Parallel-Flow Cold Plates for Pluggable Optical Module Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling distribution assemblies for pluggable optical modules (POMs) in telecommunications and optical networking systems have a large form factor, obstruct air flow, and provide complex and unreliable fluid connections.
Innovation Solution
A parallel flow liquid cooling distribution assembly with piston-like cold plates that utilize a common inlet and outlet tube coupled to a fluid distribution plenum, biased towards POMs via a piston mechanism, allowing for simple and reliable fluid connections and promoting air flow through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional liquid cooling distribution assemblies use individual inlet and outlet tubes for each cold plate, then fluid connections can be made, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual fluid connections into a single unified connection system. The fluid distribution plenum integrates multiple inlet ports and outlet ports into one distribution assembly, and the manifold board consolidates all cold plate connections through a single fluid interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate tube connections to each cold plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution plenum serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes coolant to multiple cold plates, collects heated coolant from all cold plates, and provides a centralized interface for fluid connections. The manifold board similarly serves as both a distribution point and a mounting structure for multiple cold plates.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional liquid cooling assemblies use complex tube and clamp connections, then fluid distribution is achieved, but the form factor becomes large and air flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid distribution function from the traditional tube-and-clamp assembly and relocates it to an integrated plenum-manifold system. This separates the fluid distribution function from the mechanical mounting function, allowing the cooling assembly to have a lower profile that does not obstruct air flow through the faceplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional bulky assembly with tubes extending in multiple directions to a planar, two-dimensional manifold board configuration. The fluid distribution plenum and manifold board create a flattened architecture that maintains fluid distribution capability while minimizing vertical height and faceplate obstruction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cold plates are rigidly fixed to the fluid distribution plenum, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to different POM configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that provides dynamic adjustment capability. The springs allow the cold plates to be biased toward the POMs with adjustable force, enabling the system to adapt to different POM configurations while maintaining stable thermal contact. The mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic spring-biased connection.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual tubes are used for each cold plate, then each cold plate can be independently connected, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual tube connections into a single integrated fluid distribution plenum and manifold board assembly. Instead of requiring separate inlet and outlet tubes for each cold plate, the system uses a unified plenum that distributes coolant to multiple cold plates through integrated fluid pathways, dramatically reducing the total number of connection components.
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 assembly achieves a compact form factor, enhances air flow, and provides consistent cooling to POMs while reducing the complexity and reliability of fluid connections, enabling efficient cooling of POMs in both one-side and two-side configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between each of the cold plates and the fluid distribution plenum, where the spring is adapted to bias each of the cold plates away from the fluid distribution plenum and into the surface of the associated pluggable optical module
Implementation Method 2
The cold plates utilize a common cool liquid inlet tube and a common hot liquid outlet tube coupled to a fluid distribution plenum... each of the cold plates is positioned to be disposed adjacent to and in contact with a surface of an associated pluggable optical module
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel flow liquid cooling distribution assembly for use in a telecommunications or optical networking system, the assembly including: a fluid distribution plenum defining an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum; and a plurality of cold plates coupled to the fluid distribution plenum in parallel, where each of the plurality of cold plates defines a fluid flow path and includes an inlet piston cylinder adapted to be sealingly disposed within an inlet port of the inlet plenum utilizing an intervening O-ring and an outlet piston cylinder adapted to be sealingly disposed within an outlet port of the outlet plenum utilizing an intervening O-ring, and where each of the plurality of cold plates is positioned to be disposed adjacent to and in contact with a surface of an associated pluggable optical module through an associated cage of a plurality of cages and pluggable optical modules.