Abstract:
A retainer provides locking and compliance between components. In a first implementation, the retainer includes a non-compliant member and a compliant member. The non- compliant member is configured to expand in a first direction. The compliant member attaches to the non-compliant member and is configured to deflect forces applied to the non-compliant member in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. In a second implementation, the retainer includes a rail and a group of wedge segments configured to attach to the rail and expand in a first direction. At least one of the wedge segments includes an integrated spring element.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to retainers and, more particularly, to systems and methods for integrating an elastic mechanism with a retainer.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Network devices commonly include non-compliant retainers, such as wedge locks, that lock circuit boards or other devices into position. When network devices are placed into an underwater (or high pressure) environment, the devices may be subject to stresses and strains that tend to alter their shape and size. The forces applied to the non-compliant retainers within these network devices as a result of the increased pressure may cause the non-compliant retainers to deform, thereby detracting from their effectiveness.  
           [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for systems and methods that add compliance to non-compliant retainers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    Systems and methods consistent with the present invention address this and other needs by combining the features of a wedge lock or retainer for processing modules with an elastic mechanism, such as a coil spring, elastomer, integral spring element, or linear wave spring, in order to provide both locking and compliance between components.  
           [0007]    In accordance with the principles of this invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an optical processing device includes a frame, at least one processing module that amplifies an optical signal received by the optical processing device, and a retainer that is positioned between the processing module and the frame. The retainer includes a rail, a wedge lock configured to attach to the rail and expand in a first direction, and an elastic mechanism attached to the wedge lock and configured to deflect forces applied to the wedge lock in one of the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.  
           [0008]    In another implementation consistent with the present invention, a retainer includes a non-compliant member and a compliant member. The non-compliant member is configured to expand in a first direction. The compliant member attaches to the non-compliant member and is configured to deflect forces applied to the non-compliant member in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.  
           [0009]    In yet another implementation consistent with the present invention, a method of manufacturing a deflectable wedge lock is provided. The method includes providing a wedge lock that includes a group of wedge lock segments and attaching one or more elastic mechanisms to the wedge lock to reduce forces applied to the wedge lock.  
           [0010]    In a further implementation consistent with the present invention, a retainer includes a rail and a group of wedge segments configured to attach to the rail and expand in a first direction. At least one of the wedge segments includes an integrated spring element.  
           [0011]    In yet a further implementation consistent with the present invention, a method of manufacturing a deflectable wedge lock includes providing a rail and mounting a group of wedge lock segments onto the rail. At least one of the wedge lock segments includes an integrated spring element configured to deflect forces applied to the deflectable wedge lock.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, explain the invention. In the drawings,  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be implemented;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the line unit of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view of a deflectable wedge lock in an implementation consistent with the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 3 in greater detail;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 3 in an assembled, uncompressed state;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 3 in an assembled, compressed state;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock in another implementation consistent with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 7 in a compressed state;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock in yet another implementation consistent with the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 9 in a compressed state;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock in a further implementation consistent with the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 11 in a compressed state;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock in yet a further implementation consistent with the present invention; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock of FIG. 13 in a compressed state. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]    The following detailed description of implementations consistent with the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents.  
         [0028]    Implementations consistent with the present invention provide a deflectable wedge lock design. In exemplary embodiments, the deflectable wedge lock design is configured by associating a coil spring, elastomeric material, integral spring element, or a linear wave spring with a wedge lock in order to provide both locking and compliance between segments retained by the deflectable wedge lock. Such a configuration is particularly attractive to devices that are mounted within a structure that is known to deflect during use, such as within a pressure vessel.  
       EXEMPLARY SYSTEM CONFIGURATION  
       [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system  100  in which systems and methods consistent with the present invention may be implemented. As illustrated, system  100  includes two land communication portions that are interconnected via an underwater communication portion. The land portions may include land networks  110  and land terminals  120 . The underwater portion may include line units  130  and an underwater network  140 . Two land networks  110 , land terminals  120 , and line units  130  are illustrated for simplicity. It will be appreciated that a typical system may include more or fewer devices and networks than are illustrated in FIG. 1. Line units  130  are sometimes referred to as “repeaters.”  
         [0030]    The land network  110  may include one or more networks, such as the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or another type of network. Land terminals  120  include devices that convert signals received from the land network  110  into optical signals for transmission to the line unit  130 , and vice versa. The land terminals  120  may connect to the land network  110  via wired, wireless, or optical connections. In an implementation consistent with the present invention, the land terminals  120  connect to the line units  130  via an optical connection.  
         [0031]    The land terminals  120  may include, for example, long reach transmitters/receivers that convert signals into an optical format for long haul transmission and convert underwater optical signals back into a format for transmission to the land network  110 . The land terminals  110  may also include wave division multiplexers and optical conditioning units that multiplex and amplify optical signals prior to transmitting these signals to line units  130 , and line current equipment that provides power to the line units  130  and underwater network  140 .  
         [0032]    The underwater network  140  may include groups of line units and/or other devices capable of routing and amplifying optical signals in an underwater environment. The line units  130  include devices capable of receiving optical signals and transmitting these signals to other line units  130  via the underwater network  140 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the line unit  130  of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the line unit  130  may include an outer case  210 , an insulating layer  220 , groups of processing modules  230 - 234 , and deflectable wedge locks  240 . It will be appreciated that a typical line unit  130  may include other devices (not shown) that aid in the reception, processing, or transmission of optical signals. Moreover, although the exemplary implementation of FIG. 2 portrays line unit  130  as having three processing modules, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is applicable to line units (or other devices) having any number of processing modules (i.e., four, or more or less than three) that are secured to a frame.  
         [0034]    The outer case  210  holds the electronic circuits needed for receiving and transmitting optical signals to other line units  130  and land terminals  120 . The outer case  210  provides the electronic circuits with a pressure or watertight environment. As illustrated, the outer case  210  may be of a hollow cylindrical shape. Alternative configurations are also possible.  
         [0035]    The outer case  210  may be fabricated of a high strength material, such as beryllium copper, titanium, nickel-based alloys, stellite, or the like. In an underwater or undersea environment, such a material should be chosen that provides good heat transfer characteristics for dissipating heat from inside the line unit  130  to the surrounding water.  
         [0036]    The insulation layer  220  electrically isolates the electronic circuits and circuit mountings within the line unit  130  from the outer case  210 . The insulator  220  may be applied uniformly to the inside of the outer case  210  to a thickness to withstand expected high voltage within the line unit  130 , but limited from any excessive thickness to maximize heat transfer through the insulator  220 .  
         [0037]    The processing modules  230 - 234  may include electronic circuits for receiving, processing, and transmitting optical signals and circuit mountings. The circuit mountings act as a heat sink for the electronic circuits and as a heat conduit to the insulation layer  220 . The circuit mountings may be fabricated out of a high conductivity material, such as aluminum. The contoured, or curved, surfaces of the processing modules  230 - 234  may be shaped to fit snugly against the inside, or exposed, side of the layer of insulation  220 . The processing modules  230 - 234  may be positioned so that free space exists between adjacent ones of them, allowing them to be free of stress when the line unit  130  is in a high pressure location (e.g., at sea bottom).  
         [0038]    The deflectable wedge locks  240  ensure separation between the processing modules  230 - 234  and ensure that the processing modules  230 - 234  and layer of insulation  220  remain in intimate contact, regardless of whether the line unit  130  expands or contracts as a result of changes in pressure. Keeping the processing modules  230 - 234  in intimate contact with the insulator  220  assures good thermal conductivity.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cross sectional view of a deflectable wedge lock  300  in an implementation consistent with the present invention. As illustrated, the deflectable wedge lock  300  includes a rail  310 , a wedge lock  320 , a coil spring  330 , and a fastener  340 .  
         [0040]    The rail  310  allows for mounting of the wedge lock  320 . The length and composition of the rail  310  may be selected so as to ensure that the deflectable wedge lock  300  is capable of performing the functions described above. In one implementation consistent with the present invention, the length of the rail  310  may be approximately equal to the length of the line unit  130 . The rail  310  may be configured to have a “T” bar-like cross-section along its length. Such a configuration allows the rail  310  to retain the wedge lock  320  once the wedge lock  320  is in place. Other configurations may alternatively be used (e.g., two deflectable wedge locks each extending along approximately half the length of a processing module). The rail  310  may be securely mounted to the processing module  230  via screws, adhesives, rivets, or the like. Alternatively, the rail  310  may be securely mounted to a frame of the line unit  130 .  
         [0041]    As will be described in additional detail below, the wedge lock  320  may include several wedge lock segments. These segments may be of such a configuration as to allow the wedge lock  320  to be slid over the rail  310  and expand and contract in a well-known manner. The wedge lock  320  may be composed of aluminum or other similar types of heat conductive materials.  
         [0042]    The coil spring  330  may be positioned between the wedge lock  320  and the fastener  340 . The coil spring  330  allows the wedge lock  320  to retain its locking position despite deformations to the line unit  130  caused, for example, by changes in pressure (or other external forces). The coil spring  330  may be sized to provide the amount of force needed to constrain the wedge segments, while also providing the necessary tension needed to accommodate deformations in the line unit  130 . The ability to provide compliance comes from the amount of travel provided by the coil spring. Coil spring  330  may, for example, have an amount of travel (i.e., the difference between the free height and fully compressed height of the coil spring) of more than 0.1 or 0.2 inches and possibly as much or more than 0.5 inches. The fastener  340  may be a screw or other similar type of fastening device capable of applying pressure to the wedge lock  320  in order to compress the various wedge segments together and expand the wedge lock  320  to the desired height.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock  300  of FIG. 3 in greater detail. As illustrated, the deflectable wedge lock  300  includes a rail  310 , wedge lock segments  410 - 450 , a coil spring  330 , washers  460 , and a fastener  340 . The rail  310 , coil spring  330 , and fastener  340  may be similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 3.  
         [0044]    The wedge lock  320  may include five wedge segments  410 - 450 . The wedge segments  410 - 450  may be configured to slide onto and mate with the rail  310  in a way that precludes the wedge segments  410 - 450  from becoming easily misaligned. In other words, the wedge segments  410 - 450  should not be able to rotate about the rail  310 , or be removed from the rail  310  except by sliding them off an end of the rail  310 . The wedge segments  410 - 450  may include ramped ends that allow the overall height of the wedge lock  320  to be adjusted once the segments  410 - 450  are positioned on the rail  310 . The number of wedge segments, and the length of each wedge segment, may be varied in accordance with the type or size of deflectable wedge lock desired. The washers  460  may include any conventional type of washers.  
         [0045]    The deflectable wedge lock  300  may be assembled in the following manner. The rail  310  may be attached to the processing module  230  (or other appropriate surface, such as a frame of the line unit  130 ). As illustrated, the rail  310  may include a group of attachment holes  480  that allow the rail  310  to be mounted to the processing module  230  via screws, rivets, and the like. Alternatively, the rail  310  may be mounted to the processing module  230  through the use of adhesives.  
         [0046]    The end wedge segment  410  may be attached to the rail  310  via an attachment pin  415  or other similar type of mechanism. The end wedge segment  410  serves to retain the other wedge segments  420 - 450  on the rail  310 . The end wedge segment  410  may be attached to the rail  310  prior to or after the rail  310  has been mounted to the processing module  230 .  
         [0047]    Once the end wedge segment  410  has been attached to the rail  310 , the other wedge segments  420 - 440  and end wedge segment  450  may be slid onto the rail  310 . As illustrated, the end wedge segment  450  may be configured with an unramped front end that allows the fastener  340  to apply pressure equally through the washers  460  and coil spring  330  to the wedge lock  320 . The coil spring  330 , washers  460 , and fastener  340  should be locked in place so as to prohibit loosening during use. This may be accomplished, for example, through the use of a mechanical locking device or a thread-locking adhesive.  
         [0048]    It will be appreciated that the number of washers  460  illustrated in FIG. 4 is provided for simplicity. In practice, the deflectable wedge lock  300  may include more or fewer washers than illustrated in FIG. 4. Moreover, the washers  460  may be positioned differently than illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, a washer  460  may be positioned between the coil spring  330  and the end wedge segment  450 .  
         [0049]    Once the wedge segments  410 - 450  have been slid onto the rail  310 , the fastener  340  may connect to the rail  310  via the wedge lock attachment opening  470  in a well-known manner. FIG. 5 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock  300  of FIG. 3 in an assembled, uncompressed state. As illustrated, when the deflectable wedge lock  300  is in an uncompressed state, a gap may exist between the deflectable wedge lock  300  and the processing module  234 . By tightening the fastener  340 , the deflectable wedge lock  300  expands to fill the gap, as illustrated in FIG. 6.  
         [0050]    When the line unit  130  is positioned in an underwater environment (e.g., the bottom of the ocean), external pressure may cause the outer case  210  of the line unit  130  to contract. The deflectable wedge lock  300  may retain its compressed state (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6) by deflecting the forces applied by the external pressure to the coil spring  330 . Such a configuration is contrary to conventional wedge locks, which are inflexible once placed into a compressed state.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock  700  in another implementation consistent with the present invention. The deflectable wedge lock  700  is configured in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS.  3 - 6 , except that the coil spring  330  is replaced with an elastomer  710 .  
         [0052]    The elastomer  710  may include rubber or any other solid material having elastic properties similar to that of natural rubber, but, preferably, will be a material that will retain its level of elasticity over time. The elastomer  710  allows the wedge lock  320  to retain its locking position despite deformations to the line unit  130  caused, for example, by changes in pressure (or other external forces). Similar to the coil spring  330 , the elastomer  710  may be incorporated with the existing wedge lock hardware used to cause the wedge lock to expand. The elastomer  710  may be sized to provide the amount of force needed to constrain the wedge segments, while also providing the necessary tension needed to accommodate deformations in the line unit  130 .  
         [0053]    In an uncompressed state, a gap exists between the deflectable wedge lock  700  and the processing module  234 . By tightening the fastener  340 , the deflectable wedge lock  700  expands to fill the gap, as illustrated in FIG. 8.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock  900  in yet another implementation consistent with the present invention. The deflectable wedge lock  900  is configured in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS.  3 - 6 . In this exemplary implementation, however, the coil spring  330  is eliminated and an elastomer  910  is positioned between the wedge segments  410 - 450  and the processing module  234 .  
         [0055]    The elastomer  910  may include rubber or any other solid material having elastic properties similar to that of natural rubber, while retaining its reactive force over time. The elastomer  910  allows the wedge lock to retain its locking position despite deformations to the line unit  130  caused, for example, by changes in pressure (or other external forces). The elastomer  910  may be attached to the wedge segments  410 - 450  via adhesives, epoxies, or other mechanisms based on the specific material used for the elastomer  910 . In an alternative implementation, a separate elastomer may be attached to each of the wedge segments  410 - 450  or to some subset of the wedge segments  410 - 450 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 10 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock  900  in a compressed state. Once in the compressed state, any external forces applied to the deflectable wedge lock  900  may be absorbed by the elastomer  910 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock  1100  in a further implementation consistent with the present invention. The deflectable wedge lock  1100  is configured in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10. In this exemplary implementation, however, the elastomer  910  is replaced with a linear wave spring  1110 .  
         [0058]    The linear wave spring  1110  may include any type of conventional linear wave spring that allows the wedge lock to retain its locking position despite deformations to the line unit  130 . As shown, linear wave spring  1110  includes a single wave; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that linear spring  1110  could include two or more waves. The linear wave spring  1110  may include slots along its length that allow the linear wave spring  1110  to be attached to the wedge segments  410 - 450 . For such a configuration, one or more of the wedge segments  410 - 450  may include tabs, fasteners, screws, or other mechanisms that extend up from the wedge segments  410 - 450  through the linear wave spring  1110 . The linear wave spring attachment mechanism should be capable of constraining the linear wave spring  1110  while allowing it to expand longitudinally. In an alternative implementation, a separate linear wave spring may be attached to each of the wedge segments  410 - 450  or some subset of the wedge segments  410 - 450 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 12 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock  1100  in a compressed state. Once in the compressed state, any external forces applied to the deflectable wedge lock  1100  may be absorbed by the linear wave spring  1110 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the deflectable wedge lock  1300  in yet a further implementation consistent with the present invention. In this exemplary implementation, a spring element is integrated into the wedge lock segments.  
         [0061]    As illustrated, wedge segments  420  and  440  of FIG. 4 have been replaced with wedge segments  1310  and  1330  having one or more spring elements integrated therein. The integrated spring elements may be composed of any type of material that is strong enough to allow the wedge lock  1300  to retain its locking position, yet flexible enough to deflect external forces applied to the wedge lock  1300  in the expandable direction. These external forces may, for example, be the result of changes in pressure that causes the line unit  130  to deform.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 14 illustrates the deflectable wedge lock  1300  in a compressed state. Once in the compressed state, any external forces applied to the deflectable wedge lock  1300  may be absorbed by the wedge lock&#39;s integrated spring elements.  
       CONCLUSION  
       [0063]    Systems and methods, consistent with the present invention, provide locking and compliance between processing modules in an underwater device. An elastic mechanism is associated with a wedge lock in order to deflect deformations and stresses applied to the underwater device as a result of changes in external pressure.  
         [0064]    The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, while the deflectable wedge lock has been described as being associated with a coil spring, elastomer, integrated spring element, or linear wave spring, a combination of these devices or other elastic mechanisms, such as other types of springs, may alternatively be used. For example, the wedge lock could be associated with an adhesive or epoxy mixture that is cured in and/or around the wedge lock. In an alternative implementation, the insulating layer could attach to the wedge lock and serve as the elastic mechanism.  
         [0065]    Moreover, while the above description focused on an underwater environment, implementations consistent with the present invention are not so limited. For example, the deflectable wedge lock could alternatively be implemented in ground-based, space, or aerospace environments.  
         [0066]    No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used.  
         [0067]    The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.