Integrated Heat Sink and Cage Fastening for Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat sink technologies for optical transceivers often have limited surface contact with the module, leading to inadequate heat dissipation, which can cause malfunction or damage due to manufacturing constraints and traditional mounting methods.
Innovation Solution
A communication assembly that integrates fastener features within the heat sink and module cage, allowing for improved thermal coupling without separate fasteners, maximizing surface contact through sliding or snap-fit configurations, and using springs and spring clips for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional mounting methods (metal clip or mounting screw with compression spring) are used, then the heat sink can be mounted to the module, but the surface contact area between the module and heat sink is minimized due to manufacturing constraints and small opening size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and thermal coupling function into a single integrated structure. The receiver members in the cage serve dual purposes: they mechanically secure the heat sink and simultaneously maximize thermal contact area between the module and heat sink, eliminating the need for separate mounting clips or screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional point or line contact mounting to surface contact mounting by extending the receiver members to create large-area contact surfaces. This dimensional change from 0D/1D contact to 2D surface contact significantly improves heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the opening size is reduced due to manufacturing constraints, then the module can be manufactured with tighter tolerances, but the surface contact area between the module and heat sink is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver members are designed with flexible or adjustable characteristics that allow them to adapt to manufacturing variations. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal surface contact area even when opening dimensions vary within manufacturing tolerances, resolving the conflict between precision requirements and contact area.
3Reliability
If separate fasteners (mounting clips or screws) are used, then the heat sink can be securely mounted, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function and thermal coupling function are merged into the receiver members structure. These integrated features provide both mechanical retention and thermal contact, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure mounting and effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support, secure the heat sink in position, maximize thermal contact area, and enable easy installation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while improving system reliability.
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
Enhances heat dissipation capabilities, improving the reliability and functionality of optoelectronic components by increasing the thermal surface contact area and eliminating the need for separate mounting clips or screws.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink adapted to be received into the cage so as to be thermally coupled with the module device
Data Source
AI summary
A communication assembly can include: a module device; a cage having a body defining a first open end that is configured to receive the module device therethrough and the body defining one or more first receiver members between the first end and a second end opposite of the first end, the one or more first receiver members having a first part of fastening system (e.g., two-part fastening system); and a heat sink adapted to be received into the cage so as to be thermally coupled with the module device, the heat sink having a body defining one or more second receiver members configured to receive the one or more first receiver members, the one or more second receiver members having a second part of the fastening system that couples with the first part of the fastening system.