Optical Module Cage EMI Suppression via Floating Absorber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical modules face challenges in minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiation due to difficulties in hermetically sealing the space between the module and its cage, leading to insufficient EMI reduction using conventional metal collars and conductive gaskets.

Innovation Solution

The optical module and communication-apparatus-use cage incorporate an electric connection member with a floating portion and an electromagnetic wave absorption member, where the absorption member is positioned between the housing and the floating portion to absorb electromagnetic waves, effectively reducing EMI radiation by providing efficient absorption even when the space between the module and cage is not completely sealed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a metal collar or conductive gasket is used to seal the space between the optical module and cage, then electrical connection is established, but complete hermetic sealing cannot be achieved and EMI radiation cannot be sufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI radiationVSAvoidhermetic sealing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic wave absorption member as an intermediary substance positioned between the housing and the floating portion. This absorption member acts as a mediator that captures and dissipates electromagnetic waves, preventing them from radiating outward. The absorption member fills the gap between the housing and floating portion, providing both mechanical support and EMI suppression functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining the housing, floating portion, electromagnetic wave absorption member, and cage. This composite configuration integrates multiple functions: the housing provides structural enclosure, the floating portion establishes electrical connection, the absorption member suppresses EMI, and the cage provides additional shielding. The synergistic combination of these components achieves superior EMI radiation reduction compared to single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the space between the housing and cage is completely sealed, then EMI radiation is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI radiationVSAvoidsealing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the EMI suppression function into distinct components: the floating portion handles electrical connection, while the electromagnetic wave absorption member specifically addresses EMI radiation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective EMI suppression. The absorption member can be separately manufactured and then positioned between the housing and floating portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic wave absorption member is strategically positioned only in the critical gap between the housing and floating portion where EMI radiation occurs, rather than sealing the entire space between the housing and cage. This localized approach to EMI suppression reduces the overall structural complexity while effectively addressing the harmful electromagnetic radiation at its source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sealing methods are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but EMI radiation reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidEMI radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic wave absorption member serves as an intermediary element that can be independently manufactured and then assembled between the housing and floating portion. This intermediary component simplifies the overall assembly process by allowing the housing and floating portion to be manufactured separately with standard techniques, and then the absorption member is inserted to provide the additional EMI suppression function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where the electromagnetic wave absorption member is positioned between the housing and floating portion. This composite configuration maintains ease of manufacture for each individual component while achieving superior EMI radiation reduction through the synergistic combination of all components. The absorption member can be made from standardized EMI suppression materials and integrated into the existing housing and floating portion design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 significantly reduces EMI radiation to approximately ⅛ of the original level by strategically placing the electromagnetic wave absorption member to absorb re-radiated waves, enhancing the effectiveness of EMI suppression.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the electromagnetic wave absorption member is arranged between the housing and the floating portion... the electromagnetic waves can be efficiently absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8714840B2Optical module and cage
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 CAMBRIDGE IND USA INC
  • US8714840B2 patent drawing
  • US8714840B2 patent drawing
  • US8714840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical module includes an electromagnetic wave absorption member. The electric connection member includes a floating portion which is in a floating state spaced apart from the housing and at a position away from a mounting portion by which the electric connection member is mounted on the housing in the direction opposite to the direction that the optical module is inserted into a cage. At least a portion of the electromagnetic wave absorption member is arranged between the housing and the floating portion. The floating portion is brought into contact with an inner side of the cage so as to establish the electrical connection with the inner side of the cage when the housing is inserted into the cage.