Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Fiber optic cables are used in the telecommunication industry to transmit light signals in high-speed data and communication systems. A standard fiber optic cable includes a fiber with an inner light transporting optical core. Surrounding the fiber is an outer protective cladding. 
         [0002]    A fiber terminates at a fiber optic connector. Connectors are frequently used to non-permanently connect and disconnect optical elements in a fiber optic transmission system. There are many different fiber optic connector types. Some of the more common connectors are LC, FC, and SC connectors. Other types of connectors include MTRJ, MPEO, LX.5, ST, and D4-type connectors. 
         [0003]    Fiber optic connectors can be terminated at fiber optic connection panels, which connect various pieces of fiber optic equipment. The fiber optic connection panels include ports for connecting to fiber optic connectors, to link the equipment. Various functions are useful in the fiber optic connection panels. One function is monitoring of the signal pathways. Another useful function is switching between equipment if a need arises without having to reconnect the equipment cables. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, a passive optical fiber switch includes: a housing defining a plurality of ports configured to receive fiber optic connectors; a substrate positioned within the housing, the substrate defining a plurality of waveguide paths; and an arm positioned relative to one of the plurality of ports such that the arm moves as a fiber optic connector is positioned in the one port, movement of the arm causing the waveguide paths to shift to break a normal through configuration. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, a passive optical fiber switch includes: a housing defining a plurality of ports configured to receive fiber optic connectors; a substrate positioned within the housing, the substrate defining a plurality of waveguide paths; a first arm positioned relative a first port of the plurality of ports such that the first arm moves as a first fiber optic connector of the plurality of fiber optic connectors is positioned in the first port; a first magnet coupled to the first arm, the first magnet being moved by the first arm, movement of the first arm causing the first magnet to be positioned relative to a second magnet on one of the waveguide paths to repel the second magnet and thereby break a normal through configuration; and a first spring to move the first arm when the first fiber optic connector is removed from the first port to cause the first magnet to be positioned relative to the second magnet to attract the second magnet and thereby create the normal through configuration. 
         [0006]    In yet another aspect, a method for switching a fiber optic connection includes: providing a housing defining a plurality of ports configured to receive fiber optic connectors, and a substrate positioned within the housing, the substrate defining a plurality of waveguide paths; and allowing an arm positioned relative to one of the plurality of ports to move as a fiber optic connector is positioned in the one port, movement of the arm causing the waveguide paths to shift to break a normal through configuration. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example fiber optic switch with a plurality of fiber optic connectors exploded therefrom. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1  with a cover removed and the fiber optic connectors coupled thereto. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  is a top view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 28  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 29  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 30  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 32  is a schematic view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 33  is a schematic view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 34  is a schematic view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of another example fiber optic switch. 
           [0042]      FIG. 36  is a top view of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view taken along line A-A of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 35 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 40  is a top view an example substrate of the fiber optic switch of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 41  is a top view of the substrate of  FIG. 40 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    The present disclosure is directed towards passive optical through switches. Although not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the present disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 1-14  show a passive optical switch  100 . The optical switch  100  includes a housing module base  110  and a cover  112 . The cover  112  can be removed to access the internal components of the optical switch  100 . See  FIGS. 8-14 . In some examples, the passive optical switch  100  is incorporated into a fiber optic connection panel, the fiber optic connection panel including a plurality of passive optical switches for interconnection thereto. 
         [0050]    A plurality of fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  are shown. Although LC fiber optic connectors are shown, other connector types, such as FC, SC LX.5, ST, and/or D4-type, can be used. 
         [0051]    The fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  can be connected to the optical switch  100 , as described further below. The housing module base  110  defines a plurality of ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 . The ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  are sized to accept a portion of the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106 . See  FIGS. 8-14 . Each fiber optic connector  102 ,  104 ,  106  has a ferrule  103  that includes a fiber optic cable (not shown). When connected to the optical switch  100 , the ferrule  103  of the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  connects one of the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  to another of the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106 . 
         [0052]    This connection is accomplished by optical sub-assemblies  136  within the housing module base  110 . Each of the optical sub-assemblies  136  generally includes a ferrule assembly  222  and a sleeve  322 . See  FIGS. 24-30 . The sleeve  322  assists in aligning the ferrule assembly  222  with the ferrule  103  of the mating fiber optic connector. The ferrule assembly  222  includes a fiber  224  that aligns with the fiber in the ferrule  103  of the fiber optic connector  102 ,  104 ,  106  to allow for optical signal transmission therethrough, as described further below. 
         [0053]    The housing module base  110  of the optical switch  100  also includes a push arm  132  and a corresponding spring  134 . Generally, the push arms  132  and the springs  134  facilitate the switching aspects of the optical switch  100 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15-34 , the connections between the ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  are switched passively within the optical switch  100 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS.  26  and  31 - 32 , a ferrule assembly  222  is provided as part of each of the optical sub-assemblies  136 . A fiber  224  of each ferrule assembly is coupled (e.g., bonded) to a substrate  210 . 
         [0055]    In this example, the substrate  210  is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) that includes an optical waveguide substrate. The substrate  210  includes fiber waveguide paths  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  formed on the substrate  210 . The waveguide paths  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  form the connections between the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  connected to the optical switch  100 . The specific paths that are formed between the ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  change depending on which of the ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  include the fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  connected thereto. This is the switching functionality of the optical switch  100 . 
         [0056]    Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 32 , when fiber optic connectors  104 ,  106  are connected to ports  118 ,  120 , the “normal through” configuration is provided by the optical switch  100 . In this configuration, the waveguide paths  212 ,  216 ,  220  are aligned so that transmission is provided between the ports  118 ,  120  to the fiber optic connectors connected thereto. This is the configuration with the springs  134  in the uncompressed positions. 
         [0057]    In the uncompressed positions, permanent magnets  242  on each of the arms  132  are positioned so that the north pole of the magnets  242  is generally aligned with the north pole of magnets  242  on the waveguide paths  212 ,  220 , causing the magnets  242 ,  244  to repel one another to maintain the waveguide paths  212 ,  216 ,  220  in alignment. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 33 , when the fiber optic connector  102  is positioned in the port  114 , the fiber optic connector engages and pushes the push arm  132  against the spring  134  and towards the port  120  in a direction  310 . As the push arm  132  moves and compresses the spring  134 , the magnet  242  on an end  133  of the push arm  132  also moves in the direction  310  relative to the magnet  244  on the waveguide path  220 . 
         [0059]    As the push arm  132  is moved by the fiber optic connector  102  being positioned in the port  114 , the north pole of the push arm  132  is moved to be adjacent to the south pole of the magnet  244  on the waveguide path  220 , so that the magnet  244  on the waveguide path  220  is attracted to the magnet  242  on the push arm  132 . In this configuration (shown in  FIG. 33 ), the waveguide path  220  is moved to align with the waveguide  218 . In this position, transmission is provided between the fiber optic connector in the port  114  and the fiber optic connector in the port  120 . In the manner, the signal path between the ports  118 ,  120  is broken (i.e., the normal through signal path is broken), and the signal path between the ports  114 ,  120  is created. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 34 , when a fiber optic connector is placed in the port  116 , a similar process occurs. Specifically, positioning of the fiber optic connector in the port  116  causes the arm  132  to move in the direction  310  towards the port  118 . In doing so, the magnet  242  is moved so that a north pole of the magnet  242  is positioned adjacent to a south pole of the magnet  244  on the waveguide path  212 . The magnet  244  on the waveguide path  220  is attracted to the magnet  242  on the push arm  132 . In this configuration (shown in  FIG. 34 ), the waveguide path  212  is moved to align with the waveguide  214 . In this position, transmission is provided between the fiber optic connector in the port  116  and the fiber optic connector in the port  118 . In the manner, the signal path between the ports  118 ,  120  is broken (i.e., the normal through signal path is broken), and the signal path between the ports  116 ,  118  is created. 
         [0061]    As is shown, connection of a fiber optic connector in either or both of the ports  114 ,  116  causes the normal through connection (i.e., the signal path between the ports  118 ,  120 ) to be broken. 
         [0062]    To move back to the normal through configuration, the fiber optic connectors in the ports  114 ,  116  are removed. Once removed, the springs  134  return the spring arms  132  back to the resting position, with the north and south poles of the magnets  242  generally aligned with the north and south poles of the magnets  244 . This causes the waveguide paths  212 ,  220  to be repelled back into alignment with the waveguide path  216 . The normal through signal path is thereupon recreated, connecting the signal path between the ports  118 ,  120 . 
         [0063]    In this example, the waveguide paths are fabricated on the single substrate  210 . This allows for ease of manufacture and packaging of the substrate. In addition, the design allows for other modules to be connected to the substrate to provide enhanced functionality, such as power monitoring, attenuation, and/or mirroring of the data stream. Other configurations are possible. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIGS. 35-40 , another embodiment of an optical switch  400  is shown. The optical switch  400  is similar in design to that of the optical switch  100  described above, except that the optical switch  400  does not include the ferrule assemblies  222 . 
         [0065]    Instead, as shown in  FIGS. 39-40 , arms  444  extend from a substrate  440  of the optical switch  400  and function in a manner similar to that of the ferrule assemblies  222 . 
         [0066]    Specifically, the sleeves  322  are positioned about the arms  444  to guide the ferrules  103  of the mating fiber optic connectors  102 ,  104 ,  106  to the waveguide paths  212 ,  214 ,  218 ,  220  extending respectively along the arms  444  to form the optical transmission paths therealong. Other configurations are possible. 
         [0067]    The optical fiber switches described herein provide automatic switching without requiring external power. This passive switching can be more robust and efficient. 
         [0068]    Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Technology Category: 3