Multi-Layer Optical Module Liquid Cooling With Linked Cooling Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid-cooling heat dissipation apparatuses fail to meet the heat dissipation requirements of optical modules mounted in multi-layer optical module cages, as they cannot effectively dissipate heat from multiple layers within communication devices.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-cooling heat dissipation apparatus with multiple optical module liquid-cooling plates connected by a pipeline, allowing a liquid-cooling working medium to circulate between them, ensuring effective heat dissipation across different layers of an optical module cage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single liquid-cooling heat dissipation apparatus is used, then the device volume is reduced, but it cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of multi-layer optical module cages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation apparatus is segmented into multiple independent liquid-cooling plates (first liquid-cooling plate, second liquid-cooling plate, etc.), each capable of dissipating heat from optical modules on different layers. Each plate can be independently configured and connected via pipelines, allowing the system to adapt to multi-layer optical module cage structures while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple liquid-cooling plates are arranged in a nested configuration corresponding to the multi-layer optical module cage structure. The plates are positioned at different vertical levels (first plate at upper layer, second plate at lower layer), creating a nested arrangement that matches the layered optical module installation structure, enabling each layer to be cooled independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heat dissipation units are used for multi-layer optical modules, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple liquid-cooling plates are merged into a single integrated heat dissipation apparatus through pipeline connections. The first liquid-cooling plate, second liquid-cooling plate, and other plates are connected via liquid-cooling pipelines to form a unified cooling system, allowing multiple heat dissipation units to function as one coordinated apparatus, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining effective heat dissipation across multiple layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses liquid-cooling pipelines to hydraulically connect multiple liquid-cooling plates, allowing a liquid cooling medium to circulate through all plates. This hydraulic integration enables multiple heat dissipation units to be connected in series or parallel configurations, achieving effective heat dissipation for multi-layer optical modules while minimizing the space required for the cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 apparatus efficiently dissipates heat from multiple layers of optical modules, reducing the number of required heat dissipation units and minimizing the communication device's volume while improving overall heat dissipation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical module liquid-cooling plate abuts against the optical module of the first mounting layer, and the second optical module liquid-cooling plate abuts against the optical module of the second mounting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a liquid-cooling working medium circulating between the first optical module liquid-cooling plate, the liquid-cooling pipeline and the second optical module liquid-cooling plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20260036771A1Liquid-Cooling Heat Dissipation Apparatus and Communication Device Thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Provided are a liquid-cooling heat dissipation apparatus and a communication device thereof. The liquid-cooling heat dissipation apparatus comprises: a first optical module liquid-cooling plate; a second optical module liquid-cooling plate, the second optical module liquid-cooling plate being in communication with the first optical module liquid-cooling plate by means of a liquid-cooling pipeline: a liquid-cooling working medium, the liquid-cooling working medium circulating between the first optical module liquid-cooling plate, the liquid-cooling pipeline and the second optical module liquid-cooling plate; an optical module cage, wherein the optical module cage comprises a first mounting layer and a second mounting layer, the first mounting layer is located on an upper side of the second mounting layer, an optical module is respectively mounted in the first mounting layer and the second mounting layer.