Optical Module Plug for Port Sealing and Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open optical module ports in network equipment lead to airflow leakage, electromagnetic interference, and contamination, impacting cooling performance and reliability, and existing solutions like dust caps are often misplaced or ineffective.

Innovation Solution

An optical module plug is designed for insertion into empty ports, equipped with an electrical connector for active detection or a switch contact for passive detection, which reduces airflow bypass, EMI leakage, and contamination, and includes features like ventilation holes and a latch to stabilize heat sinks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If dust caps are used to cover open ports, then contamination is prevented, but the caps are often misplaced or ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminationVSAvoideffectiveness of protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module plug acts as an intermediary component that permanently seals the open port while maintaining electrical connectivity. Unlike removable dust caps, the plug is electrically connected to the circuit board through contact pads, ensuring it remains in place and effectively prevents contamination without being misplaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If open ports are left uncovered, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow leakage and EMI occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport configurationVSAvoidairflow leakage and EMI

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the open port to prevent airflow leakage and EMI, provides a mechanical stop for proper alignment, maintains electrical continuity through contact pads, and prevents contamination. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while addressing multiple harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If optical transceivers are installed in all ports, then cooling performance is maintained, but not all ports need to be populated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidport population flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical module plug is a simple, inexpensive component that permanently seals ports that do not require optical transceivers. This allows the system to maintain proper airflow and cooling performance for active ports while leaving inactive ports sealed, providing flexibility in port population without compromising thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10761281B1Optical module plug for open optical module port

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes identifying optical transceivers installed in optical module ports at a network device based on input received at electrical interfaces at the network device, identifying at least one optical module port without an optical transceiver installed, determining if a plug is inserted into the optical module port, wherein an electrical signal indicates insertion of the plug into the optical module port, and raising an alarm if the optical module port is open. Insertion of the plug into the optical module port reduces airflow bypass, electromagnetic interference leakage, and contamination without the optical transceiver installed in the optical module port. The plug is also disclosed herein.