical and angular dimensions, allowing adequate disposal space without compromising linear gap dimensions or cage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip tabs are designed to nest within the cage structure or alongside other components. The tabs can be positioned within the cage footprint or alongside the heat sink body, effectively nesting the attachment mechanism within the existing cage boundaries rather than requiring additional external space.
3Reliability
If conventional spring clip attachment is used, then heat sink contact with cage is achieved, but extra space between cages is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip and heat sink are combined into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate attachment components that would extend into gaps. The integrated design allows the heat sink contact function and spring attachment function to be performed within a compact unified structure that fits within the cage footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip features localized tabs at specific positions and angles on the heat sink base, concentrating the attachment function at discrete points rather than requiring extensive linear space. This localized approach allows secure contact with the cage at specific engagement points without needing additional gap space between adjacent cages.
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
Enables a higher density of cages on the circuit board by eliminating the need for extra space between adjacent cages for heat sink attachment, while ensuring effective heat dissipation through the use of angled tabs and a resilient spring clip for uniform pressure application.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip that includes a first tab forming a first angle with respect to the base of the heat sink and includes a second tab forming a second angle with respect to the base of the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated is transmitted through a corresponding cage and a heat sink in contact with the metal cage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for a heat sink assembly, and a procedure for forming a heat sink assembly. The heat sink assembly includes a heat sink having a base and fins extending from the base, and a spring clip disposed on the heat sink between the fins. The spring clip includes a first tab that forms a first angle with respect to the base of the heat sink and including a second tab that forms a second angle with respect to the base of the heat sink. The first and second tabs are attached to the circuit board. By virtue thereof, a heat sink attachment to cage is provided that is space-efficient and permits a higher density of cages on a circuit board than do conventional arrangements.