Optical Module Cage Metal Pad Thermal Contact

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical module cages face challenges in heat dissipation due to air gaps between the optical module and the cage, which hinder efficient thermal conductivity and increase thermal resistance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a metal pad-type cage, where a metal pad is coupled to one side of the cage and has a flexible arrangement with grooves and plate spring structures, allowing it to move and establish contact with the optical module, thereby eliminating air gaps and enhancing heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a traditional cage structure is used without a metal pad, then the device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation performance deteriorates due to air gaps between the optical module and the cage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidcage structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metal pad is integrated with the cage structure to form a unified heat dissipation system. The metal pad is coupled to the cage body, creating a combined structure that eliminates air gaps between the optical module and the cage, thereby improving thermal conductivity without requiring a completely separate heatsink component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal pad is designed with movable capability through plate spring structures that allow the metal pad to move and establish contact with the optical module. This dynamic structure enables the metal pad to adapt to positional variations and maintain reliable thermal contact while eliminating air gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If a rigid heatsink structure is used to eliminate air gaps, then heat dissipation performance improves, but the ease of operation for inserting and removing the optical module deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal resistanceVSAvoidinsertion and removal operation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The metal pad is designed with movable capability through plate spring structures that allow the metal pad to move and establish contact with the optical module. This dynamic structure enables the metal pad to adapt to positional variations and maintain reliable thermal contact while eliminating air gaps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The metal pad incorporates flexible plate spring structures that allow it to deform and move as needed. This flexibility enables the metal pad to maintain contact with the optical module during insertion and removal operations, reducing operational difficulty while preserving heat dissipation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If a metal pad with plate spring structures is added to the cage, then heat dissipation performance improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact surface areaVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The metal pad is integrated with the cage structure to form a unified heat dissipation system. The metal pad is coupled to the cage body, creating a combined structure that eliminates air gaps between the optical module and the cage, thereby improving thermal conductivity without requiring a completely separate heatsink component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal pad serves multiple functions: it provides thermal conduction to improve heat dissipation, maintains mechanical contact with the optical module through its movable design, and integrates with the cage structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, potentially lowering overall manufacturing costs despite the added complexity of the metal pad itself

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 solution improves heat dissipation performance by reducing thermal resistance and increasing the contact surface area between the optical module and the cage, while also simplifying the insertion and removal of the optical module and reducing costs compared to traditional heatsink solutions.

Implementation Method 1

improves heat dissipation performance by reducing thermal resistance and increasing the contact surface area between the optical module and the cage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of plate spring structures integrally formed with the first cage is disposed within the opening, wherein the plurality of plate spring structures is coupled to a corresponding groove among the plurality of grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250203001A1Optical module cage including metal pad

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optic cage is provided. The optic cage includes a first cage for accommodating an optical module, a second cage for supporting the optical module, and a metal pad, wherein a side of the metal pad is coupled to a side of the optical module, wherein a plurality of grooves is formed on the side of the metal pad, wherein an opening is formed on the side of the first cage, wherein a plurality of plate spring structures integrally formed with the first cage is disposed within the opening, wherein the plurality of plate spring structures is respectively coupled to a corresponding groove among the plurality of grooves, and wherein the metal pad is movably disposed by insertion of the optical module into the first cage or withdrawal of the optical module from the first cage.