Finned Receptacle Assembly for Cooling Pluggable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat dissipation modules for Ethernet interfaces are complex, costly, and result in high thermal resistance, making them inefficient and difficult to maintain, especially when used with transceivers in servers handling large data transfers.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle assembly with integrally formed fin portions on its housing increases the exposed surface area for ambient air contact, enhancing heat transfer and preventing overheating without additional material costs or complex assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional heat dissipation module is mounted on the cage, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation fins are integrated directly into the cage structure as an integral component, merging the heat dissipation function with the mechanical support structure. This eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation modules and their complex assembly processes, while maintaining effective heat dissipation capability through the finned surface area.
2Temperature
If a traditional heat dissipation module is mounted on the cage, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the heat dissipation fins with the cage in a single integral structure, the manufacturing process is simplified. The finned cage can be produced as one piece through processes like extrusion or stamping, eliminating the need to purchase, inventory, and assemble separate heat dissipation modules, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Temperature
If a traditional heat dissipation module is used, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but thermal resistance at the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integral design ensures direct thermal contact between the transceiver housing and the heat dissipation fins without any intermediate interfaces or thermal paste layers. This eliminates interfacial thermal resistance that would occur with separately mounted heat dissipation modules, enabling more efficient heat transfer from the transceiver to the ambient environment.
4Temperature
If a traditional heat dissipation module is used, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Since the heat dissipation fins are an integral part of the cage structure, the entire assembly can be easily removed and replaced as a single unit. This simplifies maintenance compared to traditional modules that require disassembly and reassembly of multiple components, allowing quick replacement of the entire cage assembly including the transceiver and heat dissipation structure.
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
The receptacle assembly significantly reduces the working temperature of pluggable modules, improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining lower production costs and facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fin portion is integrally formed on the outer surface of the housing portion of the receptacle assembly to increase the exposed surface area of the receptacle assembly in contact with ambient air, thus the receptacle assembly is effective and efficient in cooling the pluggable module
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle assembly is configured to be disposed on a circuit board and to receive a pluggable module and includes a cage member and a connector. The cage member includes a housing portion and at least one fin portion. The housing portion defines an accommodation space and an insertion hole in fluid communication with the accommodation space. The insertion hole is located at one end of the accommodation space. The fin portion is integrally formed with the housing portion and extends outwardly from an outer surface of the housing portion. The connector is located at another end of the accommodation space. The insertion hole is configured for an insertion of the pluggable module into the accommodation space and the connector is configured to be electrically connected to the pluggable module.