Optical Assembly Packaging Structure with Segmented Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical component packaging structures face high power consumption due to heat dissipation issues, as thermoelectric coolers (TECs) absorb and dissipate heat within the same sealed environment, leading to increased temperature and reduced precision of optical transmitters.

Innovation Solution

The optical component packaging structure features a cooler with a cooling plate and a heat dissipation plate in separate spaces, where the cooling plate is inside the cavity and the heat dissipation plate protrudes outside, connected via a conductive body, with an insulation layer on the sealing cover to reduce external heat ingress and enhance heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the TEC is placed inside the packaging housing (TO-CAN or XMD), then the optical transmitter can be cooled, but the heat dissipation phenomenon causes an increase in temperature of the packaging housing and inside the housing, increasing the cooling burden and power consumption of the TEC

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature inside housingVSAvoidpower consumption of TEC
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the housing into two separate spaces: a first space containing the optical transmitter and TEC for cooling, and a second space for heat dissipation. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be isolated from the heat dissipation function, preventing heat accumulation in the optical component space while providing a dedicated pathway for heat removal, thereby reducing the continuous cooling burden and power consumption of the TEC

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the sealed housing environment by providing a through-hole that extends from the first space to the second space. This allows heat to be taken out of the optical component environment and dissipated in a separate space, preventing heat buildup that would otherwise increase the cooling burden and power consumption of the TEC

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If the TEC is placed inside the packaging housing, then cooling function is provided, but the heat dissipation causes increased temperature inside the housing affecting precision of the optical transmitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature inside housingVSAvoidprecision of optical transmitter
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into a first space for the optical transmitter and a second space for heat dissipation, separated by a wall with a through-hole. This segmentation ensures that heat generated by the optical transmitter is removed through the through-hole into the second space, maintaining a stable, cool temperature environment in the first space and thereby preserving the precision of the optical transmitter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through-hole acts as an intermediary pathway that allows heat to transfer from the first space (optical transmitter environment) to the second space (heat dissipation environment). This intermediary structure enables heat removal without direct exposure of the optical transmitter to hot environments, maintaining temperature stability and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces power consumption and maintains precision by separating heat absorption and dissipation, preventing temperature increases within the cavity and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The Peltier effect is a phenomenon that when a direct current passes through a galvanic couple formed by two types of semiconductor materials, one end of the galvanic couple absorbs heat, and the other end dissipates heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a conductive connection body connecting the cooling plate and the heat dissipation plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3410165B1Optical assembly packaging structure, optical assembly, optical module and related devices and systems
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3410165B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3410165B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3410165B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An optical component packaging structure (400), an optical component, an optical module (200), and a related apparatus and system are disclosed. The optical component packaging structure (400) includes a base (10), a sealing cover (30), and a cooler (20). The base (10) includes a mounting surface (11) and a back surface (12) that faces a direction opposite to that faced by the mounting surface (11). The cooler (20) includes a cooling plate (21), a heat dissipation plate (22) disposed opposite to the cooling plate (21), and a conductive connection body (23) connecting the cooling plate (21) and the heat dissipation plate (22). The cooling plate (21) includes a cooling surface (211). The cooler (20) is partially built in the base (10). The cooling plate (21) faces a direction the same as the mounting surface (11). The sealing cover (30) covers the mounting surface (11), and the sealing cover (30) and the mounting surface (11) form a sealing cavity. The cooling surface (211) is located inside the sealing cavity. The heat dissipation plate (22) protrudes from the back surface (12) and is sealedly connected to the base (10).