Receptacle Thermal Bridge With Keyed Module Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector assemblies face challenges in heat management due to space constraints, which can degrade performance and damage components within the system.
Innovation Solution
The receptacle assembly incorporates a thermal transport assembly with thermal bridges and orientation tabs to efficiently remove heat from pluggable modules while ensuring proper orientation during mating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal components are enlarged to increase heat dissipation capacity, then heat management performance is improved, but space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal bridge extends vertically from the receptacle cage into the module channel, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide heat dissipation without increasing horizontal footprint. This allows effective heat management within constrained lateral space by transitioning the thermal component's orientation to three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal bridge is nested within the module channel structure, fitting inside the existing receptacle assembly geometry. This nesting approach allows the thermal management component to occupy otherwise unused vertical space within the module channel, maximizing heat dissipation capacity without violating external space constraints.
2Reliability
If orientation features are added to ensure proper module orientation, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation tab is merged with the thermal bridge structure, combining the thermal management function and orientation guidance function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate orientation features, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both heat dissipation and proper module orientation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal bridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal conduction for heat dissipation, acts as a structural support element within the module channel, and includes an integrated orientation tab for guiding proper module insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 solution effectively manages heat within the system, preventing performance degradation and component damage, while maintaining proper module orientation to avoid damage during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal bridge includes a thermal interface at a bottom of the thermal bridge configured to interface with the pluggable module and remove heat from the pluggable module
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage including cage walls forming a cavity. The cage walls include a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The receptacle cage extending between a front and a rear. The cavity includes a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. The receptacle assembly includes a thermal transport assembly coupled to the receptacle cage. The thermal transport assembly includes a thermal bridge is received in the cavity. The thermal bridge includes a thermal interface at a bottom of the thermal bridge configured to interface with the pluggable module and remove heat from the pluggable module. The thermal bridge includes an orientation tab extending from the bottom. The orientation tab defines a keying feature for keyed mating with the pluggable module to orient the pluggable module in the module channel.