Pluggable Module Thermal Bridge With Interleaved Plates for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat from pluggable modules, especially at higher data rates, as known heat transfer devices prove insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange assembly with a thermal bridge having interleaved plates is integrated into the pluggable module, allowing for efficient heat dissipation through a thermal interface with both a thermal transfer device and direct air dissipation, utilizing compressible elements for enhanced thermal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If known heat transfer devices (heat sink, cold plate) are coupled to the receptacle cage, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the heat dissipation capability is insufficient at higher data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange assembly is segmented into multiple interleaved plates arranged in a plate stack, creating multiple thermal pathways. Each plate acts as an independent thermal conduit, collectively providing enhanced heat dissipation capacity that scales with data rate requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal bridge extends in multiple dimensions - vertically through the pluggable module housing and horizontally into the receptacle assembly. This multi-dimensional thermal pathway allows heat to be conducted from the electrical component through the plate stack and dissipated at multiple locations, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency
2Temperature
If a heat exchange assembly with interleaved plates is used, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plates are merged into a single integrated plate stack structure that functions as one cohesive thermal management system. The interleaved plates are combined with the housing and receptacle assembly to form a unified heat exchange assembly, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining high heat dissipation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support within the module, creates thermal pathways through the plate stack, and interfaces with both the electrical component and the receptacle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated 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 solution effectively manages heat dissipation from electrical components within the pluggable module, improving thermal management and maintaining performance at higher data rates.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal bridge includes a plurality of interleaved plates arranged in a plate stack... The lower thermal interface is in thermal communication with the electrical component to dissipate heat from the electrical component
Implementation Method 2
The upper bridge element is compressible toward the lower bridge element when interfacing with the thermal transfer device of the receptacle assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable module includes a housing having a top wall including an opening above a module cavity. The pluggable module includes a heat exchange assembly separate and discrete from the housing extending into the module cavity through the opening. The heat exchange assembly includes a thermal bridge having an upper thermal interface and a lower thermal interface. The thermal bridge includes a plurality of interleaved plates arranged in a plate stack with the plates being movable relative to each other in the plate stack. The lower thermal interface is in thermal communication with the electrical component to dissipate heat from the electrical component. The thermal bridge extends through the opening with the upper thermal interface exposed from above for dissipating heat from the heat exchange assembly.