Interleaved Plate Heat Spreader for Caged Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated during operation, particularly in tight spaces, which affects module/system reliability and electrical performance, and also struggle with minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a heat spreader system within the electrical connector assembly, comprising a front and rear heat spreader with interleaved plates, facilitates thermal communication and efficient heat transfer from pluggable modules to a heat dissipation end, while the conductive panels provide EMI shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat sinks are arranged along the top of the cage to dissipate heat, then heat removal capability is improved, but the overall size of the communication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat spreader extends heat dissipation pathways from the traditional top-oriented arrangement into the lateral and depth dimensions within the cage structure. The heat spreader includes a front portion extending along the top of the cage and a rear portion extending along the side of the cage, utilizing three-dimensional space for thermal management without increasing the external footprint of the communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat spreader is integrated within the existing cage structure, with the front heat spreader positioned in the front portion of the cage and the rear heat spreader positioned in the rear portion. The heat spreader components are nested within the available internal volume of the cage, utilizing space that would otherwise be empty, rather than adding external attachments.
2Temperature
If heat sinks are placed only at the top port of multi-port cages, then heat dissipation is effective for top modules, but bottom port modules lack direct thermal pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The heat spreader is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple ports simultaneously. The front heat spreader provides thermal pathways for front port modules while the rear heat spreader serves rear port modules. Both heat spreaders are thermally coupled to the same heat sink assembly, allowing a single thermal management system to universally serve all port positions in the multi-port cage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat spreader extends thermal pathways from the front of the cage to the rear of the cage, creating longitudinal thermal coverage. The rear heat spreader specifically addresses the thermal needs of rear port modules by extending the thermal pathway to the rear portion of the cage, ensuring that modules at any port position have access to effective heat dissipation.
3Volume of stationary object
If tight space constraints are imposed on the communication system, then device compactness is improved, but airflow for heat dissipation becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces reliance on airflow (fluid dynamics) with direct thermal conduction through the heat spreader and heat sink assembly. Instead of depending on air movement to carry heat away, the system uses solid-state thermal pathways through the heat spreader body and its coupling to the heat sink, which is effective even in stagnant or restricted airflow environments typical of compact devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat spreader acts as an intermediary thermal conduit between the pluggable modules and the heat sink. It provides a dedicated thermal pathway that bridges the gap between the heat-generating components and the heat dissipation mechanism, ensuring efficient heat transfer independent of airflow conditions.
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
This solution enhances heat removal from pluggable modules, improves system reliability, and reduces EMI, thereby maintaining electrical performance and efficiency in communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The heat spreader includes a front heat spreader and a rear heat spreader in thermal communication with the front heat spreader... heat is transferred from the front heat spreader to the heat dissipation end of the rear heat spreader for cooling the pluggable module
Implementation Method 2
The panels are conductive to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for the module cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A heat spreader includes a front heat spreader having a pluggable module interface configured to be in thermal communication with the pluggable module and a mating interface having first plates spaced apart by first gaps. The heat spreader includes a rear heat spreader having a mating interface including second plates spaced apart by second gaps. The front heat spreader is coupled to the rear heat spreader with the first plates interleaved with the second plates in thermal communication with each other. The first plates are received in the second gaps and the second plates being received in the first gaps. The heat is transferred from the front heat spreader to a heat transfer end of the rear heat spreader for cooling the pluggable module.