Liquid Cooling Block Connectors for Pluggable Optical Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling methods for pluggable optical modules, such as air cooling and large metal heat sinks, are inadequate for high data rate applications, consuming excessive space and failing to effectively manage increasing heat generation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid cooling system with spring-loaded liquid-coolant-blocks (LCBs) and connectors that allow vertical movement during module insertion/removal, using O-rings to maintain fluid integrity and minimize space consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If air cooling and large metal heat sinks are used for pluggable optical modules, then cooling capacity is provided, but excessive space is consumed and heat management effectiveness is insufficient for high data rate applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat management effectivenessVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements liquid cooling blocks with channels that allow coolant flow through direct contact with the optical module heat-generating components. The liquid coolant absorbs heat more efficiently than air cooling, enabling effective heat management for high data rate applications while using compact blocks that consume less space than traditional metal heat sinks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the cooling medium from air to liquid coolant, fundamentally altering the heat transfer parameter. The liquid coolant provides superior thermal conductivity and heat capacity, enabling effective cooling of high-power optical modules without requiring large heat sink structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed cooling structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying spacings between optical modules is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying module spacingsVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spring-loaded liquid cooling blocks that can dynamically adjust their position and apply varying contact pressures. The springs enable the cooling blocks to accommodate different spacings between optical modules while maintaining stable thermal contact, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system is divided into individual modular cooling blocks, each equipped with its own spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each cooling block to independently adapt to the spacing of its corresponding optical module, providing versatility while keeping each module's complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If liquid cooling blocks are made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ability to accommodate vertical movement during module insertion/removal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of vertical movementVSAvoidfluid seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible O-ring seals in conjunction with the spring-loaded liquid cooling blocks. The O-rings can deform to maintain fluid-tight seals even when the rigid cooling blocks move vertically during module insertion and removal, accommodating operational movements while preserving seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The O-ring acts as an intermediary between the rigid cooling block and the cooling block housing. It absorbs the mechanical stress of vertical movements and maintains the fluid seal, allowing the rigid cooling block to move freely during module insertion/removal without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 liquid cooling system effectively transports heat away from optical transceiver modules, consuming less space than traditional heat sinks and accommodating varying spacings between modules.

Implementation Method 1

flowing a liquid coolant through the first LCB and the second LCB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The liquid cooling system effectively transports heat away from optical transceiver modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260032858A1Liquid cooling block for pluggable optical modules

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

A cooling arrangement includes a first liquid-coolant-block (LCB) defining a first enclosed volume, and has plurality of first-I/O ports, each first-I/O port providing access to the first enclosed volume, a second LCB, disposed adjacent the first LCB, defining a second enclosed volume, and having a plurality of second-I/O ports, each second-I/O port providing access to the second enclosed volume, and a first LCB-connector coupled between a first first-I/O port of the first LCB and a first second-I/O port of the second LCB, wherein the first LCB-connector includes a tube having an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first tube-ridge extending from the outer surface of the tube and disposed a first distance from the first end, a second tube-ridge extending from the outer surface of the tube and disposed a second distance from the first end.