Optical Transceiver Heat Sink Layout for Detachable Board Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

In network switch devices with copackaged optics, the increasing heat generation from both the ASIC and optical transceivers poses a challenge, requiring an effective heat dissipation mechanism that does not hinder the detachability of optical transceivers.

Innovation Solution

A board assembly design featuring a substrate with detachable optical transceivers and aligned heat dissipation mechanisms, utilizing liquid refrigerant channels and magnetic fixation, allowing easy detachment while maintaining heat dissipation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat dissipation mechanism is provided for optical transceivers, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but ease of replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation mechanism is segmented into a fixed base structure attached to the substrate and a detachable cover structure that can be removed with the optical transceiver. This segmentation allows the heat dissipation function to remain while enabling easy replacement of the transceiver by simply removing the cover portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover structure of the heat dissipation mechanism is extracted as a detachable component that can be removed together with the optical transceiver. This extraction allows the optical transceiver to be replaced without removing the entire heat dissipation mechanism, maintaining both heat dissipation efficiency and ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If heat dissipation mechanisms are provided for both ASIC and optical transceivers, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for mounting components, provides thermal pathways for heat dissipation from both the ASIC and optical transceivers, and provides electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation mechanisms for the ASIC and optical transceivers are merged into a unified thermal management system where both components dissipate heat through the common substrate to heat dissipation structures, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy and efficient detachment of optical transceivers without inhibiting heat dissipation, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat dissipation mechanism (50) that includes a connector (51) adjacent to the heat dissipator (31a2) in the third direction and thermally connected to the heat dissipator (31a2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the first heat dissipation mechanism (50) may be configured to perform heat transfer with a liquid refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the first heat dissipation mechanism (50) may be configured to perform heat transfer with a liquid refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4694597A1Substrate assembly
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4694597A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694597A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4694597A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A board assembly includes a substrate that has a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first direction on a side opposite to the first surface and to which an optical transceiver including a first electric interface and a heat dissipator that face in the direction opposite to the first direction are fixed; and a first heat dissipation mechanism that includes a connector adjacent to the heat dissipator in the first direction and thermally connected to the heat dissipator in a state where the optical transceiver is fixed to the substrate and that is fixed to the substrate and the board assembly is configured such that the optical transceiver is detachable in a state where the first dissipation mechanism is fixed to the substrate.