Optical Cable Connector Heat Dissipation via Metallic Braid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated by controlling ICs and photoelectric conversion units, which can lead to housing damage and reduced signal transmission quality, and are dependent on the state of connected electronic apparatuses for heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a metallic heat transfer member between the optical fiber and outer cover of the optical cable, and thermally connecting it with the circuit board, allowing heat to be efficiently transferred and dissipated outside through the optical cable, thereby reducing excessive heat in the housing and ensuring reliable heat dissipation regardless of the connection destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heat is dissipated to the electronic apparatus connected with the connector assembly, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the heat dissipation efficiency depends on the state of the electronic apparatus and may be insufficient when the electronic apparatus temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoiddependence on connection destination state

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A heat transfer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the outer cover. This heat transfer member is thermally connected to the circuit board, creating a dedicated heat dissipation pathway that operates independently of the connected electronic apparatus state. The intermediary structure enables reliable heat dissipation without relying on the thermal state of the connection destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If heat is dissipated through the housing of the connector module, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the housing becomes hot and causes user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiduser discomfort from hot housing

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation function is extracted from the housing and transferred to the optical cable through the heat transfer member. By removing the heat dissipation burden from the housing and relocating it to the optical cable structure, the housing remains cool to the touch while heat is still effectively dissipated through the optical cable's outer cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If no dedicated heat dissipation route is provided, then the structure remains simple, but heat generated from the photoelectric conversion unit can influence breakage of the housing or circuit board and reduce transmission characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against heat-induced damageVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer cover of the optical cable is given multiple functions: it serves as both the protective enclosure for the optical fiber and as a heat dissipation pathway. By making the outer cover serve dual purposes, a dedicated heat dissipation route is created without significantly increasing structural complexity, as no completely separate heat dissipation component is added.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration effectively radiates heat from the circuit board to the optical cable, reducing user discomfort and ensuring consistent heat dissipation without relying on the state of the connected electronic apparatus, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of heat management in the connector assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a metallic heat transfer member provided between the optical fiber and the outer cover... the heat transfer member of the optical cable and the circuit board of the connector module are thermally connected to each other by a thermal conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the heat transfer member of the optical cable and the circuit board of the connector module are thermally connected to each other by a thermal conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9110248B2Connector assembly

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A connector assembly capable of efficiently dissipating heat is provided. The connector assembly includes: an optical cable; and a connector module, and the optical cable includes an optical fiber core wire, an outer cover provided around the optical fiber core wire, and a metallic braid provided between the optical fiber core wire and the outer cover, and the connector module includes a housing defining a space, and a circuit board received in the space of the housing and mounted with a photoelectric conversion unit connected with the optical fiber core wire, and the metallic braid of the optical cable and the circuit board of the connector module are thermally connected to each other.