Pluggable Optics Thermal Control via Dynamic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed optical networking equipment faces challenges in thermal management, particularly in outdoor environments where airflow is absent, requiring both increased heat dissipation in high ambient temperatures and increased thermal resistance in low ambient temperatures to maintain pluggable optical module operating temperatures within safe ranges.

Innovation Solution

A thermal control system for pluggable optics in an optical telecom platform, utilizing a thermal interface and actuators that adjust the position of the pluggable optical module relative to the thermal interface based on temperature, ensuring optimal thermal resistance and heat dissipation across varying ambient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the pluggable optical module is kept in thermal contact with the thermal interface to dissipate heat in high ambient temperatures, then heat dissipation is improved, but the module temperature drops below the minimum operating temperature in low ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidminimum operating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a movable mounting mechanism that dynamically adjusts the position of the pluggable optical module relative to the thermal interface based on ambient temperature conditions. The module can be moved between thermal contact with the interface for heat dissipation in hot conditions, and away from the interface to retain heat in cold conditions, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation and minimum temperature requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal resistance parameter between the module and interface by adjusting the physical position and contact pressure. In high temperatures, the module is pressed against the interface to minimize thermal resistance and maximize heat dissipation. In low temperatures, the module is moved away to maximize thermal resistance and retain heat, thus adapting to different thermal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If thermal interface material is used to conduct heat from the module in sealed housings, then heat dissipation is improved, but the module temperature cannot be maintained above the minimum operating temperature in low ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidtemperature range adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable mounting mechanism that allows the pluggable optical module to dynamically adjust its position relative to the thermal interface based on ambient temperature. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to both high and low temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation capability and temperature range adaptability in sealed housings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the pluggable optical module is separated from the thermal interface to retain heat in low ambient temperatures, then minimum operating temperature is maintained, but heat dissipation capability is reduced in high ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimum operating temperatureVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable mounting mechanism that enables the pluggable optical module to dynamically reposition itself relative to the thermal interface. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize thermal management by maximizing heat dissipation in hot conditions and maximizing heat retention in cold conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively maintains pluggable optical module operating temperatures within safe limits by adjusting thermal resistance and heat dissipation based on ambient conditions, ensuring reliable operation in both high and low temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

the control material being a material that expands and contracts at or about an activation temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11223885B2Thermal control system with passive thermostatic actuators for passive thermal management of pluggable optics in an optical telecom platform

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A thermal control system for pluggable optics in an optical telecom platform. The thermal control system comprises a thermal interface and one or more actuators. The thermal interface is configured to dissipate heat from a pluggable optical module in the optical telecom platform. The one or more actuators configured to change a position of the pluggable optical module relative to the thermal interface such that a thermal resistance between the pluggable optical module and the thermal interface is different based on a position of the pluggable optical module relative to the thermal interface.