Patent ID: 12225681

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, communicate, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer (e.g., desktop or laptop), tablet computer, mobile device (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA) or smart phone), server (e.g., blade server or rack server), a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, touchscreen and/or a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.

In one embodiment, IHS100,FIG.1, includes a processor102, which is connected to a bus104. Bus104serves as a connection between processor102and other components of IHS100. An input device106is coupled to processor102to provide input to processor102. Examples of input devices may include keyboards, touchscreens, pointing devices such as mouses, trackballs, and trackpads, and/or a variety of other input devices known in the art. Programs and data are stored on a mass storage device108, which is coupled to processor102. Examples of mass storage devices may include hard discs, optical disks, magneto-optical discs, solid-state storage devices, and/or a variety of other mass storage devices known in the art. IHS100further includes a display110, which is coupled to processor102by a video controller112. A system memory114is coupled to processor102to provide the processor with fast storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by processor102. Examples of system memory may include random access memory (RAM) devices such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), solid state memory devices, and/or a variety of other memory devices known in the art. In an embodiment, a chassis116houses some or all of the components of IHS100. It should be understood that other buses and intermediate circuits can be deployed between the components described above and processor102to facilitate interconnection between the components and the processor102.

Referring now toFIG.2, an embodiment of a networking device200is illustrated. In an embodiment, the networking device200may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG.1, and/or may include some or all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples, may be provided by a switch device, a router device, and/or other networking devices known in the art. However, while illustrated and discussed as being provided by a networking device, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the functionality of the networking device200discussed below may be provided by other devices that are configured to operate similarly as the networking device200discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the networking device200includes a chassis202that houses the components of the networking device200, only some of which are illustrated and discussed below. For example, the chassis202may house a processing system (not illustrated, but which may include the processor102discussed above with reference toFIG.1) and a memory system (not illustrated, but which may include the memory114discussed above with reference toFIG.1) that is coupled to the processing system and that includes instructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause the processing system to provide a networking engine204that is configured to perform the functionality of the networking engine and/or networking devices discussed below.

The chassis202may also house a storage system (not illustrated, but which may include the storage device108discussed above with reference toFIG.1) that is coupled to the networking engine204(e.g., via a coupling between the storage system and the processing system) and that includes a networking database206that is configured to store any of the information utilized by the networking engine204discussed below. The chassis202may also house a communication system208that is coupled to the networking engine204(e.g., via a coupling between the communication system and the processing system) and that may be provided by a Network Interface Controller (NIC) and/or any of a variety of other networking communication components that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the communication system208includes a plurality of transceiver device ports208a,208band up to208cthat are configured to connect transceiver devices to the networking engine204. However, while a specific networking device200has been illustrated and described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that networking devices (and other devices utilizing the transceiver devices of the present disclosure) may include different components and/or component configurations while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now toFIG.3A, an embodiment of a transceiver device port300is illustrated that may provide any of the transceiver device port(s)208a,208band up to208cdiscussed above with reference toFIG.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver device port300includes a transceiver device port chassis302which is accessible on an outer surface303of a chassis that may be provided by the chassis202of the networking device200discussed above with reference toFIG.2. The transceiver device port chassis302defines a transceiver device port housing304(which may extend into the chassis202of the networking device from the outer surface303) and includes a transceiver device port entrance304athat is located substantially co-planer with the outer surface303. The transceiver device port chassis302may house the components of the transceiver device port300, only some of which are illustrated and described below. For example, the transceiver device port chassis302may house a transceiver device port connector306that is located opposite the transceiver device port housing304from the transceiver device port entrance304a. The transceiver device port chassis302may also include a transceiver device port air channel308that is located opposite the transceiver device port housing304from the transceiver device port entrance304and adjacent the transceiver device port connector306.

Referring now toFIG.3B, in some embodiments, the transceiver device port300may include a heat dissipation device310that engages a top surface of the transceiver device port chassis302. For example, the heat dissipation device310may be provided by a heat sink that is mounted and thermally coupled (e.g., via a thermal paste or other thermal transfer material/component) to the transceiver device port chassis302in a manner that is configured to allow heat generated by a transceiver device located in the transceiver device port housing304to be transferred via the transceiver device port chassis302to the heat sink. However, while a specific example of the heat dissipation device310has been illustrated and described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how other heat dissipation devices will fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.4A,4B, and4C, an embodiment of a transceiver device400is illustrated that that includes an integrated heat dissipation device, and that may be used with the networking device200and the port(s)208a,208band up to208cdiscussed above with reference toFIG.2. In an embodiment, the transceiver device400may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG.1and/or may include some of all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be provided by a relatively high-speed (e.g.400G,800G, etc.) Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Dual-Density (QSFP-DD) optical transceiver device, although other types of transceiver devices will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver device400includes a transceiver device base402having a top surface402a, a bottom surface402bthat is located opposite the transceiver base402from the top surface402a, a front surface402cthat extends between the top surface402aand the bottom surface402b, a rear surface402dthat is located opposite the transceiver base402from the front surface402cand that extends between the top surface402aand the bottom surface402b, and a side surface402ethat is one of a pair of opposing side surfaces (only one of which is visible inFIG.4A) that are located opposite the transceiver base402from each other and that extend between the top surface402a, the bottom surface402b, the front surface402c, and the rear surface402d.

As can be seen inFIG.4B, the transceiver device base402may house the components of the transceiver device400, only some of which are illustrated and described below. For example, the transceiver device base402may house a circuit board404that may be mounted on the transceiver device base402, and a transceiver device processing system406that is coupled to the circuit board404, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the circuit board404and transceiver device processing system406may be provided by a variety of transceiver device components known in the art. In the examples provided below, a transceiver device electrical connector408is coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and a plurality of transceiver device electrical connection elements408a,408band408cextend from the transceiver device electrical connector408and from the rear surface402dof the transceiver base402. For example, the transceiver device electrical connection elements408a-408cmay be configured to connect the transceiver device400to the transceiver device port connector306included in the transceiver device port chassis302discussed above in order to enable the transmission of data between the transceiver device400and the networking device200. In the examples provided below, a transceiver device optical connector410is also coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and may include a transceiver device optical connection element410a(illustrated inFIG.4C) that is configured to connect to optical connectors on the cables discussed below.

As illustrated, a respective heat transfer element412a,412b, and412cmay be provided between the transceiver device base402and each of the transceiver processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, and the transceiver device optical connector410, respectively. For example, the heat transfer elements412a-412cmay be provided by heat spreaders, thermal paste, and/or other heat transfer elements that are configured to transmit heat generated by the respective component to which they are connected to the transceiver device base402. A heat dissipation device414extends from the top surface402aof the transceiver device base402and is configured to receive heat generated by the components housed in the transceiver device402, distribute that heat across the heat dissipation device414, and dissipate that heat. As discussed above, the heat dissipation device414may be integrated with the transceiver device base402(e.g., as an integrated heat sink), but embodiments in which the heat dissipation device414is connected to (and may be disconnected from) the transceiver device base402will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well. However, while specific a heat dissipation device has been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how other heat dissipation devices will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

As illustrated, the transceiver device400may also include a transceiver device handle416that extends from the front surface402cof the transceiver device base402(and which may be provided by a flexible material such as SANTOPRENE® materials available from the MONSANTO® company of Creve Coeur, Missouri, United States; SABRIC® materials available the SABRIC® company of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; materials available from the DUPONT® company of Wilmington, Delaware, United, States; other plastic materials, other rubber materials, other flexible materials, and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art would recognize as capable of providing the transceiver device handle416discussed below). As can be seen, the transceiver device handle416includes a transceiver device handle base416athat is positioned adjacent the heat dissipation device414. In an embodiment, the transceiver device handle base416amay be dimensioned such that it does not extend beyond the height of the heat dissipation device414in order to, for example, prevent the transceiver device handle base416afrom blocking airflow to the networking device to which it may be connected. In a specific example, the dimensions of the transceiver device base402may be approximately 60 mm in length (e.g., as measured between the heat dissipation device414and the distal end of the transceiver device handle416), 18 mm in width (e.g., as measured between the side surfaces of the transceiver device base402), and 2 mm in height (e.g., as measured from the top surface402aof the transceiver device base402to the top of the heat dissipation device414).

The transceiver device base402defines a transceiver device handle airflow channel416bthat includes a transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance that is defined by the transceiver device handle416and that is located opposite the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bfrom a transceiver device handle airflow channel exit that is located immediately adjacent the heat dissipation device414. A transceiver device handle grip tab416cis included on the transceiver device handle base416aand located adjacent the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance of the transceiver device airflow channel416b. However, while a specific example of an optical/electrical transceiver device has been illustrated and described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how other devices may utilize the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope.

Referring toFIGS.5A,5B, and5C, an embodiment of a transceiver device500is illustrated that is similar to the transceiver device400discussed above with reference toFIGS.4A-4C, and thus similar components are provided with similar element numbers. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the transceiver device500does not utilize a heat dissipation device (e.g., like that described inFIGS.4A,4B, and4C), and thus does not include heat transfer elements like the heat transfer elements412a,412b, and412cdiscussed above with reference toFIGS.4A-4C. Similarly as discussed above, the transceiver device500may be used with the networking device200and the port(s)208a,208band up to208cdiscussed above with reference toFIG.2. In an embodiment, the transceiver device500may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG.1and/or may include some of all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be provided by a relatively high-speed (e.g.400G,800G, etc.) Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Dual-Density (QSFP-DD) optical transceiver device, although other types of transceiver devices will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver device500includes a transceiver device base502having a top surface502a, a bottom surface502bthat is located opposite the transceiver base502from the top surface502a, a front surface502cthat extends between the top surface502aand the bottom surface502b, a rear surface502dthat is located opposite the transceiver base502from the front surface502cand that extends between the top surface502aand the bottom surface502b, and a pair of opposing side surfaces502eand502fthat are located opposite the transceiver base502from each other and that extend between the top surface502a, the bottom surface502b, the front surface502c, and the rear surface502d. As such, the transceiver device base502defines a component housing503(illustrated inFIG.5B) between the top surface502a, the bottom surface502b, the front surface502c, the rear surface502d, and the side surfaces502eand502f.

As can be seen inFIG.5B, the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502may house the components of the transceiver device500that are similar to the components of the transceiver device400, and only some of which are illustrated and described below. As such, the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502may house the circuit board404that may be mounted on the transceiver device base502, and the transceiver device processing system406that is coupled to the circuit board404, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the circuit board404and transceiver device processing system406may be provided by a variety of transceiver device components known in the art. In the examples provided below, the transceiver device electrical connector408is coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and the plurality of transceiver device electrical connection elements408a,408band408cextend from the transceiver device electrical connector408and from the rear surface502dof the transceiver base502, with the transceiver device electrical connection elements408a-408cconfigured to connect the transceiver device500to the transceiver device port connector306included in the transceiver device port chassis302discussed above in order to enable the transmission of data between the transceiver device500and the networking device200.

Similarly as described above, the transceiver device optical connector410is also coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and may include a transceiver device optical connection element410a(illustrated inFIG.5C) that is configured to connect to optical connectors on the cables discussed below. As illustrated, the transceiver device base502may also define a transceiver device base air entrance504athat is located on the front surface502cof the transceiver device base502and adjacent the top surface502a, and a transceiver device base air exit504bthat is located on the rear surface502dof the transceiver device base502and adjacent the top surface502a, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize how the transceiver device base air entrance504aand the transceiver device base air exit504bare configured to allow airflow to enter and exit the component housing503of the transceiver device base502to dissipate heat generated by the components included therein.

Similarly as discussed above, the transceiver device500may also include the transceiver device handle416that extends from the front surface502cof the transceiver device base502, and that may be provided by similar materials and with similar dimensions as discussed above. As can be seen, the transceiver device handle416includes the transceiver device handle base416athat defines the transceiver device handle airflow channel416balong its length, the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance of the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b, and the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit that is located opposite the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bfrom the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance. Furthermore, the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit is located immediately adjacent the transceiver device base air entrance504a. The transceiver device handle grip tab416cis included on the transceiver device handle base416aand located adjacent the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance of the transceiver device airflow channel416b. However, while a specific example of an optical/electrical transceiver device has been illustrated and described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how other devices may utilize the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope.

Referring toFIGS.6A,6B, and6C, an embodiment of a transceiver device600is illustrated that is similar to the transceiver device400discussed above with reference toFIGS.4A-4C, and thus similar components are provided with similar element numbers. As discussed below, the transceiver device600utilizes the heat dissipation device310that is coupled to the transceiver device port chassis302to which is it connected. Similarly as discussed above, the transceiver device600may be used with the networking device200and the port(s)208a.208band up to208cdiscussed above with reference toFIG.2. Furthermore, the transceiver device600may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG.1and/or may include some of all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be provided by a relatively high-speed (e.g.400G,800G, etc.) Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Dual-Density (QSFP-DD) optical transceiver device, although other types of transceiver devices will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver device600includes a transceiver device base602having a top surface602a, a bottom surface602bthat is located opposite the transceiver base602from the top surface602a, a front surface602cthat extends between the top surface602aand the bottom surface602b, a rear surface602dthat is located opposite the transceiver base602from the front surface602cand that extends between the top surface602aand the bottom surface602b, and a pair of opposing side surfaces602eand602fthat are located opposite the transceiver base602from each other and that extend between the top surface602a, the bottom surface602b, the front surface602c, and the rear surface602d.

As can be seen inFIG.6B, the transceiver device base602may house the components of the transceiver device600that are similar to the components of the transceiver device400, only some of which are illustrated and described below. For example, the transceiver device base602may house the circuit board404that may be mounted on the transceiver device base602, and the transceiver device processing system406that is coupled to the circuit board404, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the circuit board404and transceiver device processing system406may be provided by a variety of transceiver device components known in the art. In the examples provided below, the transceiver device electrical connector408is coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and the plurality of transceiver device connection elements408a,408band408cextend from the transceiver device electrical connector408and from the rear surface602dof the transceiver base602, with the transceiver device connection elements408a-408cconfigured to connect the transceiver device600to the transceiver device port connector306included in the transceiver device port chassis302discussed above in order to enable the transmission of data between the transceiver device600and the networking device200. In the examples provided below, the transceiver device optical connector410is also coupled to the transceiver device processing system406via the circuit board404, and may include the transceiver device optical connection element410a(illustrated inFIG.6C) that is configured to connect to optical connectors on the cables discussed below.

As illustrated, the respective heat transfer elements412a,412b, and412cmay be provided between the transceiver device base602and each of the transceiver processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, and the transceiver device optical connector410, respectively. Similarly as discussed above, the heat transfer elements412a-412cmay be provided by heat spreaders, thermal paste, and/or other heat transfer elements that are configured to transmit heat generated by the respective component to which they are connected to the transceiver device base602. As described in further detail below, the heat transfer elements412a-412cmay transmit heat via the transceiver device base602and the transceiver device port chassis302to which the transceiver device600is connected and to the heat dissipation device310mounted to the transceiver device port chassis302, with the heat dissipation device310distributing that heat across the heat dissipation device310and dissipating that heat. However, while a specific example of transmitting heat to a heat dissipation device has been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how heat may be transmitted to heat dissipation devices in a variety of manners will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

As illustrated, the transceiver device600may also include a transceiver device handle604that extends from the front surface602cof the transceiver device base602, and that may be provided by similar materials and with similar dimensions as discussed above. As can be seen, the transceiver device handle604includes a transceiver device handle base604aand a transceiver device handle airflow redirection element604bthat is positioned adjacent the front surface602cof the transceiver device base602. As can be seen, the transceiver device handle604defines a transceiver device handle airflow channel along its length that includes a transceiver device handle primary air channel604cdefined by the transceiver device handle base604a, and a transceiver device handle airflow redirection channel604edefined by the transceiver device handle airflow redirection element604b.

As illustrated, the transceiver device handle primary airflow channel604cincludes a transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance that is defined by the transceiver device handle base604a. Furthermore, the transceiver device handle airflow redirection channel604eincludes a transceiver device handle airflow channel exit that is defined by the transceiver device handle airflow redirection element604b, with the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance located opposite the transceiver device handle airflow channel from the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit. A transceiver device handle grip tab604dis included on the transceiver device handle base604aand located adjacent the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance of the transceiver device handle primary airflow channel604c. However, while a specific example of an optical/electrical transceiver device has been illustrated and described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how other devices may utilize the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope.

Referring now toFIG.7, an embodiment of a method700for dissipating heat generated by a transceiver device by channeling airflow through a transceiver device handle is illustrated. As discussed below, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide for the channeling of airflow through a transceiver device handle to dissipate heat generated by heat producing component(s) in the transceiver device and, in some embodiments, transferred to a heat dissipation device coupled to the transceiver device. For example, the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure may include a transceiver device having a transceiver device chassis, at least one heat producing component that is housed in the transceiver device chassis, and a transceiver device handle that extends from the transceiver device chassis and that defines an airflow channel along its length. The transceiver device handle receives airflow at an airflow channel entrance defined by the transceiver device handle, directs the airflow through the airflow channel, and dissipates heat generated by the heat producing component(s) using the airflow directed through the airflow channel. For example, the airflow may be directed through the airflow channel and adjacent the heat producing component(s) in the transceiver device chassis, adjacent a heat dissipation device that is integrated with the transceiver device chassis, or adjacent a heat dissipation device that extends from a transceiver device port to which the transceiver device is connected. As described below, the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system enhances heat dissipation for transceiver devices relative to conventional transceiver device heat dissipation systems.

The method700begins at block702where a transceiver device is connected to a transceiver device port on a networking device. With reference toFIGS.8A and8B, in an embodiment of block702, the transceiver device400may be positioned adjacent the transceiver device port300such that the rear surface402dof the transceiver device base402is located adjacent to and is aligned with the transceiver device port entrance304aof the transceiver device port housing304. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, a user may grasp the transceiver device handle416to position the transceiver device400adjacent the transceiver device port300in the manner illustrated inFIG.8Ain order to connect the transceiver device400to the transceiver device port300.

The transceiver device base402on the transceiver device400may then be moved in a direction A such that the transceiver device base402moves through the transceiver device port entrance304aand into the transceiver device port housing304. As can be seen inFIGS.8A and8Bthe movement of the transceiver device400in the direction A may cause the transceiver device base402on the transceiver device400to move through the transceiver device port entrance304aand into the transceiver device port housing304until the plurality of transceiver device electrical connection elements408a,408band408cconnect to the transceiver device port connector306included on the transceiver device port chassis302. As can be seen inFIG.8B, when the transceiver device400is connected to the transceiver device port chassis302, the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit of the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bdefined by the transceiver device handle416is located immediately adjacent the heat dissipation device414and may be aligned with the transceiver device port air channel308located on the transceiver device port chassis302such that airflow may enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bin the transceiver device handle416, flow past the heat dissipation device414, and exit through the transceiver device port air channel308.

With reference toFIG.9, in an embodiment, the transceiver device500may be connected to the transceiver device port300similarly as described above for the connection of the transceiver device400and transceiver device port300with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. As can be seen inFIG.9, when the transceiver device500is connected with the transceiver device port300, the transceiver device handle416is aligned with the transceiver device base air entrance504a, and may be aligned with either or both of the transceiver device base air exit504bdefined by the transceiver device base504and the transceiver device port air channel308located on the transceiver device port chassis302, such that airflow may enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bin the transceiver device handle416, be directed through the transceiver device base air entrance504aand into the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502, may exit the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502through the transceiver device base air exit504b, and may exit the transceiver device port300through the transceiver device port air channel308.

With reference toFIG.10, in an embodiment, the transceiver device600may be connected to the transceiver device port300similarly as described above for the connection of the transceiver device400and transceiver device port300described above with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. As can be seen inFIG.10, when the transceiver device600is connected with the transceiver device port300, the transceiver device handle airflow redirection element604bon the transceiver device handle604is located adjacent the heat dissipation device310that engages the transceiver device port chassis302such that airflow may move through the transceiver device handle primary air channel604cin the transceiver device handle604, be redirected via the transceiver device handle airflow redirection channel604ein the transceiver device handle airflow redirection element604b, and flow past the heat dissipation device310.

The method700then proceeds to block704where heat producing components in the transceiver device generate heat. With reference toFIGS.11A,12A, and13A, in an embodiment of block704, the transceiver devices400,500and600may perform data transmission operations that may include the transfer of data between the networking device200and computing devices connected to the transceiver devices. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the transmission of data between the networking device200and computing devices via the transceiver devices400,500and600may result in the generation of heat by the heat producing components such as the transceiver device processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, the transceiver device optical connector410, and/or other components included in the transceiver device(s)400,500and600. In a specific example, the transceiver devices400,500and600may receive data from the networking device200in the form of electrical signals, and may convert those electrical signals into optical signals for transmission via fiber optic connector systems to connected computing devices, and the conversion of electrical signals into optical signals may result in the generation of relatively high amounts of heat that require dissipation. However, while a specific example of the generation of heat by transceiver devices has been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate transceiver devices may generate heat in a variety of manners that will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

As can be seen inFIG.11A, the transceiver device processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, and the transceiver device optical connector410may each generate heat1102that may be transferred via their respective heat transfer elements412a.412b, and412c, through the transceiver device base402, and to the heat dissipation device414. Similarly, with referenceFIG.12A, the transceiver device processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, and the transceiver device optical connector410, may each generate heat during their operation, with the exception that the transceiver device500is not provided with any heat transfer elements or heat dissipation elements to assist in the dissipation of that heat. Similarly, with reference toFIG.13A, the transceiver device processing system406, the transceiver device electrical connector408, and the transceiver device optical connector410may generate heat1302that may be transferred via their respective heat transfer element412a,412b, and412c, through the transceiver device base602, though the transceiver device port chassis302, and to the heat dissipation device310.

The method700then proceeds to block706where an airflow channel defined by a transceiver device handle receives airflow. With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, in an embodiment of block706using the transceiver device400ofFIGS.4A-4C, the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bdefined by the transceiver device handle416may receive an airflow1100avia the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance that is defined by the transceiver device handle416. For example, in a data center environment where the transceiver device400may be connected to a networking device in a rack, the transceiver device handle416may extend into a relatively cold air aisle, enabling relatively cold air to enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b. However, while a particular physical setting for receiving airflow via the transceiver device handle airflow channel of the present disclosure has been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how different physical settings may enable the benefits of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope as well.

With reference toFIGS.12A and12B, in an embodiment of block706using the transceiver device500ofFIGS.5A-5C, the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bdefined by the transceiver device handle416may receive an airflow1200avia the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance that is defined by the transceiver device handle416. Similarly as discussed above, in a data center environment where the transceiver device500may be connected to a networking device in a rack, the transceiver device handle416may extend into a relatively cold air aisle to enable relatively cold air to enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b, but one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how different physical settings may enable the benefits of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope as well.

With reference toFIGS.13A and13B, in an embodiment of block706using the transceiver device600ofFIGS.6A-6C, the transceiver device handle primary airflow channel604cdefined by the transceiver device handle604may receive an airflow1300avia the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance that is defined by the transceiver device handle604. Similarly as discussed above, in a data center environment where the transceiver device600may be connected to a networking device in a rack, the transceiver device handle604may extend into a relatively cold air aisle to enable relatively cold air to enter the transceiver device primary airflow channel604c, but one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how different physical settings may enable the benefits of the present disclosure while remaining within its scope as well.

The method700then proceeds to block708where an airflow channel defined by a transceiver device handle directs airflow through the airflow channel. With reference back toFIGS.11A and11B, in an embodiment of block708using the transceiver device400ofFIGS.4A-4C, the airflow1100athat entered the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance defined by the transceiver device handle416moves through the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the airflow1100awill be directed by the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bout of the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit and towards the heat dissipation device414as airflow1100b. The airflow1100bwill then move through the heat dissipation device414(e.g., through channels defined between fins of the heat dissipation device414in the illustrated embodiment) until it passes the heat dissipation device414and exits the transceiver device port chassis302via the transceiver device port air channel308as airflow1100c.

With reference toFIGS.12A and12B, in an embodiment of block708using the transceiver device500ofFIGS.5A-5C, the airflow1200athat entered the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance defined by the transceiver device handle416moves through the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the airflow1200awill be directed by the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bout of the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit and into the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502via the transceiver device base air entrance504aas airflow1200b. The airflow1200bwill then move through the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502(e.g., over the heat producing components406,408and410of the transceiver device500) until it exits the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502via the transceiver device base air exit504bas airflow1200c. The airflow1200cwill then exit the transceiver device port chassis302via the transceiver device port air channel308.

With reference toFIGS.13A and13B, in an embodiment of block708using the transceiver device600ofFIGS.6A-6C, the airflow1300athat entered the transceiver device handle primary airflow channel entrance defined by the transceiver device handle604moves through the transceiver device handle primary airflow channel604cand is redirected by the transceiver device handle airflow redirection channel604eas airflow1300b. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the airflow1300bwill then exit the transceiver device handle604at the transceiver device handle airflow channel exit as airflow1300cthat is directed towards the heat dissipation device310. The airflow1300cwill then move through the heat dissipation device310(e.g., through channels defined between fins of the heat dissipation device310in the illustrated embodiment) until it exits the heat dissipation device310as airflow1300d.

The method700then proceeds to block710where airflow directed through an airflow channel defined by a transceiver device handle dissipates heat generated by heat producing component(s) in a transceiver device. With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, in an embodiment of block710using the transceiver device400ofFIGS.4A-4C, the heat1102that was generated by the heat producing components of the transceiver device400and transferred to the heat dissipation device414will be dissipated. For example, and as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, as the airflow1100bmoves through the heat dissipation device414(e.g., through channels defined between fins of the heat dissipation device414in the illustrated embodiment), the heat1102transferred to the heat dissipation device414may then be transferred to the airflow1100b, and the airflow1100b/1100cwill carry that heat1102out of the transceiver device port chassis302.

With reference toFIGS.12A and12B, in an embodiment of block710using the transceiver device500ofFIGS.5A-5C, heat generated by the heat producing components406,408and410will be dissipated. For example, and as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, as the airflow1200bmoves through the component housing503defined by the transceiver device base502that houses the heat producing components406,408and410, the heat generated by those heat producing components is transferred to the airflow1200b, and the airflow1200b/1200cwill carry that heat out of the transceiver device port chassis302via the transceiver device base air exit504band the transceiver device port air channel308.

With reference toFIGS.13A and13B, in an embodiment of block710using the transceiver device600ofFIGS.6A-6C, the heat1302that was generated by the heat producing components of the transceiver device600and transferred to the heat dissipation device310via the transceiver device port chassis302will be dissipated. For example, and as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, as the airflow1300cmoves through the heat dissipation device310(e.g., through channels defined between fins of the heat dissipation device310), the heat1302transferred to the heat dissipation device310may then be transferred to the airflow1300c, and the airflow1300c/1300dwill carry the heat1302away from the heat dissipation device310.

With reference toFIG.14, an embodiment of conventional transceiver devices connected to networking devices in a rack is illustrated. As can be seen inFIG.14, a plurality of networking devices1402(e.g., switches, routers and/or other networking devices known in the art) may be included in a rack or other chassis (not illustrated), with a plurality of transceiver devices1404connected to the networking devices1402, and a respective cable (e.g., a Direct Attach Cable (DAC), an optical cable, etc.) connected to each transceiver device1404. As discussed above, the networking devices1402may face a cold air aisle that provides a relatively cold airflow1408to cool the networking devices1402and transceiver devices1404. As discussed above, when conventional transceiver devices are utilized in networking devices in a rack, cables1406extending from the transceiver devices1404may impede cooling airflow from reaching those transceiver devices1404, creating difficulties in the cooling of those transceiver devices1404. For example, as can be seen inFIG.14, the cables1406extending from the transceiver devices1404connected to the networking devices1402may create a barrier of cabling in front of the transceiver devices1404(e.g., due to poor cable management practices) that hinder the relatively cold airflow1408from reaching the transceiver devices1404. However, while a particular example of issues with conventional transceiver device cooling systems have been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how airflow to transceiver devices may be impeded in other manners that will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

With reference toFIG.15, an embodiment of the transceiver devices400/500including the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure is illustrated connected to a networking device in a rack. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the transceiver devices400/500are connected to one of the networking devices1402discussed above with reference toFIG.14. As can be seen inFIG.15, the transceiver device handle416on each of the transceiver devices400/500extends past the cables1406that otherwise impede or hinder the relatively cold airflow1408to the conventional transceiver devices1404, allowing the relatively cold airflow1408to enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bas airflow1502. As discussed above, the transceiver device handle airflow channel416bwill direct the airflow1502such that it may be used to dissipate heat generated by the components in the transceiver devices400/500(e.g., either directly or via the heat dissipation device414).

With reference toFIG.16, an embodiment of the transceiver device600including the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure is illustrated connected to a networking device in a rack. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the transceiver devices600are connected to one of the networking devices1402discussed above with reference toFIG.14. As can be seen inFIG.16, the transceiver device handle604on each of the transceiver devices600extends past the cables1406that otherwise impede or hinder the relatively cold airflow1408to the conventional transceiver devices1404, allowing the relatively cold airflow1408to enter the transceiver device handle airflow channel604cas airflow1602. As discussed above, the transceiver device handle airflow channels604cand604ewill direct the airflow1602such that it may be used to dissipate heat generated by the components in the transceiver devices600(e.g., via the heat dissipation device310connected to the transceiver device port310).

With reference toFIGS.17A,17B and17C, in an embodiment, the transceiver device400may include an optional air filter device1700. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the air filter device1700may be inserted through the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance and into the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b, and may operate to prevent dust or other particulate matter from entering the transceiver device port and/or networking devices to which that transceiver device400is connected. As can be seen inFIG.17B, the air filter1700may be placed relatively close to the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance to allow a user to easily replace the air filter1700periodically. In specific examples, the air filter1700may include replaceable pads provided by fiberglass, activated carbon, various types of filtering plastics, and/or other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of filtering out particles from airflow.

With reference toFIGS.18A,18B and18C, in an embodiment, the transceiver device500may include an optional air filter device1800. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the air filter device1800may be inserted through the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance and into the transceiver device handle airflow channel416b, and may operate to prevent dust or other particulate matter from entering the transceiver device port and/or networking devices to which that transceiver device500is connected. As can be seen inFIG.18B, the air filter1800may be placed relatively close to the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance to allow a user to easily replace the air filter1800periodically. Similarly as described above, the air filter1800may include replaceable pads provided by fiberglass, activated carbon, various types of filtering plastics, and/or other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of filtering out particles from airflow.

With reference toFIGS.19A,19B and19C, in an embodiment, the transceiver device600may include an optional air filter device1900. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the air filter device1900may be inserted through the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance and into the transceiver device handle primary air channel604c, and may operate to prevent dust or other particulate matter from entering the transceiver device port and/or networking devices to which that transceiver device600is connected. As can be seen inFIG.19B, the air filter1900may be placed relatively close to the transceiver device handle airflow channel entrance to allow a user to easily replace the air filter1900periodically. Similarly as described above, the air filter1900may include replaceable pads provided by fiberglass, activated carbon, various types of filtering plastics, and/or other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of filtering out particles from airflow. However, while several specific examples of air filters have been described, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system may filter the airflow provided therein in a variety of manners while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

Thus, systems and methods have been described that provide for a transceiver device handle that is configured to receive airflow at an airflow channel entrance, direct that airflow at heat generated by heat producing components in the transceiver device, and dissipate that heat. For example, the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure may include a transceiver device, a transceiver device chassis, at least one heat producing component that is housed in the transceiver device chassis and a transceiver device handle that extends from the transceiver device chassis and that defines an airflow channel along its length. When the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system is engaged with the transceiver device chassis, the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system may receive airflow at an airflow channel entrance defined by the transceiver device handle, direct the airflow through the airflow channel, and dissipate heat generated by the at least one heat producing component using the airflow. As such, the transceiver handle heat dissipation airflow channeling system of the present disclosure allows a transceiver device handle on a transceiver device to provide airflow to dissipate heat generated by heat producing components in a transceiver device, and may be particularly useful in situations where airflow may be impeded by cabling systems and/or other sources of airflow hindrance.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.