COUPLING FIBER OPTIC STRANDS BY ALIGNING THE ENDS OF THE FIBER OPTIC STRANDS

The technologies described herein are generally directed to the use of fiber optic cables for communication. For example, a method described herein can include moving opposing members of a fiber optic securing clip from an open position to a closed position, wherein the opposing members are spaced apart to receive a first fiber optic strand comprising a bare end. The method can further include, based on the opposing members being in the closed position, securing the bare end of the first fiber optic strand within the fiber optic securing clip comprising optically coupling the first fiber optic strand to an end of a second fiber optic strand.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject application is related to different approaches to handling fiber optic strands and, for example, to providing connections to join fiber optic strands together.

BACKGROUND

As fiber optic deployments increase, the reasons for connections to fiber strands continues to increase. Reasons for connections to one or more fiber optic strands can vary in their requirements for permanence, and ease of setup and termination. Inefficiencies can occur when connection techniques are used to connect to fiber optic strands in a permanent way for applications when connections only need to be temporary, e.g., for testing fiber optic strands.

These inefficiencies can be aggravated when a raw end fiber optics strand is coupled to another strand for different applications. Often for a raw end of a fiber optic strand, even for temporary applications, durable connection approaches are used, such as splicing the raw end of the fiber optic strand to another fiber optic strand with a connector attached, e.g., for connecting to a testing device. Inefficiencies can result because some durable approaches require complex effort and materials be dedicated to forging strong connections (e.g., splicing) that are required for a relatively short period of time, with the spliced connectors needing to be cut off when done.

These problems can be aggravated when bundles of individual raw end fiber optic strands are all handled by durable approaches when only temporary coupling to the strands is required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, one or more embodiments of a system described herein can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, e.g., by a securing component that can provide a less permanent connection than other types of approaches. It should be understood that any of the examples and terms used herein are non-limiting.

One having skill in the relevant art(s), given the disclosure herein understands that the mechanical systems, computer processing systems, computer-implemented methods, equipment (apparatus) and/or computer program products described herein can employ devices, hardware and/or software to solve problems that are highly technical in nature (e.g., coupling fiber optic strands together), that are not abstract and cannot be performed as a set of mental acts by a human. For example, a human, or even a plurality of humans, cannot efficiently, and with a high level of precision, communicatively couple fiber optic strands together with the same or similar characteristics as one or more embodiments described herein.

Aspects of the subject disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example components, graphs and selected operations are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. For example, some embodiments described can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands. Different examples that describe these aspects are included with the description ofFIGS.1-10below. It should be noted that the subject disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to this example or other examples set forth herein.

FIGS.1-2are non-limiting examples of different fiber optic implementations100and200that can facilitate one or more approaches described herein. For purposes of brevity, description of some details described with different embodiments herein are omitted.FIG.1depicts multiple bare fiber optic strands108emerging from fiber optic cable130that holds the strands together for use.

As described further herein, one or more embodiments can be used to couple one or more bare fiber optic strands108to connectors in certain circumstances. It should be noted that the arrangement of fiber optic strands108in fiber optic cable130is not limiting, with different arrangements of one strand to many strands (e.g., as depicted inFIG.3discussed below) also being able to be handled by one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG.2depicts one approach that can be used to couple fiber optic strands108in fiber optic cable130to different destination devices. In an example use of the components ofFIG.2, fiber optic strands108may need to be temporarily connected to a destination device, e.g., for testing the operation of fiber optic strands108. One approach used to facilitate this type of temporary connection can use approaches that can also be used for more permanent connections, e.g., fusion splicing respective connectors212to the ends of fiber optic strands108, resulting in connectorized fiber optic strands.

In example approaches to this type of onsite (e.g., for testing at a deployment location) coupling, a fiber optics engineer can use a portable splicing workshop (e.g., ‘splicing trailer’) positioned at a site to splice connectors212to a raw ends of a fiber optics strand108. Connectors212can then be used to connect to testing equipment for texting that may only take seconds to minutes to complete. Once completed, connectors212are often cut from fiber optic strands108to facilitate other types of connections being implemented.

FIG.3is an architecture diagram of an example system300that can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted. As depicted, system300includes fiber coupling system350.

fiber coupling system350can include computer executable components320, processor360, storage device362and memory365. Computer executable components320can include joining component322, placing component324, securing component326, and other components described or suggested by different embodiments described herein, that can improve the operation of system300.

Further to the above, it should be appreciated that these components, as well as aspects of the embodiments of the subject disclosure depicted in this figure and various figures disclosed herein, are for illustration only, and as such, the architecture of such embodiments are not limited to the systems, devices, and/or components depicted therein. For example, in some embodiments, fiber coupling system350can further comprise various computer and/or computing-based elements described herein with reference operating environment1000ofFIG.10.

In some embodiments, memory365can comprise volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), etc.) and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), etc.) that can employ one or more memory architectures. Further examples of memory365are described below with reference to system memory1006andFIG.10. Such examples of memory365can be employed to implement any embodiments of the subject disclosure.

According to multiple embodiments, storage device362can include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD ROM), digital video disk (DVD), blu-ray disk, or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

According to multiple embodiments, processor360can comprise one or more processors and/or electronic circuitry that can implement one or more computer and/or machine readable, writable, and/or executable components and/or instructions that can be stored on memory365. For example, processor360can perform various operations that can be specified by such computer and/or machine readable, writable, and/or executable components and/or instructions including, but not limited to, logic, control, input/output (I/O), arithmetic, and/or the like. In some embodiments, processor360can comprise one or more components including, but not limited to, a central processing unit, a multi-core processor, a microprocessor, dual microprocessors, a microcontroller, a system on a chip (SOC), an array processor, a vector processor, and other types of processors. Further examples of processor360are described below with reference to processing unit1004ofFIG.10. Such examples of processor360can be employed to implement any embodiments of the subject disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, computer executable components320can be used in connection with implementing one or more of the systems, devices, components, and/or computer-implemented operations shown and described in connection withFIG.3or other figures disclosed herein. For example, in one or more embodiments, computer executable components320can include instructions that, when executed by processor360, can facilitate performance of operations defining joining component322. As discussed with different examples below, to utilize different components described herein (e.g., as depicted inFIGS.5-6below) joining component322can, in accordance with one or more embodiments, join opposing members that can be spaced apart to receive bare ended first fiber optic strand350A into a fiber optic securing component355(also termed a “fiber optic securing clip” for some implementations).

Further, in one or more embodiments, computer executable components320can include instructions that, when executed by processor360, can facilitate performance of operations defining placing component324. As discussed with different examples below, to operate different components described herein (e.g., as depicted inFIGS.5-6below) placing component324can, in accordance with one or more embodiments, place second fiber optic strand350B in relation to the opposing members of fiber optic securing component355to cause an alignment of the bare ended first fiber optic strand350A in relation to second fiber optic strand350B, such alignment facilitating the operation of securing component326, discussed below.

To facilitate performance of operations for one or more embodiments, securing component326can, based on a change of the opposing members to be in a securing position (also termed a ‘closed position’ herein), secure first fiber optic strand350A in alignment with second fiber optic strand350B within securing component355, e.g., to facilitate optically coupling fiber optic strand350A in alignment with second fiber optic strand350B.

FIG.4depicts an additional non-limiting example of a different fiber optic implementation400that can facilitate one or more approaches described herein. For purposes of brevity, description of some details described with different embodiments herein are omitted. As depicted, implementation400includes optical fiber402, encased as depicted by buffer404, binder406, strength member408, and jacket410. It is appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s), given the description herein, that implementation400can be termed a ‘fiber ribbon,’ and as discussed further below, one or more embodiments can be formed to accommodate the arrangement of optical fiber402.

FIG.5is a diagram that depicts a non-limiting example operation of a system500that can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted. As depicted, system500includes a side view of an implementation of one or more embodiments in a first (‘open’) state501, with components and functions similar to securing component355discussed above. To illustrate operation of system500,FIG.5further includes a magnified side view that depicts the implementation in second (‘closed’) state502.

One way of describing the embodiments depicted inFIG.5is that system500includes a temporary slip coupler530(e.g., similar to securing component355) that can temporarily receive the bare ended fiber strand504, e.g., with a clamp in an open position519A. Once received, the clamp can be moved to a closed position519B, thereby bringing bare ended fiber strand504into a precise alignment (e.g., to a selected threshold of alignment accuracy) with another optical strand (e.g., by placing component324or other mechanical approach) that can be a part of slip coupler530. As depicted, one approach to establishing this alignment is by the operation of opposing members565A-B.

Based at least on the alignment, one or more embodiments can facilitate an optical connection between bare ended fiber strand504and the other optical strand while maintaining air gap589between the strands, e.g., the air gap distance being maintained to a selected threshold level of accuracy. Once completed, closed state502could be reverted to open state501by changing the clamp to the open position519A, thereby releasing bare ended fiber strand504.

One having skill in the relevant art(s), given the description herein, appreciates that this approach can have advantages over other approaches (e.g., fusion or mechanical splicing of fiber strands) for many applications, including but not limited to, testing the fiber strands. That is, one or more embodiments can use raw fiber slip coupler connector550to accelerate testing and characterization processes for fiber optic strands in many different contexts, e.g., by fiber optic diagnostic equipment. One or more embodiments can improve the speed of fiber fault location because fiber connectors do not have to be spliced or otherwise connected to strands before testing.

FIG.6is a diagram of a non-limiting example system600that provides a more detailed, top view of some elements of different implementations of system500described above. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted.

System600includes cable610, being held by strand clamp680. It should be noted that, as depicted, cable610can be an example of implementation400discussed above, e.g., a fiber optic ribbon cable. System600further includes clamp operator606being movable to an open state501or closed state502, described withFIG.5above. It should be noted that the top view ofFIG.6illustrates the arrangement685of optical fiber402(e.g., in the ribbon cable ofFIG.4) within strand clamp680.

FIG.6also provides additional detail regarding the implementation of air gap589ofFIG.5. As depicted, strand clamp680interfaces with air gap alignment tray608to precisely align the optical strands of cable610with output strands635affixed to strand clamp680, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG.7illustrates an example method700that can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted.

At702, method700can include moving opposing members of a fiber optic securing clip from an open position to a closed position, wherein the opposing members are spaced apart to receive a first fiber optic strand comprising a bare end. At704, method700can include, based on the opposing members being in the closed position, securing the bare end of the first fiber optic strand within the fiber optic securing clip comprising optically coupling the first fiber optic strand to an end of a second fiber optic strand.

In one or more embodiments, method700can further include moving the opposing members from the closed position to the open position, and based on the opposing members being in the open position, releasing the bare end of the first fiber optic strand from being secured within the fiber optic securing clip. In one or more embodiments, method700can further include moving the opposing members from the open position to the closed position, and based on the opposing members being in the closed position, securing a second bare end of a third fiber optic strand within the fiber optic securing clip comprising optically coupling the third fiber optic strand to the end of the second fiber optic strand.

FIG.8illustrates an example method800that can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted.

At802, method800can include receiving a bare end of a first fiber optic strand by securing members of a fiber optic diagnostic clip, resulting in a received first fiber optic strand. At804, method800can further include communicating a light signal from the first fiber optic strand to a second fiber optic strand via an optical coupling of the first fiber optic strand to the second fiber optic strand, wherein the optical coupling is facilitated by the securing members securing the received first fiber optic strand within the fiber optic diagnostic clip, as a result of which the bare end of the first fiber optic strand is communicatively aligned with a coupling end of the second fiber optic strand.

FIG.9depicts a system900that can facilitate coupling fiber optic strands by aligning the ends of the fiber optic strands, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For purposes of brevity, description of like elements and/or processes employed in other embodiments is omitted. As depicted, system900can include joining component122, placing component126, and other components described or suggested by different embodiments described herein, that can improve the operation of system900.

In an example, component902can include the functions of joining component122, supported by the other layers of system900. For example, component902can join opposing members to be spaced apart to receive a bare ended first fiber optic strand into a fiber optic securing clip. In an example, component904can include the functions of placing component124, supported by the other layers of system900. For example, component904can join opposing members to be spaced apart to receive a bare ended first fiber optic strand into a fiber optic securing clip.

FIG.10provides additional context for various embodiments described herein, intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable operating environment1000in which the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can be implemented. While the embodiments have been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be also implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

The computer1002further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014(e.g., EIDE, SATA), one or more external storage devices1016(e.g., a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD)1016, a memory stick or flash drive reader, a memory card reader, etc.) and a drive1020, e.g., such as a solid-state drive, an optical disk drive, which can read or write from a disk1022, such as a CD-ROM disc, a DVD, a BD, etc. Alternatively, where a solid-state drive is involved, disk1022would not be included, unless separate. While the internal HDD1014is illustrated as located within the computer1002, the internal HDD1014can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown). Additionally, while not shown in environment1000, a solid-state drive (SSD) could be used in addition to, or in place of, an HDD1014. The HDD1014, external storage device(s)1016and drive1020can be connected to the system bus1008by an HDD interface1024, an external storage interface1026and a drive interface1028, respectively. The interface1024for external drive implementations can include at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

When used in either a LAN or WAN networking environment, the computer1002can access cloud storage systems or other network-based storage systems in addition to, or in place of, external storage devices1016as described above, such as but not limited to a network virtual machine providing one or more aspects of storage or processing of information. Generally, a connection between the computer1002and a cloud storage system can be established over a LAN1054or WAN1056e.g., by the adapter1058or modem1060, respectively. Upon connecting the computer1002to an associated cloud storage system, the external storage interface1026can, with the aid of the adapter1058and/or modem1060, manage storage provided by the cloud storage system as it would other types of external storage. For instance, the external storage interface1026can be configured to provide access to cloud storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to the computer1002.

Aspects, features, or advantages of the subject matter can be exploited in substantially any, or any, wired, broadcast, wireless telecommunication, radio technology or network, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of such technologies or networks include Geocast technology; broadcast technologies (e.g., sub-Hz, ELF, VLF, LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, THz broadcasts, etc.); Ethernet; X.25; powerline-type networking (e.g., PowerLine AV Ethernet, etc.); femto-cell technology; Wi-Fi; Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX); Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (Enhanced GPRS); Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP or 3G) Long Term Evolution (LTE); 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or 3GPP UMTS; Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB); High Speed Packet Access (HSPA); High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA); High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA); GSM Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (RAN) or GERAN; Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); or LTE Advanced.