Patent Description:
The capabilities of fiber optic connectors, fiber optic cable and fiber optic hardware have been continuously advanced to meet the demands of increasing numbers of users and high transmission rate requirements. Fiber optic hardware is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, such as data transmission, video, broadband voice and the like. The fiber optic cable, connectors or electrical cables, or fiber optic cable with connectors are connected to a fiber optic adapter mounted in a panel assembly disposed in a cable management rack located in a data center or a server room. The fiber optic adapter provides cable-to-cable fiber optic connections and manages the polarity of fiber optic cable connections. The fiber optic adapters are mounted to a cassette or a face plate on a tray that may be further mounted to the panel assembly. The tray may be extended from the panel assembly like a drawer to allow technicians or operators to access the fiber optic components, connectors, or fiber optic cables connected to the fiber optic module, without removing the fiber optic module from the panel assembly.

When a fiber optic connector is disconnected from the fiber optic adapter, a light beam originally propagating from the fiber optic connector may inadvertently be directed into the eye of a technician or other person and may therefore cause damage to the person's eyes or vision. Furthermore, removing the fiber optic connector from its respective fiber optic adapter may also allow dust and contaminants to reach an end face of the ferrule, resulting in damage or signal degradation.

Document <CIT> relates to an optical fiber adapter with a shutter member.

The presently claimed subject-matter is defined in independent claim <NUM>. A shutter assembly for a fiber optic adapter is provided. The shutter assembly may be disposed in a dual polarity optic fiber adapter that may receive fiber optic connectors with different polarities. The shutter assembly may eliminate dust accumulation and obstruct light beam emissions from unintentionally exiting the fiber optic adapter when the connector is removed. In one example, the fiber optic adapter includes a housing comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls defining an interior cavity. A shutter assembly is disposed in the interior cavity of the housing. The shutter assembly includes a base plate and one or more shutter doors pivotally coupled to a first side of the base plate through a respective hinge assembly. Each shutter door is disposed in parallel and spaced apart horizontally. One or more engagement plates are coupled to a second side of the base plate. Each engagement plate is configured to horizontally face a respective shutter door of the one or more shutter doors.

In one example, a biasing member is disposed in the interior cavity configured to abut against a channel defined in the base plate. The channel is defined between a first portion and a second portion of the first side of the base plate. The first portion is coupled to a first shutter door of the one or more shutter doors and the second portion is coupled to a second shutter door of the one or more shutter doors.

In one example, the engagement plate is configured to engage with a fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is connected in the fiber optic adapter. The engagement plate is moved laterally toward the respective shutter door to pivotally lift up the respective shutter door when engaging with the fiber optic connector. The biasing member exerts a force pushing the engagement plate against the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is connected in the fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector is a dual polarity fiber optic connector. The engagement plate is configured to engage with an end surface of the fiber optic connector.

In one example, each shutter door is pivotally movable between a first position substantially vertical to the base plate and a second position substantially parallel to the base plate. Each of the one or more shutter doors is in contact with an inner structure when in the first position.

In one example, one or more connector connection ports are formed in the interior cavity. Each connector connection port is configured to receive one of the one or more shutter doors and its respective engagement plate in the connector connection port. The base plate is disposed on a partition wall defined in the housing bridging between the one or more connector connection ports. The biasing member rests on a passage defined on a top surface of the partition wall.

The present disclosure further provides a fiber optic adapter include a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls defining an interior cavity. At least two connector connection ports are disposed in the interior cavity. Each connector connection port is configured to receive a dual polarity connector. A shutter assembly is disposed in the interior cavity. The shutter assembly includes a base plate and a pair of shutter doors coupled to a first side of the base plate. Each shutter door is disposed in a respective connector connection port of the at least two connector connection ports. Each shutter door is pivotally coupled to the first side of the base plate through a hinge assembly. A pair of engagement plates is coupled to a second side of the base plate. Each engagement plate is horizontally aligned with a respective shutter door disposed in the respective connector connection port.

In one example, an interior partition wall is defined between the at least two connector connection ports. A passage is formed on a top surface of the interior partition wall configured to receive a biasing member. A channel is formed in the base plate configured to abut against the biasing member. The base plate is disposed across the at least two connector connection ports.

In on example, an extending tab is formed on one of the sidewalls extending outward from the housing. The shutter door is pivotally movable between a first position substantially vertical to the base plate and a second position parallel to the base plate.

The present disclosure further provides a fiber optic adapter includes a housing comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls defining an interior cavity. At least two pairs of connector connection ports are disposed in the interior cavity. Each connector connection port is configured to receive a dual polarity connector. A partition wall is defined between each pair of the connector connection ports. An extending tab disposed on the partition wall extending outward from the housing. A shutter assembly is disposed in each pair of the connector connection ports.

This disclosure provides a shutter assembly for a fiber optic adapter that may eliminate dust accumulation and obstruct unintended light beam emissions that can be harmful to human eyes. In one example, the shutter assembly is configured to be disposed in a dual polarity fiber optic adapter that may receive fiber optic connectors with different polarities. The shutter assembly includes a shutter door that may be actuated and biased when engaged with a fiber optic connector. An engagement plate is configured to be engaged with the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is inserted in the adapter. When the fiber optic connector is inserted into the dual polarity fiber optic adapter, a sufficient actuating force is applied to overcome a biasing force from a biasing member with which the shutter door is engaged. The actuating force pushes the engagement plate laterally and inwardly to swing or rotate the shutter door from an unbiased position, such as a closed position, to a biased position, such as an opened position. The shutter assembly is disposed in an internal cavity defined in the dual polarity adapter. The dual polarity adapter includes multiple slots defined in a connector connection port. The multiple slots are configured to mate with a fiber optic connector with any polarity configuration, such as standard, straight, or reversed polarity configurations. Thus, the need for ordering different types of adapters with different polarity configurations and fiber management system to mate with the fiber optic connectors with different polarity configurations may be eliminated. Furthermore, the dual polarity fiber optic adapter with the shutter assembly may also eliminate dust accumulation and likelihood of damage to eyes of a user.

<FIG> depict an example of a fiber optic connector <NUM> that provides dual polarity configurations. <FIG> depicts a top view of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. The fiber optic connector <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> that has two ferrules 110a, 110b connected thereto. While two ferrules <NUM> are shown in the example depicted in <FIG>, it should be understood that additional or fewer ferrules may be included in the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a front view of the fiber optic connector <NUM> illustrating the two ferrules 110a, 110b formed at a front section <NUM> of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. An end surface <NUM> of each ferrule <NUM> is configured to mate with an inner structure defined in an adapter when inserted in the adapter for light beam transmission. Connector polarity indicia <NUM> is formed in the body <NUM> that indicates the polarity of the connector <NUM>. The body <NUM> encases two optical fibers connecting to the two ferrules 110a, 110b respectively. The two optical fibers enclosed in the body <NUM> are connected to a cable <NUM> connected to the body <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. A latch <NUM> has a first end <NUM> connected to the ferrules 110a, 110b through a spring latch arm <NUM> and a second end <NUM> connected to the body <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is used to secure the fiber optic connector <NUM> to an adapter. The spring latch arm <NUM> releasably engages the latch <NUM>. The spring latch arm <NUM> may be pressed to disengage from the latch <NUM>. When the spring latch arm <NUM> is released and disengaged from the latch <NUM>, the ferrules 110a, 110b may be inserted into an adapter in a predetermined insertion direction. The adapter may be disposed in a chassis (not shown) mounted in a fiber management system. The latch <NUM> abuts against the spring latch arm <NUM> connected to the ferrules 110a, 110b for manually pressing the latter to move downwardly to allow disengagement between the ferrules 110a, 110b and the adapter, and removal of the ferrules 110a, 110b out of the port. When a reversal of the polarity configuration is desired, the spring latch arm <NUM> may be pressed to discharge the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the body <NUM>. The ferrules 110a, 110b may then be flipped and rotated for <NUM> degrees for polarity reversal and the latch <NUM> will then be reattached to the opposite site of the body <NUM>. Details of the adapter that may be utilized to mate with the fiber optic connector <NUM> with dual polarity is illustrated Figure below in detail with references to <FIG>.

<FIG> depict a perspective view, a side view, a rear end view and a top view, respectively, of an adapter module <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The adapter module <NUM> includes a plurality of adapters <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> is a dual polarity adapter that may accommodate different orientations and geometrical configurations of the fiber optic connector <NUM> with different polarity configurations. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the adapter module <NUM> includes four adapters <NUM> connected together, such as in a line or stack, so as to save space and maximize the usage of the space among the adapters <NUM>. It is noted that the adapter module <NUM> may have any number of adapters <NUM> as needed for different configurations of the patch panel onto which the adapter module <NUM> will be mounted. For example, the adapter module may include one, two, five, six, or many more adapters. It is noted that the density of fiber interconnection may be maximized by utilizing multiple adapter modules <NUM> to be disposed side-by-side with multiple arrays. In this manner, the adapter modules <NUM> are abutting one another in adjacent rows and adjacent columns, thus eliminating wasted space from between adjacent rows and adjacent columns and providing a maximum density of connection adapters <NUM> for the available opening space in the patch panel. In one example, the adapter module <NUM> may be configured with any angular configuration to provide any connection orientation angle with respect to the patch panel.

The adapter <NUM> is configured to mate with a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG> with different polarity configurations. It is noted that the adapter <NUM> may be mated with other types of the fiber optic connector as needed when the geometric configurations of the fiber optic connector can fit in the slot and/or ports defined in the adapter <NUM>.

In one example depicted in <FIG>, the adapter module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a top wall <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM>, a first sidewall 212a, and a second sidewall 212b connecting the top wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the first and second sidewall 212a, 212b define an interior cavity <NUM>, such as a passage. The interior cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is divided by a plurality of partition walls <NUM>, defining multiple adapters <NUM> with multiple connector connection ports <NUM> therein. The partition wall <NUM> is connected from the top wall <NUM> to the bottom wall <NUM>. Each connector connection port <NUM> is configured to receive a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Each adapter <NUM> defined in the adapter module <NUM> may be symmetrically identical, and the first and second sidewalls 212a, 212b may also be symmetrically identical, such that upon rotation of the adapter module <NUM> along with its longitudinal axis, the tops and bottoms are interchangeable.

The adapter <NUM> may serve as a termination point between an incoming fiber optic cable connected through a rear section <NUM> of the adapter module <NUM> and an outgoing fiber optic cable, such as the cable <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, connected through the fiber optic connector <NUM>.

Although the example depicted herein has four adapters defined in an adapter module, it is noted that the numbers of the adapters formed, configured in, or connected to form an adapter module may be in any numbers as needed.

The top wall <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the first and second sidewalls 212a, 212b of the housing <NUM> as well as the partition walls <NUM> may be integrally formed as an integral body from a polymeric material, such as molded plastic.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the adapter module <NUM>. A front section <NUM> of the adapter module <NUM> has the connector connection ports <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, defined therein configured to receive the fiber optic connector <NUM>. The front section <NUM> of the adapter module <NUM> has a protruding tab <NUM> projecting outward from a center portion <NUM> between a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is vertically above the second portion <NUM> across the center portion <NUM> when the bottom wall <NUM> is referenced as a horizontal base surface. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> each define a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> formed inward from an outer center surface <NUM> defined by the protruding tab <NUM>.

The first surface <NUM> may have a curved surface extending from a first tip <NUM> of the center portion <NUM> to a top edge <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Similarly, the second surface <NUM> may have a curved surface extending from a second tip <NUM> of the center portion <NUM> to a bottom edge <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. The curvature of the first and the second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially identical and symmetrical. Thus, in one example, the first and the second surface <NUM>, <NUM> are geometrically identical. The curved surface of the first and the second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may facilitate finger gripping the structures inserted therein, such as engagement or disengagement of a latch from a fiber optic connector from the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. As discussed above, the adapter module <NUM> has the rear section <NUM> enclosing multiple cable ports <NUM> configured to receive the fiber optic cables through additional connector structures as needed.

<FIG> depicts a rear end view of the adapter module <NUM>. The cable ports <NUM> are formed in the rear section <NUM> of the adapter module <NUM> defined in each adapter <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a top view of the adapter module <NUM>. The rear section <NUM> and the front section <NUM> may be interlocked by a locking mechanism. In some examples, the rear section <NUM> may be removable from the front section <NUM> or vice versa, for ease of installation. In some examples, the rear and front sections <NUM>, <NUM> may be permanently secured and connected to each other. In the example wherein only one adapter <NUM> is utilized, the partition wall <NUM> may be eliminated and the first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM> and the center portion <NUM> may be formed in the first and the second exterior sidewalls 212a, 212b of the housing <NUM>. Similarly, the protruding tab <NUM> projecting outward from the center portion <NUM> between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> is defined in the first and the second sidewalls 212a, 212b. The first portion <NUM>, second portion <NUM> and the center portion <NUM> each horizontally define a first slot, a second slot and a center slot formed therebetween. The slots can receive the fiber optic connector <NUM> in the similar manner described above.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of an example of the adapter modules <NUM>. The plurality of connector connection ports <NUM> is formed in the interior cavity <NUM> defined by the partition walls <NUM>. Each partition wall <NUM> may define a pair of connector connection ports <NUM> disposed adjacent thereto in the interior cavity <NUM>, such as one connector connection port <NUM> disposed on each side of the partition wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> may be removably placed on the first and the second sidewalls 212a, 212b. At least two fastening clips 303a, 303b are utilized to secure the top wall <NUM> on the first and the second sidewalls 212a, 212b and the bottom wall <NUM>. The two side fastening clips 303a, 303b may each be coupled to the first and the second sidewalls 212a, 212b and removable from the adapter modules <NUM>. The two side fastening clips 303a, 303b may facilitate removal of the top wall <NUM> from the adapter modules <NUM>, or placement of the top wall <NUM> in the adapter modules <NUM>.

A passage <NUM> may be formed on a top surface of the partition wall <NUM>. The passage <NUM> may receive a biasing member <NUM> disposed on the partition wall <NUM>. In one example, the biasing member <NUM> may be a compressive spring that exerts a force when being pushed by a shutter assembly <NUM>. The shutter assembly <NUM> may be disposed in the adapter modules <NUM> and maybe removable. The shutter assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of shutter doors <NUM> configured to be disposed in their respective connector connection ports <NUM>. When the shutter assembly <NUM> is pushed against the biasing member <NUM>, the shutter doors <NUM> may be forced to pivotally swing, rotate, lift, or open from a first position, such as a closed position, to a second position, such as an opened position.

In some examples, the shutter assembly <NUM> generally includes the shutter door <NUM>, an engagement plate <NUM>, and a base plate <NUM> connected between the shutter door <NUM> and the engagement plate <NUM>. In one example, a pair of shutter doors <NUM> and a pair of engagement plates <NUM> may be disposed on two parallel sides of the base plate <NUM>. The shutter door <NUM> is configured to be in contact with an inner structure <NUM> in the adapter module <NUM> when positioned in the adapter module <NUM>. The inner structure <NUM> may facilitate light beam transmission when in connection with a connector inserted therein during operation. Details of the shutter assembly <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

In the example depicted in <FIG>, two pairs of connector connection ports <NUM> are formed in the interior cavity <NUM>. Each connector connection port <NUM> is configured to receive the shutter door <NUM> and its respective engagement plate <NUM> in the connector connection port <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of an example of the adapter modules <NUM> of <FIG> with <NUM> degrees rotation, such as a bottom side up view of the adapter modules <NUM>, as opposed to the example depicted in <FIG>. The shutter assembly <NUM> is engaged with and abutted against the biasing member <NUM> when placed on the top wall <NUM> of the adapter modules <NUM>. As discussed above, each shutter assembly <NUM> is configured to engage with one biasing member <NUM> and each of shutter doors <NUM> and engagement plates <NUM> of the shutter assembly <NUM> is configured to be disposed in a respective connection connector port <NUM> defined by the partition wall <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an example of the shutter assembly <NUM> that may be disposed in the fiber optic adapter <NUM> according to aspects of the disclosure. <FIG> depicts a top view of the shutter assembly <NUM>. The shutter assembly <NUM> has a base plate <NUM> having a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. The second side <NUM> may be configured to be substantially parallel to the first side <NUM>. The pair of engagement plates <NUM> may be attached to the base plate <NUM> from the second side <NUM>. The pair of the shutter doors <NUM> is coupled to the base plate <NUM> through a hinge assembly <NUM> on the first side <NUM>. The hinge assembly <NUM> may include a hinge spring <NUM> that may force the shutter door <NUM> to be pivoted from a closed position to an opened position when actuated to mate with a connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Thus, the shutter door <NUM> is capable of obstructing the light beam emission when in its closed position.

A channel <NUM> is defined in the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be substantially formed at a center point of the first side <NUM>, dividing the first side <NUM> into a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may each receive one shutter door <NUM> through the hinge assembly <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is sized to receive the biasing member <NUM> to be inserted therein.

<FIG> depicts a bottom view of the shutter door <NUM> coupled to the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. Each shutter door <NUM> of the pair of the shutter doors <NUM> may be coupled to the first and the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> through their respective hinge assembly <NUM> on the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the shutter door <NUM> coupled to the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. Each shutter door <NUM> of the pair of the shutter doors <NUM> may be coupled to one of the first and the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first side <NUM> through respective hinge assemblies <NUM>. The hinge assembly <NUM> utilizes the hinge spring <NUM> to provide an exerting force to pivotally move the shutter door <NUM> from a closed position to an opened position.

In one example, the shutter door <NUM> may have an upper part <NUM> coupled to a lower part <NUM> at an angle <NUM>. The upper part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> may be formed at an angle <NUM> relative to a horizontal surface <NUM> defined by the base plate <NUM>. The angle <NUM> formed between the upper part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> and the horizontal surface <NUM> defined by the base plate <NUM> may be determined by the styles or configurations of the hinge spring <NUM>. In one example, the angle <NUM> is an acute angle less than <NUM> degrees. Thus, the upper part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> is tilted or sloped at the angle <NUM> relative to the base plate <NUM> while the lower part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> is formed substantially vertical and/or orthogonal relative to the horizontal surface <NUM> defined by the base plate <NUM>. As the lower part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> is configured to be in contact with a connector or an inner structure in the adapter, the substantially vertical configuration of the lower part <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> provides a good fitting and mating surface to the connector or the inner structure. In one example, the angle <NUM> defined between the upper and lower part <NUM>, <NUM> of the shutter door <NUM> may be an obtuse angle greater than <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> depicts a top view of the shutter assembly <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a flipped view of the shutter assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with <NUM> degree rotation. The pair of the engagement plates <NUM> is disposed on the second side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM> while the pair of the shutter doors <NUM> is disposed on the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. Each shutter door <NUM> is disposed in parallel and spaced apart horizontally from each other. Each shutter door <NUM> is formed in one of the first and the second portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the base plate <NUM> respectively. The engagement plates <NUM> are also formed in parallel and spaced apart horizontally from each other, and each engagement plate <NUM> is configured to horizontally face a respective shutter door <NUM> of the pair of shutter doors <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> is configured to be disposed on the partition wall <NUM> abutting the biasing member <NUM> disposed on the top surface of the partition wall <NUM> defined in the housing <NUM>. The base plates <NUM> bridge between the pair of the connector connection ports <NUM>.

<FIG> depict cross sectional views of different stages of connecting a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> of <FIG>, having a first polarity into the fiber optic adapter <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the fiber optic connector <NUM> may have a first polarity, such as a straight or standard polarity having the latch <NUM> and the spring latch arm <NUM> formed on the top of the ferrule <NUM>. As the adapter <NUM> utilized in the present disclosure may accumulate and receive fiber optic adapter <NUM> with dual polarity, the standard positions of the latch <NUM> and the spring latch arm <NUM> may be inserted into an upper slot formed in the adapter <NUM>.

As the fiber optic connector <NUM> is inserted, the end surface <NUM> of the ferrule <NUM> first encounters the engagement plate <NUM> of the shutter assembly <NUM>. As the fiber optic connector <NUM> continues to be pushed in, the engagement plate <NUM> continues to be actuated and pushed laterally towards the inner structure <NUM> defined in the adapter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the meantime, the base plate <NUM> also moves along with the engagement plate <NUM>, laterally pushing against the biasing member <NUM>. The lateral movement of the base plate <NUM> causes the shutter door <NUM> to pivotally swing, move, or lift up in a direction toward the base plate <NUM>, such as a counterclockwise direction from a cross sectional view. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the shutter door <NUM> is half-way lifted up from a vertically position to a sloped position, which is configured to be continued to be rotated toward the base plate <NUM> as the advancement of the fiber optic connector <NUM> in the adapter <NUM>. The dimension of the connector connection ports <NUM> also continues to shrink as the fiber optic connector <NUM> moves in. As the fiber optic connector <NUM> eventually reaches to a final position to mate with the inner structure <NUM>, the shutter door <NUM> is moved up to a position substantially parallel to the base plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The shutter door <NUM> is lifted up in a folded configuration to be in close proximity to the base plate <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is being pushed and compressed that allows the lateral movement of the shutter assembly <NUM>. When the fiber optic connector <NUM> is removed from the adapter <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM>, by natural property of a compressive spring, provides an exerting force, pushing the shutter door <NUM> to be back in its original position, as shown in <FIG>, which is a closed position substantially vertical relative to the base plate <NUM>.

<FIG> depict cross sectional views of different stages of connecting a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> of <FIG>, having a second polarity in the fiber optic adapter <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the fiber optic connector <NUM> may have a second polarity, such as a reversed polarity having the latch <NUM> and the spring latch arm <NUM> formed on the bottom of the ferrule <NUM>. As the adapter <NUM> utilized in the present disclosure may accommodate and receive fiber optic adapter <NUM> with dual polarity, the reversed position of the latch <NUM> and the spring latch arm <NUM> may be inserted into a lower slot formed in the adapter <NUM>.

As the fiber optic connector <NUM> is inserted in the adapter <NUM>, the end surface <NUM> of the ferrule <NUM> first encounters the engagement plate <NUM> of the shutter assembly <NUM>. As the fiber optic connector <NUM> continues to be pushed in, the engagement plate <NUM> continues to be actuated and pushed laterally towards the inner structure <NUM> defined in the adapter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the meantime, the base plate <NUM> also moves along with the engagement plate <NUM>, laterally pushing against the biasing member <NUM> against which the base plate <NUM> is abutted. The lateral movement of the base plate <NUM> causes the shutter door <NUM> to pivotally swing, move, or lift up in a direction toward the base plate <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the shutter door <NUM> is half-way lifted up from a vertical position to a sloped position, which is configured to be continued to be rotated toward the base plate <NUM>. As the fiber optic connector <NUM> eventually reaches to a final position to mate with the inner structure <NUM>, the shutter door <NUM> is moved up to a position substantially parallel to the base plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The shutter door <NUM> is lifted up in a folded configuration to be in close proximity to the base plate <NUM>. The position of the shutter assembly <NUM> may be laterally pushed in from a first position having a distance <NUM> away from the fastening clips 303a, as shown in <FIG>, to a second position that is substantially encased in the fastening clips 303a, which may not be viewed from the sideview depicted in <FIG>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, only a tip end of the shutter door <NUM> may be viewed. The biasing member <NUM> is being pushed to allow the laterally movement of the shutter assembly <NUM>. When the fiber optic connector <NUM> is removed from the adapter <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM>, by natural property of a compressive spring, provides an exerting force, pushing the shutter door <NUM> to be back in its original position, as shown in Figure 7D, which is the same as the position depicted in <FIG>, allowing the shutter door <NUM> to be back in the original position, which is a closed position substantially vertical relative to the base plate <NUM>.

<FIG> depict a top perspective view and a top plain view of another example of an adapter module <NUM> having an extending tab <NUM> formed therein. The adapter module <NUM> is substantially similar to the adapter module <NUM> described above, except that the extending tab <NUM> is disposed in an interior partition wall <NUM>. The extending tab <NUM> may prevent misplacement of the fiber optic connector <NUM> in the adapter module <NUM>. The extending tab <NUM> may separate the connector connection ports <NUM> formed in the adapter module <NUM> in pairs, thus facilitating easy installation of the fiber optic connector <NUM> with the pair of ferrules 110a, 110b inserted into its respective pairs of the connector connection ports <NUM>. In one example, the extending tab <NUM> may be horizontally extended and protruded from a vertical plane <NUM> defined by the partition wall <NUM>, similar to the partition wall <NUM> depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts an example when the fiber optic connector <NUM> is misplaced in an incorrect position in the adapter module <NUM>. When the fiber optic connector <NUM> is inserted in the adapter <NUM>, a pair of the connector connection ports <NUM> are occupied. In the situation when the fiber optic connector <NUM> is misplaced, the corresponding cable may not be able to be aligned with the designated fiber optic connector <NUM> with the desired polarity, which may inadvertently interrupt the light beam transmission. Furthermore, misplacement of the fiber optic connector <NUM> may also result in some connector connection ports <NUM> being left out and not able to be paired up with its respective fiber optic connector <NUM>, thus resulting in incorrect fiber pairing of the connector connection ports <NUM> in the adapter module <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the extending tab <NUM> formed in the adapter module <NUM> may prevent and disallow the fiber optic connector <NUM> to be fully inserted into an incorrect position of the corresponding connector connection ports <NUM> in the adapter module <NUM>. Thus, a user may easily notice the misplacement as the fiber optic connector <NUM> cannot be fully inserted into the connector connection ports <NUM> by the physical obstruction created from the extending tab <NUM>. Thus, the extending tab <NUM> may serve as a divider that guides the user to insert the fiber optic connector <NUM> to a desired and corresponding connector connection port <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

According to another aspect, a shutter assembly for a dual polarity fiber optic adapter is provided. The shutter assembly disposed in the dual polarity fiber optic adapter may eliminate dust accumulation and obstruct light beams emission, thus preventing eyes from a user from exposure to the light beams. Furthermore, an extending tab formed in the dual polarity fiber optic adapter may also prevent misplacement of fiber optic connector during installation.

The shutter assembly may eliminate dust accumulation and obstruct light beam emission, thus preventing eyes from a user from exposure to the light beams. The shutter assembly includes a shutter door that may be actuated and biased when actuated by an insertion of a fiber optic connector. The shutter assembly may be disposed in a dual polarity adapter that includes multiple slots configured to receive fiber optic connectors with different polarities, such as standard, a straight, or reversed polarity configurations. The dual polarity fiber optic adapter with the inner shutter assembly may also eliminate dust accumulation and damage to eyes of an end user. Furthermore, an extending tab formed in the dual polarity adapter may also prevent misplacement of the fiber optic connector in the adapter, providing an easy installation with minimum likelihood of mistake creation. Thus, by doing so, the installation efficiency may be improved and accurate cable management may be obtained.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic adapter (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a top wall (<NUM>), a bottom wall (<NUM>) and sidewalls (212a, 212b) defining an interior cavity (<NUM>);
a shutter assembly (<NUM>) disposed in the interior cavity (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), the shutter assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a base plate (<NUM>);
one or more shutter doors (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to a first side (<NUM>) of the base plate (<NUM>) through a respective hinge assembly (<NUM>), each shutter door (<NUM>) disposed in parallel and spaced apart horizontally; and
one or more engagement plates (<NUM>) coupled to a second side (<NUM>) of the base plate (<NUM>), each engagement plate (<NUM>) configured to horizontally face a respective shutter door (<NUM>) of the one or more shutter doors (<NUM>),
characterized in that the one or more engagement plates (<NUM>) are configured to engage with an end surface (<NUM>) of a fiber optic connector (<NUM>) when the fiber optic connector (<NUM>) is connected in the fiber optic adapter (<NUM>).