Patent ID: 12222559

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.”

The following terms shall have, for the purposes of this application, the respective meanings set forth below.

A connector, as used herein, refers to a device and/or components thereof that connects a first module or cable to a second module or cable. The connector may be configured for fiber optic transmission or electrical signal transmission. The connector may be any suitable type now known or later developed, such as, for example, a ferrule connector (FC), a fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) connector, an LC connector, a mechanical transfer (MT) connector, an SC connector, an SC duplex connector, or a straight tip (ST) connector. The connector may generally be defined by a connector housing body. In some embodiments, the housing body may incorporate any or all of the components described herein.

A “fiber optic cable” or an “optical cable” refers to a cable containing one or more optical fibers for conducting optical signals in beams of light. The optical fibers can be constructed from any suitable transparent material, including glass, fiberglass, and plastic. The cable can include a jacket or sheathing material surrounding the optical fibers. In addition, the cable can be connected to a connector on one end or on both ends of the cable.

Various embodiments described herein generally provide a remote release mechanism such that a user can remove cable assembly connectors that are closely spaced together on a high density panel without damaging surrounding connectors, accidentally disconnecting surrounding connectors, disrupting transmissions through surrounding connectors, and/or the like. Various embodiments also provide narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors, for use, for example, with future narrow pitch LC SFPs and future narrow width SFPs. The remote release mechanisms allow use of the narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors in dense arrays of narrow pitch LC SFPs and narrow width multi-fiber SFPs.

FIG.1Ashows a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25 mm pitch LC connector SFP100. The SFP100is configured to receive a duplex connector, and provides two receptacles102, each for receiving a respective LC connector. The pitch104is defined as the axis-to-axis distance between the central longitudinal axes of each of the two receptacles102.FIG.1Bshows a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25 mm pitch LC adapter106. The adapter106is also configured to receive a duplex connector, and provides two receptacles108, each for receiving a respective LC connector.FIG.1Cis a top view of the adapter106ofFIG.1B. The pitch110of the adapter106is defined similarly to that of the SFP100, as the axis-to-axis distance between the central longitudinal axes of each of the two receptacles108, as illustrated inFIG.1D, which shows a front view of the adapter106.

FIG.2Ashows a prior art LC duplex connector200that may be used with the conventional SFP100and the conventional adapter106. The LC duplex connector200includes two conventional LC connectors202.FIG.2Bshows another prior art LC duplex connector204having a remote release pull tab206, and including two conventional LC connectors208. As shown, the remote release pull tab includes two prongs210, each configured to couple to the extending member212of a respective LC connector208.FIGS.2C and2Dshow top and side views, respectively, of the conventional LC connector208, having a width of 5.6 mm, and further showing the extending member212.

Various embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with a future SFP, such as the narrow pitch LC SFP300shown inFIG.3, having a pitch less than that of conventional 6.25 mm and 5.25 mm pitches. Various embodiments utilize LC type fiber optic connectors in duplex arrangements (having transmitting and receiving fibers) but with a connector axis-to-axis distance that is less than the conventional 6.25 mm and 5.25 mm pitches, as described further below.

According to another aspect, there is disclosed embodiments of narrow pitch duplex LC adapters.FIGS.4A to4Cshow one embodiment of a narrow pitch adapter400. The narrow pitch adapter400has receptacles402on opposite ends thereof, configured for mating two narrow pitch LC duplex connectors according to aspects disclosed herein.FIG.4Bshows a top view of the adapter400.FIG.4Cshows a front view, further illustrating that the adapter400has a pitch of 4.8 mm. The adapter400is configured to receive a duplex LC connector, with a pitch of the adapter corresponding to the axis-to-axis distance between the LC connectors of the LC duplex connector. Although the adapter400has a pitch of 4.8 mm, various embodiments of narrow pitch adapters disclosed herein may have a different pitch that is less than that of the pitch of conventional adapters, for example less than 6.25 mm and less than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch may be about 4.8 mm or less.

In addition to the need for narrow connectors, there is a need for remote unlatching of the narrow connectors used in dense narrow SFP arrays. This is because finger access to connectors is nearly impossible without disruption to the service of adjacent optical fibers. Although there are current designs of remotely unlatching fiber optic connectors, as shown for example inFIG.2B, they have proven to be difficult to function as desired when plugged into the die cast construction that is typical of all SFP's. The die cast SFP is not one that is ever free of sharp edges and internal flashing (burrs) that can interfere with the normal flexing motion of the plastic latches of the fiber optic connectors. The interference between metal edges and burrs may prevent the fiber optic connector's plastic latch from either becoming fully engaged or easily disengaged, especially with latches that are remotely triggered by pull tabs that project a distance behind the connector so as to keep fingers from disturbing adjacent optical fibers.

To make the latching/unlatching of the connectors from the SFP more reliable, various embodiments disclosed herein add a spring force to the remote latching component (pull tab), for example as shown and described in relation toFIGS.5,7,8and12below, to ensure that the connector latches are allowed to return to the undisplaced position and thereby become fully engaged inside the SFP's recess.

FIG.5shows one embodiment of a narrow pitch connector500according to aspects disclosed herein. The narrow pitch connector500is a duplex LC connector including two LC connectors502. Each of the LC connectors502includes a respective ferrule503and a respective extending member or latching arm504. The connector500has a pitch of 4.8 mm, defined as the axis-to-axis distance between the central axes of the LC connectors502. In other embodiments, the connector pitch may be less than that of the pitch of conventional connectors, for example less than 6.25 mm and less than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch may be about 4.8 mm or less.

The connector500further includes a housing506having a bottom housing508and a top housing510. The bottom housing508includes side walls512. In various embodiments, the housing of the connector may be a switchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open so as to facilitate opening of the housing, for example to change polarity of the connector. The side walls512may be raised towards the rear of the connector, as shown inFIG.5. One advantage of raising the side walls towards the rear of the connector is easier access. In other embodiments, the side walls may be raised at another location.

The connector500further includes a pull tab514having a distal end516and a proximal end518. The pull tab514further includes a spring520configured to provide a force such that the connector latching arms504return to the undisplaced position and thereby become fully engaged inside the SFP's recess. The distal end516of the pull tab514may be pulled to remotely release the connector500from an SFP or adapter. The proximal end518of the pull tab514is uniquely shaped so as to engage with the unique profile of the latching arms504of the narrow pitch LC connector500. The proximal end518engages both latching arms504of the duplex LC connector500. That is, the proximal end518includes a single prong configured to engage the latching arms of both connectors502. At the proximal end518of the pull tab514there are outwardly pointing pins522configured to rest directly above and slide along the semi-circular surface of latching arms504of the duplex LC connectors502. The horizontal and rearward path direction of the pins522causes the semi-circular profile of the connector latching arms504to flex downward. Because the pins522are not contained inside ramped grooves of the connector latching arms504, the pull tab514can also be pushed down at a location directly behind the LC connectors502rather than pulling the tab in a rearward motion from a remote distance behind the connectors, such as from the distal end516. The action of pushing down the connectors' integral levers or latching arms504unlatches the connector500. In some cases, the horizontal motion of the pull tab514may not be desirable. Thus, the connector latching arms504may be pushed down without resulting in a horizontal motion of the pull tab514.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow top and side views, respectively, of the LC connector502of the narrow pitch connector500.FIG.6Afurther shows that the LC connector502has a width of 4.6 mm.FIG.6Bshows the semi-circular profile of the latching arm504.

FIG.7shows a partially disassembled view of the narrow pitch connector500ofFIG.5. The top housing510is separated from the bottom housing508. The pull tab514is coupled to the top housing510and configured to slide longitudinally along the length of the connector. The top housing510also includes a restraint524configured to receive the pull tab514.

FIG.8shows a further disassembled view of the narrow pitch connector500. Specifically, the pull tab514is shown to be separated from the top housing510, and the spring520is removed from the pull tab. The pull tab514includes a longitudinal recess526configured to receive the spring520, and at least one restraint528configured to retain the spring. The top housing510also includes a recess530configured to accommodate at least a portion of the pull tab514, such as the spring520and the proximal end518. In various embodiments, the pull tab may be removably coupled to the connector via the top housing.

FIG.9shows a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO SFP900. The SFP900is configured to receive a standard MPO connector, and provides a receptacle902for receiving an MPO connector having a conventional width, as shown for example inFIGS.10A to10C.

FIG.10Ashows a perspective view of a conventional MPO connector1000. As shown inFIG.10B, the conventional MPO connector1000has a width of 12.4 mm.FIG.10Cshows a front view of the MPO connector1000.

FIG.11shows an embodiment of a future narrow width multi-fiber SFP1100according to aspects of the present disclosure. Various embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with the narrow width multi-fiber SFP1100, having a width less than that of conventional MPO connectors, that is less than about 12.4 mm. The narrow width multi-fiber SFP has a receptacle1102configured to receive a narrow width multi-fiber connector, such as a narrow width connector having an MT ferrule.

FIG.12Ashows one embodiment of a narrow width connector1200according to aspects disclosed herein. The narrow width connector1200is a multi-fiber connector including a multi-fiber MT/MPO ferrule1202. The connector1200includes two extending members or latching arms1204. In other embodiments, the connector may include at least one latching arm. The connector1200has a width of 9.6 mm, as shown in the top view of the connector1200inFIG.12B. In other embodiments, the connector width may be less than that of the width of conventional multi-fiber connectors, for example less than the 12.4 mm of the conventional MPO connector shown in FOG.10B. In some embodiments, the width may be about 9.6 mm or less.

The connector1200further includes a housing1206having a bottom housing1208and a top housing1210. The bottom housing1208includes side walls1212. In various embodiments, the housing of the connector may be a switchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open so as to facilitate opening of the housing, for example to change polarity of the connector. The side walls1212may be raised towards the rear of the connector. One advantage of raising the side walls towards the rear of the connector is easier access. The side walls may also be raised at another location.

The connector1200further includes a pull tab1214having a distal end1216and a proximal end1218. The pull tab1214further includes a spring1220configured to provide a force such that the connector latching arms1204return to the undisplaced position and thereby become fully engaged inside the SFP's recess. The distal end1216of the pull tab1214may be pulled to remotely release the connector1200from an SFP or adapter. The proximal end1218of the pull tab1214is uniquely shaped so as to engage with the unique profile of the latching arms1204of the narrow width multi-fiber connector1200. The proximal end1218engages both latching arms1204of the multi-fiber connector1200. That is, the proximal end1218includes a single prong configured to engage the latching arms1204. At the proximal end1218of the pull tab1214there are outwardly pointing pins1222configured to rest directly above and slide along the semi-circular surface of latching arms1204. The horizontal and rearward path direction of the pins1222causes the semi-circular profile of the connector latching arms1204to flex downward. Because the pins1222are not contained inside ramped grooves of the connector latching arms1204, the pull tab1214can also be pushed down at a location directly behind the latching arms1204rather than pulling the tab in a rearward motion from a remote distance behind the connector, such as from the distal end1216. The action of pushing down the connector's integral levers or latching arms1204unlatches the connector1200. In some cases, the horizontal motion of the pull tab1214may not be desirable. Thus, the connector latching arms1204may be pushed down without resulting in a horizontal motion of the pull tab1214.

FIGS.12B and12Cshow top and front views, respectively, of the narrow width multi-fiber connector1200.FIG.12Bfurther shows that the connector1200has a width of 9.6 mm.

In various embodiments described above, the narrow width connectors have latching arms configured to engage with a fixed or immovable recess within a narrow width SFP or a narrow width adapter. In these embodiments, the pull tab of the connector displaces the flexible latching arm of the connector so as to disengage the latching arm from the recess of the SFP or the adapter. For example, the latching arms bend down as the pull tab is pulled back, so as to disengage the connector from the SFP or the adapter.

In other embodiments, as further described for example in relation withFIGS.13to15below, the remote latch release pull tab may be configured to couple with a latch or a hook within the adapter or the SFP. In these embodiments, the flexible latching arm of the connector is moved into the main cavity of the SFP or the adapter, and the latch of the SFP or the adapter engages a recess of the connector when the pull tab is in a normal location that is pushed forward by a spring. The pull tab may be configured to have a ramp area such that when the pull tab is pulled back, the latch of the SFP or the adapter is lifted by the retracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the latch of the SFP or the adapter from the connector.

FIG.13Ashows a narrow pitch multi-fiber connector1300inserted into a narrow pitch SFP1302such that a recess of the connector engages an SFP latch.FIG.13Bshows the narrow pitch connector1300inserted into a narrow pitch adapter1304such that a recess of the connector engages a latch of the adapter.

FIG.14shows a side view of the narrow width connector1300ofFIG.13Acoupled to the narrow width SFP1302. Details of the coupling are shown within the circle1400. Specifically, the SFP1302includes an SFP latch1402. The connector1300includes a recess1404. For example, the connector housing may comprise a recess1404. The pull tab1406may be spring loaded as described in relation to various embodiments. This allows the pull tab1406to return to a position that will allow the SFP latch1402to engage with the connector recess1404. When the pull tab1406is in the normal pull tab location, that is pushed forward by a spring, as shown inFIG.14, the SFP latch1402is engaged with the connector recess1404as illustrated within the circle1400.

FIG.15shows a side view of the narrow width connector1300ofFIG.13Aas it is disengaged from the narrow width SFP1302. Details of the decoupling are shown within the circle1500. The pull tab1406includes a taper or a ramp area1502. As the pull tab1406is pulled back in the direction of the arrow1504as shown, the SFP latch1402is lifted by the ramp area of the retracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the SFP latch1402from the connector as illustrated within the circle1500. The same effect described herein in conjunction withFIG.15also occurs in other embodiments of connectors coupled to a narrow width adapter as shown for example inFIG.13A.

AlthoughFIGS.14and15illustrate coupling of the connector to a narrow width SFP, in other embodiments of the connector may be coupled to a narrow width adapter having an adapter latch, similar to that of the SFP latch. Further, although the embodiments shown inFIGS.13to15include a narrow width multi-fiber connector, embodiments also work with narrow pitch LC connectors.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, et cetera As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, et cetera As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.