Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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OPTICAL FIBER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Application
17/408,239, filed
August 20, 2021; and U.S. Application 17/408,239 claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application 63/068,255, filed August 20, 2020.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Communication cables may be mounted into standard sized
enclosures.
A challenge is to increase the number of cables and density of cables enclosed
by standard sized enclosures.
SUMMARY
100031 In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to an
apparatus
formed as a module. The apparatus includes a housing configured to load the
module through a front end of a panel. The apparatus includes a connector
cluster. The apparatus includes a set of tabs corresponding to a set of
securing
members that secure the module to a panel.
[0004] In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to an
apparatus
formed as a module. The apparatus includes a housing configured to load the
module through a trunk end of a panel. The apparatus includes a connector
cluster. The apparatus includes a reversible polarity based on an orientation
of
the module with respect to the panel.
[0005] In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to a
method of
cable management. The method includes installing a trunk cable to a module.
The module includes a housing, a connector cluster, and at least one securing
member configured to secure the module to a panel. The method includes fitting
the module to the panel through one of a front of the panel and a rear of the
panel based on a configuration of the at least one securing member.
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[0006] Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the
following
description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
100071 Figure 1 shows a diagram of systems in accordance with disclosed
embodiments.
[0008] Figure 2 shows a flowchart in accordance with disclosed
embodiments.
[0009] Figure 3A, Figure 3B, Figure 3C, Figure 3D, Figure 3E, Figure
3F, Figure
3G, Figure 3H, Figure 31, Figure 4A, Figure 4B, Figure 4C, Figure 4D, Figure
4E, Figure 4F, Figure 4G, Figure 5A, Figure 5B, Figure 5C, Figure 5D, Figure
5E, Figure 5F, Figure 6A, Figure 6B, Figure 6C, Figure 6D, Figure 7, Figure
8A, Figure 8B, Figure 8C, Figure 9A, Figure 9B, and Figure 9C show examples
in accordance with disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in
detail
with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various
figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
[0011] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the
invention,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of
ordinary
skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific
details.
In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to
avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
100121 Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first,
second, third,
etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in the
application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create any
particular
ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single
element
unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms "before", "after",
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"single", and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to
distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is
distinct from a. second element, and the first element may encompass more than
one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of
elements.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to fiber optic cable
manufacturing,
generally, and more specifically, to a system and method for organizing fiber
optic cables.
[0014] In general, embodiments of the disclosure increase the number of
cables
serviceable with standard enclosures using modules. The modules may be
configured for optical fiber cables, electrical cables, combinations thereof,
etc.
The modules may be configured as front-loading modules and rear-loading
modules. The modules for optical fiber cables may include splices within the
module.
[0015] Figure 1 shows a diagram of embodiments that are in accordance
with the
disclosure. The embodiments of Figure 1 may be combined and may include or
be included within the features and embodiments described in the other figures
of the application. The features and elements of Figure 1 are, individually
and
as a combination, improvements to cable management technology and systems.
The various elements, systems, and components shown in Figure 1 may be
omitted, repeated, combined, and/or altered as shown from Figure 1.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should not be considered
limited to the specific arrangements shown in Figure 1.
[0016] Turning to Figure 1, the rack (100) is a standardized enclosure
for
mounting multiple equipment modules, including electrical and optical
components. The rack (100) may be a 19-inch rack, a 23-inch rack, etc. The
rack (100) includes the panel A (102), the panel B (128), and the panel N
(130).
[0017] The panels A (102) through N (130) are enclosures for the
modules
(including the modules A (104) through N (120)) that route cables through the
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rack (100). The panel A (102) includes the module A (104), the module B (112),
and the module N (120). Each of the panels A (102) through N (130) may route
and connect optical fiber cables, electrical cables, or both.
[0018] The module A (104) routes cable through the panel A (102). The
module
A (104) includes the housing A (106). The modules A (104) through N (120)
provide granular access to the cables connected to the panel A (102) and the
rack (100) during service, maintenance, and installation. For example, instead
of uninstalling the rack (100) or the panel A (102) to reach a cable, a module
A
(104) within the panel A (102) may be removed to access a cable for
installation
or maintenance. Each of the modules A (104) through N (120) may route and
connect optical fiber cables, electrical cables, or both.
[0019] The housing A (106) encloses the module A (104). The housing A
(106)
includes the connector cluster A (108) and the securing mechanism A (110).
[0020] The connector cluster A (108) couples cables from a trunk cable
from a
rear end (also referred to as a trunk end) of the module A (104) to cables
connected to a front end of the module A (104). The connector cluster A (108)
may include one or more fiber optic couplers, electrical couplers, etc. The
connector cluster A (108) may be removably fixed to the housing A (106) using
a bracket.
[0021] The securing mechanism A (110) is a portion of the module A
(104) that
secures the module A (104) to the panel A (102). In one embodiment, the
securing mechanism A (110) may include a set of tabs on a front end of the
module A (104). In one embodiment, the securing mechanism A (110) may
include a recess configured to lock against a spring clip.
[0022] The module B (112) includes the housing B (114), which includes
the
connector cluster B (116) and the securing mechanism B (118). The
components in the module B (112) may be different from the similarly named
components of the module A (104). For example, the housing A (106) may
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include an open top and fiber optic couplers when the housing B (114) may
include an enclosed top with electric couplers.
[0023] The module N (120) includes the housing N (122), which includes
the
connector cluster N (124) and the securing mechanism N (126). The
components of the module N (120) may be similar to those of the modules A
(104) and B (112).
[0024] Figure 2 shows a process for routing cable. The embodiments of
Figure 2
may be combined and may include or be included within the features and
embodiments described in the other figures of the application. The features of
Figure 2 are, individually and as an ordered combination, improvements to
cable management technology and systems. While the various steps in the
flowcharts are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill
will
appreciate that at least some of the steps may be executed in different
orders,
may be combined or omitted, and at least some of the steps may be executed in
parallel. Furthermore, the steps may be performed actively or passively.
[0025] Turning to Figure 2, the process (200) routes cable through a
rack.
Routing cable through the rack organizes the cable.
[0026] At (202), a trunk cable is installed to a module. The trunk
cable may be a
fiber optical or electrical cable. Fibers of a fiber optical cable may be
spliced
with other fibers inside the module. The cabling inside the module includes
connectors that mount to an internal side of a set of couplers of a connector
cluster. The exterior side of the couplers, of the connector cluster, may face
a
front end of the panel, ready to receive the connectors of fiber optical or
electrical cables
[0027] The connector cluster may be removably fixed to a housing of the
module.
During maintenance or installation, the connector cluster may be removed from
the module to attach or reattach the cables to the connector cluster without
having to reach through the module. After attaching the cables to the
connector
cluster, the connector cluster may by placed into a housing of the module. The
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polarity of the module may also be reversed by reinstalling the connector
cluster upside down (instead of right side up).
[0028] At (204), the module is fitted to a panel. The module may be one
of
multiple modules fitted to a panel. In one embodiment, the panel includes
slots
for twelve modules. A securing mechanism of the module engages with the
panel to inhibit movement of the module with respect to the panel. Modules
may be installed from the front or rear of the panel.
[0029] Figures 3A through 31, 4A through 4G, 5A through 5F, 6A through
6D,
7, 8A through 8C, and 9A through 9C show example embodiments in
accordance with the disclosure. The embodiments shown in Figures 3A through
9C may be combined and may include or be included within the features and
embodiments described in the other figures of the application. The features
and
elements of Figures 3A through 9C are, individually and as a combination,
improvements to cable management technology and systems. The various
features, elements, widgets, components, and interfaces shown in Figures 3A
through 9C may be omitted, repeated, combined, and/or altered as shown.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should not be considered
limited to the specific arrangements shown in Figures 3A through 9C.
[0030] Figures 3A through 31 show the panel (300) with the modules
(302).
Turning to Figure 3A, the panel (300) includes the modules (302). The modules
(302) are front-loading modules. In one embodiment, the panel (300) may be
configured to fit a 19-inch rack. In one embodiment, the panel (300) has a 1U
panel height of about 1.75 inches (44.45 millimeters) and a width of about 19
inches (482.6 millimeters). In one embodiment, the panel (300) includes spaces
for 12 of the modules (302). Each of the modules (302) includes multiple
optical fiber couplers.
[0031] In one embodiment, each module (302) includes 16 LC (Lucent
connector) couplers and the panel (300) includes 192 optical couplers for a 19-
inch rack. Additional modules and couplers may be included in panels for
larger
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racks. For example, a panel for a 23-inch rack may include space for 14
modules and 224 couplers. Different types of couplers and connectors may be
used in addition to LC couplers, including MPO (multi fiber push on)
connectors, MTP (multi-fiber termination push-on) couplers, etc.
[0032] Turning to Figure 3B, the module (302) is illustrated with an
exploded
view. The module (302) includes the housing (304), the strain relief (305),
the
connector cluster (310), the retainer clip (312), and the labels (318) and
(320).
[0033] The housing (304) encloses the electrical or optical cabling
between the
strain relief (305) and the connector cluster (310) and secures cabling to the
panel (300). The housing (304) includes the openings (306), (307), (308), and
(309), the support members (336), the rear end (314), the front end (316), and
the labels (318) and (320).
100341 The openings (306) through (309) provide access to cables and
connectors
that are disposed within the module (302). The opening (306) is on a bottom of
the housing (304). The opening (307) is a side opening of the housing (304).
The opening (308) is second side opening of the module (302). The opening
(309) is a top opening of the housing (304).
[0035] The strain relief (305) inhibits a trunk cable (after
installation into the
strain relief (305)) from bending. The strain relief (305) inserts into the
relief
receptor (322) at the rear end (314) of the housing (304). The strain relief
(305)
is secured with the strap (328).
[0036] The connector cluster (310) is a cluster of connectors. In one
embodiment,
the connector cluster (310) includes four quad LC couplers (for a total of 16
couplers) that have been adhered together to form a single unit. Different
connectors and cluster may be used in different embodiments. In one
embodiment, a side of the connector cluster (310) includes the guide (332)
that
fits to the inversely shaped guide (334) of the housing (304). The retainer
clip
(312) secures the connector cluster (310) to the housing (304).
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[0037] The support members (336) provide rigidity and support to the
sides and
bottom of the housing (304). In one embodiment, the support members (336)
are triangularly shaped.
[0038] The rear end (314) of the housing (304) includes the relief
receptor (322)
for the strain relief (305). The rear end (314) is configured to be coupled to
a
trunk cable or set of cables.
[0039] The front end (316) includes the tabs (324) and (326) and the
handle
(330). The front end (316) is configured to be coupled to multiple fan out
cables. The handle (330) may be used to position the module (302) within the
panel (300).
100401 The labels (318) and (320) are on a side of the housing (304).
In one
embodiment, the labels (318) and (320) are formed into the housing (304)
(e.g.,
embossed). In one embodiment, the labels (318) and (320) are stickers attached
to the housing (304). The label (318) identifies the module (302). The label
(320) identifies a country of origin for the module (302).
[0041] Turning to Figure 3C, a side view of the module (302) is
illustrated. The
fanout cables (338) are accessible through the openings (306), (307), (308),
and
(309) of the module (302). The connectors (340) of the fanout cables (338) are
inserted into the connector cluster (310). The connectors (342) of the fanout
cables (338) are not inserted into the connector cluster (310).
[0042] Turning to Figure 3D, a bottom view of the module (302) is
illustrated.
The rear end (314) includes the edges (344) that laterally secure the rear end
(314) of the module (302) to the panel (300).
[0043] Turning to Figure 3E, a view of the panel (300) is shown with
four of the
modules (302) inserted. The panel extensions (346) fit to the edges (344) (of
Figure 3D) of the modules (302). The door (348) is removably attached to the
panel (300) to provide access to the modules (302).
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[0044] Turning to Figure 3F, a view of the front end (316) is
illustrated. The tab
(326) includes the securing member (350). The securing member (350) secures
the module (302) to the panel (300) to inhibit longitudinal motion of the
module
(302) with respect to the panel (300).
[0045] Turning to Figure 3G, a view of the panel (300) with one of the
modules
(302) installed is illustrated. The securing member (350) fits to (e.g., snaps
behind) the faceplate (352) to secure the module (302) to the panel (300). The
retainer clip (312) includes the label (354).
[0046] In one embodiment, the label (354) is formed into the retainer
clip (312)
(e.g., embossed). In one embodiment, the label (354) is a sticker attached to
the
retainer clip (312). The label (354) identifies a part number of the module
(302).
[0047] Turning to Figure 3H a view of the strain relief (305) prior to
being folded
is illustrated. The strain relief (305) includes a first portion (356) and a
second
portion (358) connected by the hinge (360). In one embodiment, the hinge (360)
is made of foldable plastic.
[0048] The hinge (305) includes the securing members (362) (e.g.,
integrally
formed pegs and holes). The securing members inhibit the hinge (305) from
opening after being closed.
[0049] Turning to Figure 31, a further view illustrates the strain
relief (305) after
being folded. After being folded, the strain relief (305) is inserted into the
relief
receptor (322) of the rear end (314) of the module (302).
[0050] Figures 4A through 4G show the panel (400) with the modules
(402).
Turning to Figure 4A, the panel (400) includes the modules (402). The modules
(402) are rear loading modules. The panel (400) may have a height of 1U of
about 1.175 inches (44.45 millimeters). The modules (402) include the
connector clusters (404). The connector cluster (404) includes 8 couplers
(four
pairs of hi couplers), which are MPO couplers. The couplers forming the
connector cluster (404) may be integrally formed or adhered together.
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[0051] The panel (400) includes 12 of the modules with a total of 96
MPO
couplers. Each MPO coupler may have 36 ports for fibers and the panel (400)
may provide for up to 3,456 fibers for a 19-inch rack. Additional modules,
couplers, and fibers may be included in panels for larger racks. For example,
a
panel for a 23-inch rack may include space for 14 modules, 112 couplers, and
4,032 fibers.
[0052] Turning to Figure 4B, the panel (400) is illustrated prior to
insertion of
the module (402). The spring clip (406) is in the slot (408) for the module
(402).
[0053] Turning to Figure 4C, the panel (400) is illustrated after
insertion of the
module (402). The housing (410) of the module (402) may slide into the slot
(408) (of Figure 4B) up to and behind the faceplate (412).
[0054] Turning to Figure 4D, a cutaway view of the panel (400) is
illustrated
showing half of the slot (408) prior to insertion of the module (402) (of
Figure
4C). The slot (408) includes the spring clip (406). The opening (410) provides
access to the module (402) (of Figure 4C) after insertion of the module (402).
[0055] Turning to Figure 4E, a cutaway view of the panel (400) and the
module
(402) is illustrated. The housing (410) of the module (402) includes the
recesses
(416) and (418). The MPO couplers of the connector cluster (404) may extend
through the faceplate (412) of the panel (400).
[0056] With the module (402) inserted into the slot (408), the recess
(416)
receives the spring clip (406). The recess (416) with the spring clip (406)
engage to lock the module (402) into place within the panel (400). The recess
(418) allows for upside down insertion of the module (402) into the slot (408)
of the panel (400).
[0057] The button (420) allows for the release of the module (402) from
being
locked into the slot (408) of the panel (400). The button (420) connects to
the
spring clip (406) with the mechanical member (422) that transfers force from
the button (420) to the spring clip (406). The spring clip (406), through the
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mechanical member (422), may bias the button (420) to a locked position. The
button (420) is configured to mechanically connect to the spring clip (406)
and
release the module (402) from the panel (400) by applying a force to the
spring
clip (406).
[0058] The recess (416) may include a hole through which the mechanical
member (422) may contact the spring clip (406). The button (424) may also
include a mechanical member (not shown) to release the module (402) when
the spring clip engages with the recess (418).
[0059] Turning to Figure 4F a bottom view of the module (402) is
illustrated.
The label (426) identifies the polarity of the module (402) for when the
module
(402) is inserted upside down (e.g., method B polarity). The module (402) has
a reversible polarity based on an orientation of the module (402) with respect
to the panel (400) (of Figure 4A). The polarity of the module (402) may be
reversed by removing the module (402), flipping the module (402) over, and
reinserting the flipped over module (402) into the panel (400). The trunk
cable
(430) is inserted through the strain relief (432) into the module (402). The
strain
relief (432) includes a coil wrapped around the trunk cable (430) to inhibit
movement of the trunk cable (430).
[0060] Turning to Figure 4G a top view of the module (402) is
illustrated. The
label (428) identifies the polarity of the module (402) for when the module
(402) is inserted right side up (e.g., universal polarity).
[0061] Figures 5A through 5F show views of the module (502). Turning to
Figure
5A, a view of the module (502) is illustrated. The module (502) includes the
connector cluster (504) with eight LC couplers. Different couplers may be
used.
The module (502) includes the upper housing (506) and the lower housing
(508). The upper housing (506) and the lower housing (508) may snap together
with the connection members (510). The connection members (510) include the
holes (512) of the tabs (514) of the upper housing (506) that fit to the
notches
(516) (see Figure 5B) in the guides (518) of the lower housing (508).
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[0062]
Turning to Figure 5B, a view of the module (502) without the upper
housing (506) (of Figure 5A) is illustrated. The connection members (510)
include the notches (516) and the guides (518) of the lower housing (508) that
fit to the holes (512) (of Figure 5A) of the tabs (514) (of Figure 5A) of the
upper
housing (506) (of Figure 5A). The module (502) includes the slack housing
(520). The slack housing (520) stores slack cable from before and after the
splice (522). The slack cable before the splice (522) includes a portion of
the
trunk cable (524). The slack cable after the splice (522) includes the front
cable
(526), which includes the fibers (528) that are connected to the connector
cluster (504). The slack housing (520) is shaped and configured to fit the
module (502), which is a rear-loading module. The slack housing (520) may be
used with front-loading or rear-loading modules.
100631
The connector cluster (504) includes the cluster clip (530) shaped to
receive the individual LC couplers. The connector cluster (504) is shaped to
secure to the upper housing (506) (of Figure 5A) and the lower housing (508)
with the tabs (532).
[0064]
Turning to Figure 5C, a top three-quarter view of the slack housing
(520)
is illustrated. The slack housing (520) includes the upper compartment (534)
with the slot (542). The fiber slack length enabled by the slack housing
allows
the user to pull the fiber out of the module for operations, including
splicing,
and re-install the fiber and housing back into the module. The upper
compartment (534) houses the splice (522) (of Figure 5B) and the front cable
(526) (of Figure 5B). The slot (542) allows for inserting the trunk cable into
the
lower compartment (544) (of Figure 5D).
[0065]
The upper compartment (534) includes the splice clips (536), the upper
tabs (538), and the upper hole (540). The splice clips (536) fit to the splice
(522)
(of Figure 5B) to inhibit the splice (522) from moving within the upper
compat
_____________________________________________________________________________
tment (534). The upper tabs (538) inhibit the movement of the front
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cable (526) (of Figure 5B) out of the upper compartment (534). The upper hole
(540) allows for the exit of the front cable (526) from the slack housing
(520).
[0066]
Turning to Figure 5D, a bottom three-quarter view of the slack housing
(520) is illustrated. The slack housing (520) includes the lower compartment
(544) with the slot (542) and the opening (546). The opening (546) provides
access between the upper compai
____________________________________________________ lment (534) (of Figure
5C) and the lower
compartment (544). The slot (542) may be used during installation of the
cables
(524) and (526) to place the cables (524) and (526) in the upper and lower
compartments (534) and (544).
[0067] The lower compai
______________________________________________ iment (544) includes the lower
tabs (548) and lower
hole (550). The lower tabs (548) inhibit movement of the trunk cable (524) (of
Figure 5B) within the lower compai
_________________________________________________ iment (544). The lower hole
(550) allows
for the entrance of the trunk cable (of Figure 5B) into the lower compaitment
(544) of the slack housing (520).
[0068]
The wall (552) of the slack housing (520) surrounds the slack housing
(520). The lower edge (554) of the wall (552) connects to the upper edge (556)
of the wall (552) through the slot (542). The lower edge (554) includes the
lower hole (550). The upper edge (556) includes the upper hole (540).
[0069]
Turning to Figure 5E, an exploded top three-quarter view of the module
(502) is illustrated. The module (502) includes the upper housing (506) that
snaps to the lower housing (508) to enclose the slack housing (520).
[0070]
The strain relief (558) includes the two portions (560) and (562). A
portion of the trunk cable (524) fits within the two portions (560) and (562)
of
the strain relief (558). The head (564) includes the features (566) that match
to
the features (568) of the lower housing to secure the strain relief (558) to
the
module (502).
[0071]
Turning to Figure 5F, an exploded bottom three-quarter view of the
module (502) is illustrated. The upper housing (506) includes the features
(570)
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that match to the features (566) of the strain relief (558) and secure the
strain
relief (558) to the module (502).
[0072] The trunk cable (524) includes the end (570). When assembled,
the end
(570) of the trunk cable (524) is connected to the end (572) of the splice
(522).
[0073] Figures 6A through 6D show views of the modules (602). Turning
to
Figure 6A, the modules (602) are connected by the trunk cable (604). The trunk
cable (604) includes two electrical cables, which may be ethernet cables. The
modules (602) include the connector clusters (606), upper housings (608), and
lower housings (610). The clip (612) secures the strain relief (614).
[0074] Turning to Figure 6B, a view of the module (602) without the
upper
housing (608) (of Figure 6A). The connector cluster (606) includes the two
couplers (616), which may be ethernet couplers. Each of the couplers (616)
includes two female ports. Different configurations of couplers may be used.
The trunk cable (604) extends through the strain relief (614) and the module
(602) to connect with the connector cluster (606). The couplers (616) may be
integrally formed with each other.
[0075] The connector cluster (606) includes the brace (618). The brace
(618) is
shaped to fit securely within the module (602). In one embodiment, the
connector cluster (606) may be modified to handle the two electrical couplers
(616) along one or more optical fiber couplers.
[0076] Turning to Figure 6C, the module (602) is modified and includes
the
connector cluster (620). The module (602) includes the upper housing (608)
and the lower housing (610). The connector cluster (620) provides the four
couplers (622). In one embodiment, the four couplers are ethernet couplers. In
one embodiment, the module (602) may be one of twelve modules fit to a panel
of a 19-inch rack. The panel may have a 1U height and provide 48 total
couplers. Additional modules, couplers, and ethernet cables may be included in
panels for larger racks. For example, a panel for a 23-inch rack may include
space for 14 modules and 56 couplers.
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[0077] Turning to Figure 6D, an exploded view of the connector cluster
(620) is
illustrated. The connector cluster (620) includes the front receptacle (624),
the
rear receptacle (626), and the boards (628).
[0078] The front receptacle (624) includes the openings (630)
configured to
receive the boards (628) from an inner side and the connectors of cables from
an outer side. The front receptacle (624) includes the features (632) that are
shaped to fit to and match with the upper housing (608) and the lower housing
(of Figure 6C).
[0079] The rear receptacle (626) includes the openings (634) configured
to
receive the boards (628) from an inner side and the connectors from the trunk
cable (604) (of Figure 6A) from an outer side.
[0080] The boards (628) are fixed to both the front receptacle (624)
and the rear
receptacle (626). The boards (628) pass electrical signals from the trunk
cable
(604) (of Figure 6A) to other cables connected to the front of the module
(602)
(of Figure 6C).
[0081] Turning to Figure 7, a view of the panel (700) is illustrated.
The panel
(700) may be used for both optical and electrical cables. The panel (700)
includes the modules (702) and the modules (704). The modules (702) are
front-loading modules and house optical cables. The modules (704) are rear-
loading modules and house electrical cables.
[0082] Figures 8A through 8C show views of the modules (802). Turning
to
Figure 8A, the module (802) provides for changing a polarity of the module
(802). The polarity may be changed after the module (802) is assembled and
filled with cabling. The module (802) includes the front end (804) and the
rear
end (806). The front end (804) includes the indicator (808) and is in a first
alignment with respect to the trunk end (806). The connector cluster (810)
includes twelve couplers. Different embodiments may have different numbers
and types of couplers.
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[0083] The front end (804) includes the upper housing (812) and the
lower
housing (814). The trunk end (806) includes the upper housing (816) and the
lower housing (818).
[0084] Turning to Figure 8B, the front end (804) of the module (802) is
twisted
from the fist alignment towards a second alignment and the status on the
indicator (808) is changed. The indicator (808) may show a first indication
(e.g., color, text, patter, etc.) when the front end (804) is in a first
alignment
with the trunk end (806) (e.g., right side up) for a first polarity (e.g.,
universal
polarity). The indicator (808) may show a second indication when the front end
(804) is in a second alignment with the trunk end (806) (e.g., upside down)
for
a second polarity (e.g., method B polarity). In one embodiment, the indicator
(808) may show another indication when the front end (804) is not aligned with
the trunk end (806) in either the first alignment or the second alignment.
100851 Turning to Figure 8C an exposed view of the module (802)
(without the
upper housing (812), the lower housing (814), and the upper housing (816)) is
illustrated. The module (802) includes the twist connector (820) between the
front end (804) and the trunk end (806). Cable in the module (802) may be
installed to extend through the hole (826) of the twist connector (820).
[0086] The twist comiector (820) includes the front portion (822) and
the trunk
portion (824). The front portion (822) is shaped to secure to the upper and
lower
housings (812) and (814) (of Figure 8A) of the front end (804). The trunk
portion (824) is shaped to secure to the upper and lower housings (816) and
(818) of the trunk end (806).
[0087] Figures 9A through 9C show views of the modules (902) and (904).
Turning to Figure 9A, the modules (902) and (904) connect with the cable
(906). The cable (906) is a fiber optic cable that connects to the trunk end
(908)
of the module (902) with a first polarity and to the trunk end (910) of the
module
(904) with a second polarity. The cable (906) includes the connector (912)
that
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connects to the module (902) and the connector (914) that connects to the
module (904).
[0088] Turning to Figure 9B, the connector (912) fits one way to the
adapter
(916) with the guide (918) turned upwards. The adapter (916) is reversibly
fitted to the trunk end (908) (of Figure 9A) of the module (902). The adapter
(916) may be removed from, reversed, and refitted to the module (902).
Reversing the adapter (916) reverses the polarity of the optical fibers of the
module (902) (of Figure 9A).
[0089] Turning to Figure 9C, the connector (914) fits one way to the
adapter
(920) with the guide (922) turned downwards. The adapter (920) is reversibly
fitted to the trunk end (910) (of Figure 9A) of the module (904) (of Figure
9A).
The adapter (920) is installed to the module (904) (of Figure 9A) with the
opposite polarity of the adapter (916) (of Figure 9B) of the module (902) (of
Figure 9A).
[0090] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited
number
of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure,
will
appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the
scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
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