Pluggable Module Cage Cooling Interface With TIM Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for pluggable modules in liquid-cooled computer systems face challenges in achieving high heat transfer rates while maintaining easy insertion and removal, as traditional thermal interface materials (TIMs) can be damaged or require excessive insertion/removal forces.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design with integrated cooling interface modules featuring a thermal gap pad and protective cover, which compresses to conform to the pluggable module, ensuring high heat transfer rates with moderate contact pressure and protecting the TIM from damage during insertion/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional thermal interface materials are used to achieve high heat transfer rates, then thermal performance is improved, but the TIM can be damaged during insertion/removal or excessive forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the pluggable module and the thermal interface material. The protective cover makes direct contact with the module during insertion/removal, shielding the TIM from mechanical damage while allowing the TIM to maintain its thermal interface function. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by isolating the TIM from harmful mechanical stresses while preserving its thermal performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling interface is segmented into distinct functional components: a protective cover for mechanical protection during insertion/removal, and a thermal interface material for heat transfer. By separating these functions into different components rather than using a single integrated element, the system achieves both high heat transfer rates and TIM integrity without requiring excessive insertion/removal forces.
2Temperature
If high contact pressure is applied to ensure high heat transfer rates, then thermal performance is improved, but insertion/removal forces become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover serves as a mediator that allows the system to achieve high contact pressure between the cooling interface and pluggable module without requiring excessive insertion/removal forces. The cover absorbs the mechanical stress of insertion/removal while the TIM maintains optimal contact pressure for heat transfer, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and insertion force requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the cooling interface is designed for easy insertion/removal, then ease of operation is improved, but heat transfer effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling interface is segmented into a protective cover that facilitates easy insertion/removal through low-friction contact with the pluggable module, and a thermal interface material that ensures effective heat transfer when the module is seated. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and heat transfer effectiveness.
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 design achieves both high thermal performance and easy module insertion/removal by using a thermally conductive, robust protective cover to maintain effective thermal coupling without damaging the TIM, thus improving overall cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the gap pad is compressible and causes the protective cover to conform to the pluggable module
Implementation Method 2
a thermal connection between the receptacle and the pluggable module is created when the removable pluggable module is inserted into the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A cage for receiving a pluggable module comprises a plurality of plates including a lower plate, an upper plate, a left side plate disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate, and a right side plate disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate opposite the left side plate. A bay is defined by the plurality of plate and is sized to receive a pluggable module. The cage further includes one or more cooling interface modules. Each cooling interface module of the one or more cooling interface modules comprises a gap pad and a protective cover and is disposed such that the gap pad is adjacent to a given plate of the plurality of plates and the protective cover is adjacent to the bay.