Socket Connector Thermoconductive Structure for Waterproof Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber transceivers face challenges in waterproofing and thermal conductivity, particularly when using immersion cooling systems, due to the need for easy plugging and unplugging while managing increased heat dissipation with rising transmission speeds.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector with a waterproof casing, a thermoconductive plate, and a soft thermoconductive element is designed, where the thermoconductive plate is movably positioned to compress the soft element upon plug insertion, enhancing thermal conductivity and sealing, and features cooling fins and an elastic member for efficient heat dissipation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical fiber transceiver is installed at the boundary between dry and wet space for easy plugging and unplugging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the waterproof property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof plug as an intermediary component that seals the boundary between dry and wet spaces. The plug includes a waterproof casing with a sealing structure that prevents water infiltration while allowing electrical connection, thus maintaining both ease of operation and waterproof reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements including a resilient sealing ring and a deformable thermoconductive plate with soft thermoconductive element. These flexible components can deform to accommodate insertion/removal operations while maintaining continuous sealing, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and waterproof integrity
2Temperature
If cooling fins are added to the outer surface of the optical fiber transceiver, then the heat dissipation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the waterproof housing structure by integrating cooling fins directly into the outer surface of the waterproof casing. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling components, improving heat dissipation while avoiding additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, ensures waterproof sealing, and acts as a heat dissipation structure through integrated cooling fins. This multi-functionality improves thermal management without increasing overall device complexity
3Temperature
If a rigid thermoconductive plate is used for thermal conduction, then the thermal conductivity is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the thermoconductive material from rigid to soft/deformable. The soft thermoconductive element can deform under compression to conform to surface irregularities, maintaining both effective thermal conduction path and continuous sealing contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite thermal management system combining a rigid thermoconductive plate structure with a soft thermoconductive element material. The rigid plate provides structural support and thermal conduction path, while the soft element ensures conformal contact and sealing, achieving both high thermal conductivity and reliable sealing
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 improves waterproofing and thermal conductivity, enabling efficient heat dissipation and easy plug insertion/removal while maintaining the optical fiber transceiver's operational integrity in immersion cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the soft thermoconductive element be compressed by the thermoconductive plate and the waterproof housing
Implementation Method 2
an outer wall of the waterproof casing is disposed with multiple cooling fins
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoconductive structure includes a waterproof casing, a socket and a thermoconductive plate. The socket is accommodated in the waterproof casing and includes a metal housing having an inserting opening and a side opening defined on a side of the inserting opening. The thermoconductive plate is movably disposed on the metal housing. One surface of the thermoconductive plate protrudes from an inner surface of the metal housing through the side opening. Another surface of the thermoconductive plate is provided with a soft thermoconductive element. The soft thermoconductive element is disposed between an inner surface of the waterproof casing and the thermoconductive plate. When a plug is inserted into the metal housing, the plug pushes the thermoconductive plate to make the soft thermoconductive element be compressed by the thermoconductive plate and the waterproof housing.