Optical Module Heat Sink With Non-Linear Fins for Thermal Bottlenecks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical modules face challenges in thermal management, particularly with existing flat heat dissipation fins failing to meet the increased heat dissipation demands of high-speed optical communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of non-linear fins on the housing of optical modules, which form alternating wide and narrow segments to enhance heat dissipation efficiency by increasing fluid velocity and contact area, thereby improving heat dissipation capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional flat heat dissipation fins are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat dissipation capacity is insufficient for high-speed optical communications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidheat dissipation capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the heat dissipation fins by designing them with non-linear shapes instead of conventional flat surfaces. The fins incorporate curved surfaces that increase the contact area with working fluids, thereby enhancing heat dissipation capacity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat fins to three-dimensional non-linear fins with varied cross-sections. This dimensional enhancement creates alternating wide and narrow segments that manipulate fluid flow dynamics, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency without substantially increasing the overall module size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If the module size is increased to improve heat dissipation, then heat dissipation capacity improves, but the space management and form factor compatibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capacityVSAvoidmodule size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by creating alternating wide and narrow segments within the fin structure. The wide segments provide increased contact area for heat dissipation, while the narrow segments maintain compact dimensions. This localized variation allows the module to achieve high heat dissipation capacity without increasing overall volume, preserving compatibility with standard form factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If non-linear fins with alternating wide and narrow segments are used, then heat dissipation capacity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fin structure into multiple segments with alternating wide and narrow cross-sections along their length. This segmentation creates distinct flow channels that enhance heat dissipation by manipulating fluid velocity and contact area. The segmented design achieves superior thermal performance while remaining manufacturable through conventional processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 non-linear fins increase the flowing velocity of working fluids by about 50% and enhance the contact area, resulting in improved heat dissipation capacity without increasing the module's size.

Implementation Method 1

The non-linear fins increase the flowing velocity of working fluids by about 50%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid velocity increase through geometric constriction: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

The heat sink is located on an outer surface of the housing. The heat sink includes a plurality of non-linear fins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection heat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250341689A1Optical module with non-linear heat dissipation fin

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 PRIME WORLD INT HLDG LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an optical module, including a housing and a heat sink. The heat sink is located on an outer surface of the housing. The heat sink includes a plurality of non-linear fins. Each of the plurality of non-linear fins extends in a longitudinal direction of the housing. The plurality of non-linear fins are arranged along a transverse direction of the housing. Adjacent two of the plurality of non-linear fins together form a flow channel. Adjacent two of the plurality of non-linear fins are substantially linearly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the housing.