Abstract:
An optic module cage assembly configured to selectively receive and retain an optic module, including: an optic module cage body configured to selectively receive and retain the optic module; a stationary heatsink fixedly attached to a side of the optic module cage body; one or more spring members disposed opposite the stationary heatsink and configured to bias the optic module towards the stationary heatsink; and a floating connector disposed partially within the optic module cage body and configured to make an electrical connection with the optic module, wherein the floating connector is configured to move in a constrained manner with respect to the optic module cage body. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly also includes a floating heatsink coupled to the one or more spring members. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly further includes a heat pipe that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the optical networking field. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optic module cage assembly that utilizes a stationary heatsink, and a plurality of optic module cages that utilize a common stationary heatsink. In other words, the optic module cage(s) is/are mounted to the (common) stationary heatsink, as opposed to the associated printed circuit board(s) (PCB(s)), as is done conventionally. This decreases optical system complexity and provides superior optical system cooling characteristics. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In conventional optic shelves or racks, the optic module cages that selectively receive and retain the optic modules are mounted directly to the associated PCB(s) via fixed connectors, also mounted directly to the associated PCB(s). Typically, each optic module cage and/or optic module is then placed in selective physical contact and thermal communication with a floating heatsink, such that the optic module is cooled while inserted and in operation. This floating heatsink may be spring-loaded or the like, and a separate floating heatsink is typically required for and coupled to each optic module cage. The use of separate floating heatsinks necessarily limits the size of each, thereby limiting the cooling effectiveness of each. This becomes problematic when, for example, the temperature maximum for each optic module is 70 degrees C. or the like, especially for a downstream optic module that is subjected to compounded heating from other upstream optic modules. It simply becomes impossible to cool the optical system without utilizing more complex and expensive cooling systems. The use of heat pipes is not practical, as each floating heatsink floats independently. Likewise, multiple fans and thermoelectric coolers would be required to work with the separate floating heatsinks. Thus, what is still needed in the art is an improved methodology for cooling an optical system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides an optic module cage assembly that utilizes a stationary heatsink, and a plurality of optic module cages that utilize a common stationary heatsink. In other words, the optic module cage(s) is/are mounted to the (common) stationary heatsink, as opposed to the associated PCB(s), as is done conventionally. This decreases optical system complexity and provides superior optical system cooling characteristics. Each of the optic modules is electrically coupled to the associated PCB using a floating connector that accommodates a degree of movement of the optic module as it engages the stationary heatsink. The use of a common stationary heatsink to cool multiple optic modules allows a relatively large, and therefore very effective, heatsink having a variety of shapes to be used. This common stationary heatsink may readily be thermally coupled to a unified heat pipe, an integrated fan, and/or a thermoelectric cooler. Thus, even the cooling of a downstream optic module that is subjected to compounded heating from other upstream optic modules is made possible. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an optic module cage assembly configured to selectively receive and retain an optic module, including: an optic module cage body configured to selectively receive and retain the optic module; a stationary heatsink fixedly attached to a side of the optic module cage body; one or more spring members disposed opposite the stationary heatsink and configured to bias the optic module towards the stationary heatsink when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body; and a floating connector disposed partially within the optic module cage body and configured to make an electrical connection with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body, wherein the floating connector is configured to move in a constrained manner with respect to the optic module cage body. Optionally, the stationary heatsink includes a protruding portion that protrudes through the side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body and biased towards the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly also includes a floating heatsink coupled to the one or more spring members. Optionally, the floating heatsink includes a protruding portion that protrudes through another side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly further includes a heat pipe that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a plurality of heatsink fins that are thermally coupled to the heat pipe. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a fan that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a thermoelectric cooler that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an optic module cage assembly configured to selectively receive and retain a plurality of optic modules, including: an optic module cage body configured to selectively receive and retain the plurality of optic modules; a stationary heatsink fixedly attached to a side of the optic module cage body; one or more spring members disposed opposite the stationary heatsink and configured to bias the optic modules towards the stationary heatsink when the optic modules are selectively inserted into the optic module cage body; and a plurality of floating connectors disposed partially within the optic module cage body and configured to make electrical connections with the optic modules when the optic modules are selectively inserted into the optic module cage body, wherein the floating connectors are each configured to move in a constrained manner with respect to the optic module cage body. Optionally, the stationary heatsink includes a protruding portion that protrudes through the side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with the optic modules when the optic modules are selectively inserted into the optic module cage body and biased towards the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly also includes one or more floating heatsinks coupled to the one or more spring members. Optionally, the floating heatsinks each include a protruding portion that protrudes through another side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with an associated optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly further includes a heat pipe that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a plurality of heatsink fins that are thermally coupled to the heat pipe. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a fan that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a thermoelectric cooler that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an optic module cage assembly configured to selectively receive and retain an optic module, including: an optic module cage body coupled to a faceplate of an optic shelf or rack and configured to selectively receive and retain the optic module; a stationary heatsink fixedly attached to a side of the optic module cage body; one or more spring members disposed opposite the stationary heatsink and configured to bias the optic module towards the stationary heatsink when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body; and a floating connector coupled to a printed circuit board, disposed partially within the optic module cage body, and configured to make an electrical connection with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body, wherein the floating connector is configured to move in a constrained manner with respect to the optic module cage body; wherein the optic module cage body is not fixedly secured to the printed circuit board. Optionally, the stationary heatsink includes a protruding portion that protrudes through the side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body and biased towards the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly also includes a floating heatsink coupled to the one or more spring members. Optionally, the floating heatsink includes a protruding portion that protrudes through another side of the optic module cage body and makes direct physical contact with the optic module when the optic module is selectively inserted into the optic module cage body. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly further includes a heat pipe that is thermally coupled to the stationary heatsink. Optionally, the optic module cage assembly still further includes a plurality of heatsink fins that are thermally coupled to the heat pipe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various figures, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like assembly components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a stationary heatsink and a floating connector; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a stationary heatsink, a floating heatsink, and a floating connector; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a common stationary heatsink in direct contact with the optic module and a floating connector; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a common stationary heatsink in indirect contact with the optic module through the optic module cage and a floating connector; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a plurality of stationary heatsinks, a plurality of floating heatsinks, and a plurality of floating connectors to accommodate a plurality of optic modules in a stacked or side-by-side configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a plurality of stationary heatsinks, a plurality of floating heatsinks, and a plurality of floating connectors to accommodate a plurality of optic modules in a stacked or side-by-side configuration, with a heat pipe and plurality of heatsink fins thermally coupled to one or more of the stationary heatsinks to enhance cooling; and 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly of the present invention utilizing a plurality of stationary heatsinks, a plurality of floating heatsinks, and a plurality of floating connectors to accommodate a plurality of optic modules in a stacked or side-by-side configuration, with a plurality of heat pipes and plurality of heatsink fins thermally coupled to the plurality of stationary heatsinks to enhance cooling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Again, in various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides an optic module cage assembly that utilizes a stationary heatsink, and a plurality of optic module cages that utilize a common stationary heatsink. In other words, the optic module cage(s) is/are mounted to the (common) stationary heatsink, as opposed to the associated PCB(s), as is done conventionally. This decreases optical system complexity and provides superior optical system cooling characteristics. Each of the optic modules is electrically coupled to the associated PCB using a floating connector that accommodates a degree of movement of the optic module as it engages the stationary heatsink. The use of a common stationary heatsink to cool multiple optic modules allows a relatively large, and therefore very effective, heatsink having a variety of shapes to be used. This common stationary heatsink may readily be thermally coupled to a unified heat pipe, an integrated fan, and/or a thermoelectric cooler. Thus, even the cooling of a downstream optic module that is subjected to compounded heating from other upstream optic modules is made possible. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a stationary heatsink  12  and a floating connector  14 . Specifically, the stationary heatsink  12  is bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage body  16 . A portion of the stationary heatsink  12  protrudes through the optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with an inserted optic module (not illustrated). The optic module cage body  16  includes one or more internal spring members  18  that serve to bias the inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . The optic module cage body  16  also includes one or more gaskets that assist in securing the optic module cage body  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate (not illustrated). The floating connector  14  is disposed near the back of the optic module cage body  16  and is permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the inserted optic module despite it being biased by the one or more internal spring members  18  towards the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members  18  and  20 , and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the stationary heatsink  12  may be disposed along the top or bottom of the optic module cage body  16  in a vertically-oriented configuration and along either side of the optic module cage body  16  in a horizontally-oriented configuration. The floating connector  14  preferably makes flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB (not illustrated). Advantageously, the stationary heatsink  12  may span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules as a common stationary heatsink  12 , as is described in greater detail herein below. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a stationary heatsink  12 , a floating heatsink  22 , and a floating connector  14 . Specifically, the stationary heatsink  12  is bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage body  16 . A portion of the stationary heatsink  12  protrudes through the optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with an inserted optic module (not illustrated). The floating heatsink  22  is disposed opposite the stationary heatsink  12  and includes a portion that protrudes through the optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the inserted optic module opposite the stationary heatsink  12 . The floating heatsink  22  is spring loaded or the like such that it serves to bias the inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . The optic module cage body  16  also includes one or more gaskets that assist in securing the optic module cage body  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate (not illustrated). The floating connector  14  is disposed near the back of the optic module cage body  16  and is permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the inserted optic module despite it being biased by the floating heatsink  22  towards the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members  20 , and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the stationary heatsink  12  and the floating heatsink may be disposed interchangeably along the top or bottom of the optic module cage body  16  in a vertically-oriented configuration and along either side of the optic module cage body  16  in a horizontally-oriented configuration. The floating connector  14  preferably makes flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB (not illustrated). Advantageously, the stationary heatsink  12  and the floating heatsink  22  may span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules as a common stationary heatsink  12  and a common floating heatsink  22 , as is described in greater detail herein below. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a common stationary heatsink  12  in direct contact with an inserted optic module (not illustrated) and a floating connector  14 . Specifically, the stationary heatsink  12  is bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage body  16 . A portion of the stationary heatsink  12  protrudes through the optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the inserted optic module. The optic module cage body  16  includes one or more internal spring members  18  that serve to bias the inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . The optic module cage body  16  also includes one or more gaskets that assist in securing the optic module cage body  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate  24 . In this exemplary embodiment, the stationary heatsink  12  may be thermally coupled to another heatsink or other structure  26  disposed on another side of the optic module cage body  16  or in another location, for example. The floating connector  14  is disposed near the back of the optic module cage body  16  and is permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the inserted optic module despite it being biased by the one or more internal spring members  18  towards the protruding portion of the stationary heatsink  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members  18  and  20 , and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the stationary heatsink  12  and the other heatsink or other structure  26  may be disposed interchangeably along the top or bottom of the optic module cage body  16  in a vertically-oriented configuration and along either side of the optic module cage body  16  in a horizontally-oriented configuration. The floating connector  14  preferably makes flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB (not illustrated). Advantageously, the stationary heatsink  12  and the other heatsink or other structure  26  may span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules as a common stationary heatsink  12  and a common other heatsink or other structure  26 , as is described in greater detail herein below. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a common stationary heatsink  12  in indirect contact with an inserted optic module (not illustrated) through the optic module cage  16  and a floating connector  14 . Specifically, the stationary heatsink  12  is bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage body  16 . The stationary heatsink  12  is in thermal communication with the inserted optic module through the intervening wall of the optic module cage body  16 . The optic module cage body  16  includes one or more internal spring members  18  that serve to bias the inserted optic module into secure contact with the wall of the optic module cage body  16  adjacent the stationary heatsink  12 . The optic module cage body  16  also includes one or more gaskets that assist in securing the optic module cage body  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate  24 . In this exemplary embodiment, the stationary heatsink  12  may be thermally coupled to another heatsink or other structure  26  disposed on another side of the optic module cage body  16  or in another location, for example. The floating connector  14  is disposed near the back of the optic module cage body  16  and is permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the inserted optic module despite it being biased by the one or more internal spring members  18  towards the wall of the optic module cage body  16  adjacent the stationary heatsink  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members  18  and  20 , and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the stationary heatsink  12  and the other heatsink or other structure  26  may be disposed interchangeably along the top or bottom of the optic module cage body  16  in a vertically-oriented configuration and along either side of the optic module cage body  16  in a horizontally-oriented configuration. The floating connector  14  preferably makes flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB (not illustrated). Advantageously, the stationary heatsink  12  and the other heatsink or other structure  26  may span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules as a common stationary heatsink  12  and a common other heatsink or other structure  26 , as is described in greater detail herein below. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a plurality of stationary heatsinks  12 , a plurality of floating heatsinks (or spring plates)  22 , and a plurality of floating connectors  14  to accommodate a plurality of inserted optic modules (not illustrated) in a stacked or side-by-side configuration. Specifically, the stationary heatsinks  12  are bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage bodies  16 . A portion of each of the stationary heatsinks  12  protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module. The floating heatsinks  22  are disposed adjacent to one another opposite the stationary heatsinks  12  and each include a portion that protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module opposite the stationary heatsinks  12 . The floating heatsinks  22  are biased apart and each into their associated optic module cage body  16  by one or more intervening spring members  28  such that each floating heatsink  22  serves to bias the associated inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the associated stationary heatsink  12 . In this respect, mirror image optic module cage assemblies  10  are provided and form a collective whole. The optic module cage bodies  16  also include one or more gaskets that assist in securing the optic module cage bodies  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate (not illustrated). The floating connectors  14  are disposed near the back of the optic module cage bodies  16  and are each permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the associated inserted optic module despite it being biased by the associated floating heatsink  22  towards the protruding portion of the associated stationary heatsink  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members  20 , and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the stationary heatsinks  12  and the floating heatsinks may be disposed interchangeably along the top or bottom of the optic module cage body  16  in a vertically-oriented configuration and along either side of the optic module cage body  16  in a horizontally-oriented configuration. The floating connectors  14  preferably make flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB (not illustrated). Advantageously, the stationary heatsinks  12  may span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules as common stationary heatsinks  12 , as is described in greater detail herein below. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a common stationary heatsink  12 , a plurality of floating heatsinks (not illustrated), and a plurality of floating connectors  14  to accommodate a plurality of optic modules (not illustrated) in a stacked or side-by-side configuration, with a heat pipe  30  and plurality of heatsink fins  32  thermally coupled to one or more of the common stationary heatsinks  12  to enhance cooling. Specifically, the common stationary heatsinks  12  are disposed about and bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage bodies  16 . A portion of each of the common stationary heatsinks  12  protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module. Alternatively, each of the common stationary heatsinks  12  is in thermal communication with the inserted optic modules through the intervening wall of the optic module cage bodies  16 . The floating heatsinks are disposed adjacent to one another within and opposite the common stationary heatsinks  12  and each includes a portion that protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module opposite the common stationary heatsinks  12 . The floating heatsinks are biased apart and each into their associated optic module cage body  16  by one or more intervening spring members (not illustrated) such that each floating heatsink serves to bias the associated inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the associated common stationary heatsink  12 , for example. In this respect, mirror image optic module cage assemblies  10  are provided and form a collective whole. The optic module cage bodies  16  also include one or more external spring members (not illustrated) that assist in securing the optic module cage bodies  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate (not illustrated). The floating connectors  14  are disposed near the back of the optic module cage bodies  16  and are each permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the associated inserted optic module despite it being biased by the associated floating heatsink towards the protruding portion of the associated common stationary heatsink  12 . As is illustrated, the optic module cage assembly  10  is disposed in a recess  34  manufactured into the associated PCB  36 , as opposed to being fixedly secured to the PCB  36 . A plurality of heatsink fins  32  are mounted on the PCB  36  and thermally coupled to one or more of the common stationary heatsinks  12  via a prismatic heat pipe  30 , such as a flat heat pipe, which may be disposed in one or more recesses  38  manufactured into the one or more common stationary heatsinks  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members, and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the floating connectors  14  preferably make flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB  36 . Advantageously, the common stationary heatsinks  12  span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the optic module cage assembly  10  of the present invention utilizing a plurality of common stationary heatsinks  12 , a plurality of floating heatsinks  22 , and a plurality of floating connectors  14  to accommodate a plurality of optic modules (not illustrated) in a stacked or side-by-side configuration, with a plurality of heat pipes  30  and plurality of heatsink fins  32  thermally coupled to the plurality of common stationary heatsinks  12  to enhance cooling. Specifically, the common stationary heatsinks  12  are disposed about and bonded or otherwise fixedly attached to the optic module cage bodies  16 . A portion of each of the common stationary heatsinks  12  protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module. Alternatively, each of the common stationary heatsinks  12  is in thermal communication with the inserted optic modules through the intervening wall of the optic module cage bodies  16 . The floating heatsinks  22  are disposed adjacent to one another within and opposite the common stationary heatsinks  12  and each includes a portion that protrudes through the associated optic module cage body  16  such that it selectively makes direct physical contact with the associated inserted optic module opposite the common stationary heatsinks  12 . The floating heatsinks  22  are biased apart and each into their associated optic module cage body  16  by one or more intervening spring members  28  such that each floating heatsink  22  serves to bias the associated inserted optic module into secure contact with the protruding portion of the associated common stationary heatsink  12 , for example. In this respect, mirror image optic module cage assemblies  10  are provided and form a collective whole. The optic module cage bodies  16  also include one or more external spring members (not illustrated) that assist in securing the optic module cage bodies  16  within the optic shelf or rack (not illustrated) via the associated faceplate (not illustrated). The floating connectors  14  are disposed near the back of the optic module cage bodies  16  and are each permitted a degree of motion (especially up-and-down motion), such that a secure electrical connection may be made with the associated inserted optic module despite it being biased by the associated common floating heatsink  22  towards the protruding portion of the associated common stationary heatsink  12 . The optic module cage assembly  10  is disposed in a recess (not illustrated) manufactured into the associated PCB (not illustrated), as opposed to being fixedly secured to the PCB. A plurality of heatsink fins  32  are mounted on the PCB and thermally coupled to one or more of the common stationary heatsinks  12  via a prismatic heat pipe  30 , such as a flat heat pipe, which may be disposed in one or more recesses  38  manufactured into the one or more common stationary heatsinks  12 . Again, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials, similar configurations, spring members, and floating connectors  14  may be used, as appropriate. For example, the floating connectors  14  preferably make flexible electrical connection to the associated PCB. Advantageously, the common stationary heatsinks  12  span multiple optic module cage bodies  16 /multiple optic modules. 
     The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.