WO2022094286A1

WO2022094286A1 - Fiber optic connection unit stacking arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2022094286A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/057367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josiah D. KADAR-KALLEN; Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen; Adam Verne BROUGHTON; Tyler John Royer
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2020-10-30
Filing date: 2021-10-29
Publication date: 2022-05-05

Abstract

An arrangement of a plurality of fiber optic connection units. Each of the plurality of fiber optic connection units including a top side and a bottom side. Each of at least one of the top or the bottom side including a keying feature which is mate-able with at least one other keying feature. When the keying features are mated with one another, a specific order of connection units is formed.

Description

FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION UNIT STACKING ARRANGEMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is being filed on October 29, 2021 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/107,888, filed on October 30, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connector arrangements and systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic connectors are commonly used in optical fiber communication systems to effect demateable optical connections between waveguides such as optical fibers. A typical optical connection is made by co-axially aligning two optical fibers in end-to-end relation with end faces of the optical fibers opposing one another across a mating interface. To effect optical coupling and minimize Fresnel loss, it is typically preferred for “physical contact” to exist between the optical waveguides, which, in the case of optical connectors, is generally between the opposed end faces of the aligned optical fibers. For multi-fiber connectors, there is a desire for connectors to have a polarity meaning that fiber paths are established in accordance with a known polarity type (e.g., polarity type A, B, or C) between the demateable optical connections across the mating interface.

SUMMARY

In some cases, fiber optic cables including fiber optic connectors need to be routed through a narrow space such as a conduit. Large connectors or high fiber count connectors can be difficult to fit through narrow spaces as the fiber optic cable typically occupy the majority of space, especially when the space is limited. In these cases, it can be beneficial for smaller fiber connection units (e.g., pieces of a fiber optic connector broken down into smaller portions) to be arranged separately about the cable during cable deployment and then later assembled with one another after the cable is deployed to create a larger fiber optic connector. When the connection units are assembled with one another, in certain examples, it is desirable for the connection units be stacked in a specific order (e.g., for polarity or to maintain designated fiber positions/pathways). Aspects of the present disclosure relate to stacking systems that ensure connector units are assembled in a particular order or orders and that simplify the assembly process.

The present disclosure relates to an arrangement of fiber optic connection units. The arrangement of connection units includes a plurality of fiber optic connection units. Each of the fiber optic connection units extends along a connection unit axis between a first end and a second end. Each of the fiber optic connection units also includes a top side and an opposite bottom side, the top side and/or the bottom side including a keying feature specific to the fiber optic connection unit. The keying features of each of the fiber optic connection units can mate with at least one other fiber optic connection unit, and when each of the keying features of the fiber optic connection units are mated with one another, the arrangement of connection units in a specific order is formed.

In some examples, the keying features are mechanical. In some examples the mechanical keying features are pegs and holes. In some examples the keying features are magnetic keying features.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an arrangement of fiber optic connection units including a plurality of fiber optic connection units, each of the fiber optic connection units extending along a connection unit axis between a first and a second end. Each of the fiber optic connection units includes atop side and an opposite bottom side. At least one of the top side or the bottom side includes a keying feature specific to the fiber optic connection unit. The keying features of each of the fiber optic connection units can mate with at least one other fiber optic connection unit, and when each of the keying features of the fiber optic connection units are mated with one another, the arrangement of connection units in a specific order is formed.

In some examples, the keying features are mechanical. In some examples, the mechanical keying features are holes and pegs. In some examples, the keying features are magnetic keying features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is a perspective view of a large connector and a connection unit in accordance with the principles of this disclosure arranged along a cable;

Figure IB shows a plurality of connection units deployed about a core of a fiber optic cable;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a connection unit in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 3 is an adapter in accordance with the principles of this disclosure with a first and a second connection unit mated within the adapter, the connection units are similar to the connection unit shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a bare fiber adapter in accordance with the principles of this disclosure with a first and a second bare fiber connection unit shown prior to being inserted into the adapter;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of connection units in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 6 is an arrangement of connection units in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 7 is another arrangement of connection units in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 8 is the arrangement of connection units of Figure 7 showing a plurality of keying features and how the connection units can be arranged and rearranged with the connection units;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a mold for molding a side of a connection unit body in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 11 is the mold of Figure 10 opened to show the side of the connection unit body;

Figure 12 is a different mold for molding a side of a connection unit body in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 13 is the mold of Figure 12 opened to show the side of the connection unit body;

Figure 14 is an exploded view of a keying feature on a connection unit in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 15 is the keying feature of Figure 14 assembled; Figure 16 is an exploded view of another keying feature on a connection unit in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 17 is the keying feature of Figure 16 assembled;

Figure 18 is a magnetic keying feature on a connection unit in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 19 is various arrangements of magnets of the keying feature of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a table showing how the keying feature of Figure 18 works to arrange connection units;

Figure 21 is an arrangement of connection units with magnetic keying features in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 22 is the magnetic keying feature of Figure 21 shown in isolation;

Figure 23 is a view of a first arrangement of connection units and a rearranged second arrangement of connection units in accordance with the principles of this disclosure;

Figure 24 is a view of two arrangements of connection units aligned with one another prior to making a fiber optic connection;

Figure 25 is a view of two arrangements of connection units aligned with one another prior to making a fiber optic connection;

Figure 26 is a view of two arrangements of connection units aligned with one another prior to making a fiber optic connection;

Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of a two-piece molded connection unit with a top and a bottom piece;

Figure 28 is a key-up to key-up adapter in accordance with the principles of this disclosure; and

Figure 29 is a key-up to key-down adapter in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods and cable configurations for enhancing a telecommunications cable for use in the field (e.g., to facilitate deployment in small conduits) and to facilitate assembling connectors after cable deployment. In certain examples, this disclosure relates, more specifically, to fiber optic connectors and fiber optic connection units. Even more specifically, the present disclosure relates to connection units or fiber optic connectors which include keying features which allow the fiber optic connectors or connection units to mate with keying features of other fiber optic connectors or connection units to form an arrangement of the fiber optic connectors or connection units in a specific order.

Referring to Figure 1A, an example of a cable assembly including a fiber optic cable 10 having a plurality of optical fibers configured to be terminated with a high- fiber count connector 2 is shown. The cable 10 is shown being routed through a conduit 12. The high-fiber connector 2 together alongside the cable 10 does not fit within the conduit 12. Next to the high-fiber connector 2, a connection unit 4 is shown. The connection unit 4 is small enough to fit within the conduit 12 side-by-side with the cable 10. In situations where a high-fiber connector cannot fit, it can be desirable to have a smaller connection unit which can later be configured as a large, high-fiber connector.

Referring to Figure IB, a cable assembly including a cable 10b is shown. The cable assembly includes a plurality of connection units 4 deployed about a core 8 of the cable 10b. The core includes a plurality of optical fibers. Each of the connection units 4 includes a plurality of the optical fibers terminated therein. The cable is shown routed through a conduit 12. As can be seen, many connection units 4 can be routed through the conduit 12 along with the cable without causing interference.

Referring to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of a connection unit 106 in accordance with the principles of this disclosure is shown. The connection unit 106 is shown extending along a connection unit axis 30 between a first end 102 and a second end 104. The connection unit 106 supports a plurality of optical fibers 114. At the second end 104, the optical fibers 114 are routed into the connection unit 106 from a source 20. In some examples, the source 20 is a fiber optic cable. The optical fibers 114 extend longitudinally through the connection unit 106 from the second end 104 to the first end 102. At the first end 102, end faces 114a of the optical fibers 114 are accessible for optical connection to optical fibers of another connection unit. In some examples, the end faces

protrude slightly beyond the first end of the connection unit 106 when terminated at a ferrule. In some examples, the optical fibers 114 extend through the connection unit 106 and beyond the first end 102 of the connection unit in a bare fiber arrangement (e.g., in certain examples the fibers protrude beyond the first end 102 by at least 2 millimeters). An example bare fiber optical connection for aligning connectors with bare optical fibers is disclosed by PCT Publication No. WO 2017/081306, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The connection unit 106 additionally includes a keying feature 140. The keying feature 140 is located between the first and second end 102, 104 of the connection unit 106. The keying feature 140 allows for the connection unit to mate in a stacked relationship with a different connection unit 106 which has a mating keying feature which corresponds with the mating feature 140 of the connection unit 106.

It will be appreciated that connection units in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure are preferably adapted for supporting and holding a plurality of optical fibers (e.g., a row of optical fibers such as the optical fibers 114). In one example, connection units in accordance with the present disclosure can each have a multiple piece configuration with optical fibers secured between the pieces. An example two-piece configuration for one of the connection units 106 is shown at Figure 27. The depicted connection unit 106 of Figure 27 incudes a top piece 81 and a bottom piece 82 that are joined together at an interface 83. One of the top and bottom pieces 81, 82 defines grooves 84 at the interface 83 that receive and position the optical fibers 114, and the other of the top and bottom pieces 81, 82 includes a retaining surface 85 that opposes open sides of the grooves 84 and retains the optical fibers 114 in the grooves 84 (e.g., the fibers can be clamped in the grooves 84). The top and bottom pieces 81, 82 can be joined together at the interface 83 by a mechanical connection (e.g., press-fit, snap-fit) or can be bonded together by adhesive, welding or other techniques. The top and bottom pieces 81, 82 respectively include major top and bottom sides 86, 87 opposite from the interface 83 which define keying features 140 such as posts 88 and openings 89. In certain examples, the keying features 140 are provided at outer sides of the connection unit and do not extend completely through a thickness of the connection unit so as to not obstruct or interfere with the longitudinal fiber routing path defined through the connection unit.

Referring to Figure 3, a fiber optic adapter 180 is shown. The fiber optic adapter 180 is adapted for coupling two connection units 106 together with the first ends 102 engaging one another and with the end faces 114a of the optical fibers 114 co-axially aligned with one another such that optical connections are made between the aligned optical fibers of the connection units 106 which are coupled together. The fiber optic adapter 180 has a first and a second port 180a, 180b. Each of the ports 180a, 180b is configured for receiving a connection unit 106. The connection units 106 mount in the ports 180a, 180b with their first ends 102 aligned and in abutment with each other.

In other examples, each of the ports 180a, 180b can be configured for receiving a connector formed by a stack of the connection units 106 such that multiple rows of optical fibers are optically coupled within the adapter.

Referring to Figure 4, an adapter 182 is shown. The adapter includes a first and a second port 182a, 182b and a bare fiber alignment structure 182c (e.g., V grooves or other types of groves). Two connection units 107 are shown prior to entering the ports 182a, 182b. The connection units 107 are similar to the connection units 106 discussed above but include bare fibers 113 extending outwardly from a front end 103. When each of the connection units 107 enter the adapter 182 the bare optical fibers 113 enter the bare fiber alignment structure 182c allowing for the optical fibers 113 of the mated connection units 107 to be optically coupled with one another.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first connection unit 106a and a second connection unit 106b with first and second keying features 140a, 140b mated with one another forming an arrangement 200 (e.g., a stacked arrangement) of connection units 106a, 106b. The keying features 140a, 140b face one another and align the connection units 106a, 106b in the stacked arrangement 200. Both connection units 106a, 106b extend along a first and a second connection unit axis 30a, 30b between a first end 102a, 102b and a second end 104a, 104b. When the keying features 140 are mated with one another, the connection unit axes 30a, 30b are parallel with one another. Additionally, the first ends 102a, 102b and second ends 104a, 104b of the first and second connection units 106a, 106b are aligned with one another. In this particular example, there are two connection units 106a, 106b. It will be appreciated that this arrangement of connection units, and the arrangements of connection units discussed later on, can be adapted to be received within corresponding fiber optic adapters and can include optical fibers which are recessed, flush or that project beyond the first ends 102a, 102b of the connection units 106a, 106b.

Referring to Figure 6, an arrangement 300 of connection units 306a-306f in accordance with the principles of this disclosure is shown. The connection units 306a-306f have first ends 302 and opposite second ends 304. The connection units are in a specific order with a top connection unit 306a and a bottom connection unit 306f. The order of connection units is as follows: 306a-306b-306c-306d-306f. Each of the connection units includes at least one keying feature 340. In this embodiment, the keying features 340 are a plurality of pegs 340a and holes 340b, the holes 340b being the similar in size to the pegs 340a allowing them to mate with one another. The keying features 340 in this example are on at least a top 322 or a bottom 324 of each of the connection units 306a-306f. The keying features 340, in this example, are groups of pegs 340a (e.g., four pegs) at the top 322 of each connection units 306b-306f and groups of holes 340b (e.g., four holes) on the bottom 324 of each connection units 306a-306e, however it will be appreciated that the positions can be reversed.

The keying features 340 are spaced axially from one connection unit to the next connection unit and are progressively positioned closer to the first ends 302 when progressing in a direction from the top connection unit 306a toward the bottom connection unit 306f. A given bottom key feature is configured to mate with the top key feature of only one of the connection units 306a-306f and vice-versa. The axial spacing ensures the connection units 306a-306f to only be arranged in the specific order of the arrangement 300 discussed above. In this particular embodiment, the top connection unit 306a only has keying feature 340 on the bottom 324 and the bottom connection unit only has a keying feature 340 on the top side 322 because they will always be the top connection unit 306a and the bottom connection unit 306f meaning that they will never have a connection unit above (for the top connection unit 306a) or below (for the bottom connection unit 306f) as the arrangement is only in one specific order. The connection units 306a-306f are additionally curved at the bottom side 324 about the connection unit axis 330. The curve assists the connection units 306a-f to form the arrangement 300 of connection units 306a- 306f (e.g., the curve limits that options for coupling the connection units 306a-306f together by requiring slight nesting of the connection unit bodies) and to be flush with a cable if they are deployed about a cable.

As depicted the connection units 306a-306f are stacked with the concave sides engaging convex sides of adjacent ones of the connection units. In this example, connection unit 306a can only be mounted directly on top of connection unit 306b and cannot be mounted directly on top of any of connection units 306c-306f. Similarly, connection unit 306b can only be mounted directly on top of connection unit 306c and cannot be mounted directly on top of any of connection units 306d-306f or 306a. Further, connection unit 306c can only be mounted directly on top of connection unit 306d and cannot be mounted directly on top of any of connection units 306e, 306f, 306a or 306b. Also, connection unit 306d can only be mounted directly on top of connection unit 306e and cannot be mounted directly on top of any of connection units 306f or 306a-306c. Further, connection unit 306e can only be mounted directly on top of connection unit 306f and cannot be mounted directly on top of any of connection units 306a-306d.

Referring now to Figure 7, a different arrangement 400 of connection units 406a-406f in accordance with the principles of this disclosure is shown. The arrangement 400 is in a specific order, however in this particular embodiment there are two different specific orders of connection units 406a-406f that are possible. The orders are as follows: a first specific order: 406a-406b-406c-406d-406f or a second specific order: 406f-406e- 406d-406c-406b-406a. Rather than a top connection unit and a bottom connection unit, as in the previous embodiment, there are two outer connection units 406a and 406f. In both orders of arrangement described above the connection units are ordered from top to bottom with the connection units 406a-406f oriented with the same sides facing upwardly (e.g., the convex sides face up).

The keying features 440 are on a top and a bottom side 422, 424 of each of the connection units 406a-406f. The keying features are, similar to the connection units 300, groups of pegs and holes. However, in this particular embodiment, the pegs and holes are spaced in a circular pattern. Each keying feature 440 includes one peg 440a and two holes 440b. This configuration allows the one peg 440a to enter and mate with either hole 440b allowing for multiple arrangements. The holes 440b are preferably at the surface of each of the major sides of the connection units and preferably do not extend completely through the thickness of each of the connection units 406a-406f so as to not interfere with optical fibers routed through the connection units 406a-406f.

Figures 8 and 9 show a representation of each order discussed above. Figure 8 shows a first configuration 450a and a second configuration 450b prior to mating to highlight how the connection units are able to mate with one another in the first and second specific orders. In the first configuration 450a, the peg of the keying feature 440 on the top 422 of the connection unit 406d will enter and mate with one of the holes of the keying feature 440 on the bottom 424 of the connection unit 406e, the peg of the keying feature 440 on the bottom 424 of the connection unit 406e will simultaneously mate with the hole of the keying feature 440 on the top 422 of connection unit 406d thereby allowing the connection units 440d, 440e to mate with one another. Similarly, the peg of the keying feature on top of the connection unit 406c mates with a hole in the bottom of the connection unit 406d and the peg on the bottom of the connection unit 406d mates with a hole in the top of the connection unit 406c. In the second configuration 450b, the peg 440a of the keying feature 440 on the top of the connection unit 406e will enter and mate with one of the holes 440b of the keying feature 440 on the bottom of the connection unit 406d, the peg 440a of the keying feature 440 on the bottom of the connection unit 406d will simultaneously mate with the hole 440b of the keying feature 440 on the connection unit 406d allowing the connection units 440d, 440e to mate with one another. The peg 440a of the keying feature on top of the connection unit 406d mates with a hole in the bottom of the connection unit 406c and the peg 440a on the bottom of the connection unit 406c mates with a hole in the top of the connection unit 406d. Each connection unit can mate with two other connection units thereby creating two specific orders. Figure 9 shows a closer view of the example shown in Figure 8 highlighting how the connection units 406c and 406d can mate depending on the order.

Referring to Figures 10-19 examples of how various keying features for connection units with a two-piece configuration in accordance with the principles of this disclosure could be manufactured are shown. Figures 10 and 11 show a mold 500 extending along a mold axis 531 between a first and a second end 502, 504 and a molded connection unit 506. The mold includes a top 522 and a bottom 524. The top 522 of the mold 500 includes a plurality of holes which extend through the top 522 of the mold 500. Each of the holes are shown with a pin 530 configured to extend through one of the holes. The top side 522 of the mold 522 includes a convex portion 522a. The convex portion creates a concave face on a first major side 506a as can be seen in Figure 11.

The bottom 524 of the mold 500 includes a bed 525, the bed 525 includes a plurality of V-shaped structures 525a and a flat portion 525b. The V-shaped structures 525a allow for V-shaped grooves to be formed on a second major side 506b side of the connection unit 506 which is being formed. The flat portion 525b allows for a fiber ribbon (e.g., a plurality of optical fibers bonded together in a line and maintaining an order) to be inserted. The ribbon matrix can then stripped from the optical fibers which are inserted into the V-shaped grooves as shown in Figure 27 and discussed earlier prior to a top side being attached to the side featuring the V-shaped grooves. The botom 524 of the mold 500 additionally includes stops 524a on the first end 502 and second end 504 defining the length of the connection unit body 506. The connection unit body 506 is typically made from a material such as polymer and injected into the mold 506. When the material is injected into the mold 500, the shape and length of the connection unit body 506 is defined by the bed 525 and the stops 524a. A keying feature 540, similar to the keying features discussed in earlier embodiments, is created by raising and lowering the pins 530 on the top 522 and botom 524 of the mold 500 thus creating pegs in the holes which the pins 530 are raised and holes, as discussed above, in the areas where the pins were lowered.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a similar mold 600 in accordance with the principles of this disclosure is shown. Rather than a plurality of holes, as discussed in the mold 500 above, a single larger hole 630 is used with a large pin 632. The mold 600 includes similar stops 624a and a similar bed 625 to the mold 500. The bed 625 includes V-shaped structures 625a and a flat portion 625b. The large pin 632 fits within the large hole and includes a first end 634. The first end 634 fits within the hole 630 and includes two bumps 632a and a hole 632b. The two bumps 632a allow for holes in a connection unit body 606 molded and the hole 632b allows for a peg to be molded to the connection unit body 606 as in the embodiments of the connection unit 400 discussed above. The large pin also includes a second end 636, the second end is hexagonal in shape. The hexagonal shape allows the large pin to easily rotate, when gripped by a machine if automated, between six different positions to create various keying feature configurations.

It will be appreciated that the molds 500, 600 shown in Figures 10-13 are for molding one side of a connection unit and a different side of the connection unit can be molded in a different mold with a bed featuring a flat surface for creating a retaining surface similar to the retaining surface 85 discussed above and shown in Figure 27. For example, the molds 500, 600 shown could correspond to a botom piece such as the botom piece 82 shown in Figure 27 and a different mold could correspond to atop piece such as the top piece 81 as shown in Figure 27.

Referring now to Figure 14 and 15, a different embodiment of a connection unit 700 is shown. Specifically highlighted is a keying feature 740 and a potential configuration of the keying feature 740. Figure 14 shows an exploded view of the keying feature 740. The keying feature 740 includes a plurality of holes 740a along with pegs 742 of varying lengths. Specifically, there is a short length peg 742a, a medium length peg 742b and a long length peg 742c.

Figure 15 shows a completed keying feature 740, the pegs 742a, 742b, 742c have been inserted into the holes. In this example, there are two short length pegs 742a, the short length pegs 742a, when inserted into the holes, create the holes in which pegs extending out of the connection unit 700 can be inserted into. Additionally, there are three medium length pegs 742b, the medium length pegs 742b are flush with the connection unit 700 when inserted into the holes. Finally, there is one long length peg 742c, the long length peg 742c creates a peg which extends upward from the connection unit and can be inserted into the hole corresponding to the shortest length peg (similar to the peg and hole relationship discussed above with the connection unit 400). When a plurality of similar connectors are arranged in a specific order as discussed earlier, the hole with the long peg 742c of one connection unit 700 can be inserted into one of the holes with the short pegs 742a of a different connection unit 700 allowing for use similar to the connection unit 400 discussed above. In this particular example, there are six different holes allowing the configuration of two holes and one peg to rotate between six different positions. This configuration, in the ideal embodiment, works for twelve connection units to be arranged with one another. However, it will be appreciated that more holes can be added and different configurations of pegs and holes can be arranged and more or less holes can be molded to the connection unit 700.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, another embodiment of a keying feature 840 of a connection unit 800 is shown. In this particular embodiment, the keying feature 840 includes a molded section 844 and a key 842. The molded section 844 includes a polygonal shape in the center. The key 842 includes a similar polygonal middle section cut-out which allows the key to removably mount within the molded section 844. The key 840 is a similar configuration to the keying features discussed above and includes two holes 842a and a peg 842b. The polygon shown in this particular example is a hexagon allowing the keying feature to rotate between six different positions which is ideal for an arrangement of twelve connection units with two different arrangements, however it will be appreciated that other polygons, pegs, and holes can be used depending on the desired arrangement of connection units.

Referring to Figures 18 and 19, a different embodiment of a keying feature 940 of a connection unit is shown. The keying feature 940 of this embodiment is a magnetic sticker. The magnetic sticker includes six smaller magnets spaced about the outer dimension of the sticker. The keying feature 940 includes positive magnets 942 and negative magnets 944s. Figure 19 shows a variety of different stickers 940a, 940b, 940c, 940d with different configurations of positive and negative stickers 942, 944. For this particular embodiment a curve, as discussed earlier is required for the connection units 900 to assemble with one another.

Figure 20 is a diagram 960 demonstrating how a potential set of twelve connection units with magnetic keying features such as the connection units 900 can arrange with one another and how the magnetic keying features operate. The diagram specifically illustrates which keying features are mateable with one another and the configurations which the keying features can be stacked with one another. The table includes a set of columns 960a and a set of rows 960b. Each of the sets of columns and rows 960a, 960b represents a single keying feature 940. Positive ones, on the rows and columns 960a, 960b, represent positive stickers 942 and a positive force, whereas, negative ones represent negative stickers 944 and a negative force. Each non-repeating sequential pair 970 in rows 960b and columns 960a, such as column 970 and column 971, (e.g., one and two, three and four, five and six etc.) includes the information for the top and bottom keying feature (e.g., magnetic sticker) of a single connection unit. The information includes whether each of the smaller magnetic stickers is positive or negative, and whether the sticker is on a curve-up side or a curve-down side. The curve-up and curve-down information is shown in a column 951 and a row 950. The curve-up sides are shown by positive ones 950a and the curve down sides are shown by negative ones 950b in the row 950. Curve-up sides are shown by positive ones 951a and curve-down sides are shown by negative ones 95 lb in the column 951.

Referring now to a middle section 980 of the diagram 960 in Figure 20, how the pairs of the stickers mate with one another is shown. Each cell of each of the rows and columns of the middle section 980 represents a potential pairing between the corresponding keying features 940 represented by the rows 960b and the columns 960a, the middle section sums the forces and determines whether the pairs are valid. Represented in the middle section 980, there are invalid pairs 956, mismatching pairs 954, and matching pairs 952. The invalid pairs 956 occur when a curve-up 95 la is in line with a curve-up 950a or when a curve-down 95 lb is in line with a curve-down 950b. The mismatching pairs 954 occur when the forces of the columns 960a and rows 960b sum to zero, as there will be no attraction between the magnets, or when the forces of the columns 960a and rows 960b sum to negative four as there will be a repelling force. The matching pairs 952 happen when the forces of the columns 960a and rows 960b sum to four meaning there will be a positive attraction.

Referring now to Figure 21 and Figure 22, a different arrangement 1000 of connection units 1006 is shown. Each connection unit 1106 includes a keying feature 1040. The keying feature is a plurality of magnetic stickers (see Figure 22), in this particular example the magnetic stickers are axially aligned with a connection unit axis 1030 rather than spaced about a dimension of a shape like connection unit 900. As can be seen in the Figures there are twelve connection units 1006a- 1006j arranged with one another. The keying feature 1040 is shown in Figure 22 in more detail. As can be seen, a plurality of positive 1042 and negative magnetic stickers 1044 are aligned with one another. Although not depicted, it will be appreciated that the connection units 1006a- 1006j can align with one another similar to the connection units as described in the diagram 960 of Figure 20.

Referring to Figure 23, a general arrangement 1100 of connection units 1106 with a first arrangement 1101 and a second arrangement 1102 in a specific order is shown. As can be seen in the diagram, the first arrangement is 1106a-l 106b- 1106c-1106d- 1106e-l 106f and the second arrangement 1106f-l 106-e-l 106d-l 106c-l 106b-l 106. The first outer connection unit 1106a and the second outer connection unit is 1106e. As discussed earlier the first arrangement 1101 can be rearranged to the second arrangement 1102.

Figures 24-25 show two similar connectors 1200 aligned with one another prior to making an optical connection within an adapter. The connectors 1200 include connection units 1206a- 12061 which can only be arranged in one particular order, similar to the connection units 306a-306f as shown in Figure 6 and have connection unit keys similar to the connection unit keys 340 shown in Figure 6. The connection units 1206a- 12061 of each connector 1200 are arranged in a first column and a second column which is adjacent to the first column. The connection units are arranged in the order of 1206a- 1206b-1206c-1206d-1206e-1206f in the first column and in the order of 1206g-1206h- 1206i-1206j-1206k-12061 in the second column. The connectors 1200 also include connector keys 1212 which allow the connectors to mate within adapters with similar slots for the keys 1212. The keys 1212 are located above or below the two connection units 1206a, 1206g. Each connection unit 1206a-12061 additionally includes twelve optical fibers 1210 arranged one through twelve. Only the one optical fiber 1210a and a twelve optical fiber 1210b are labeled for simplification.

Referring to Figure 24, the connectors 1200 are aligned prior to entering an adapter with a key up to key up Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Type-B configuration. An example adapter 1300 with a key-up to key-up configuration is shown in Figure 28. The adapter 1300 includes a first and a second opposite port 1302 for receiving a connector such as the connector 1200 and an adapter key 1304 at either port which is configured to receive a key similar to the key 1212, after the connector is inserted 1300 the optical fibers meet at an interface 1306. This means that the connector keys 1212 will face one another from connector 1200 to connector 1200 when inserted into the adapter 1300 or a similar adapter. Additionally, the connectors 1200 and connection units 1206a- 12061 will mirror one another within the adapter. The connection units 1206a- 1206b-1206c-1206d-1206e-1206f will align with connection units 1206g-1206h-1206i- 1206j- 1206k- 12061 when the connectors 1200 are aligned in the adapter and the ones 1210a align with the twelves 1210b of the optical fibers 1210 of each connection unit 1206a-12061.

Figure 25 shows opposite similar connectors 1200 which are aligned prior to entering an adapter key-up to key-down TIA Type A configuration. An example key-up to key-down adapter 1400 is shown in Figure 29. The adapter 1400 is similar to the adapter 1300 and includes opposite ports 1402. The adapter also includes adapter keys 1404 which are aligned opposite to one another unlike the adapter keys 1300 meaning for the connectors 1200 to fit within an adapter similar to the adapter 1400, the connector keys 1212 are aligned opposite to one another from connector 1200 to connector 1200.

In this configuration the connection units 1206a- 1206b- 1206c- 1206d- 1206e-1206f of connector 1200 align with the connection units 1206f-1206e-1206d- 1206c- 1206b- 1206a of the opposite connector 1200. Similarly, the connection units 1206g- 1206h- 1206i- 1206j - 1206k- 12061 of connector 1200 align with the connection units 12061-1206k-1206j-1206i-1206h-1206g of the connector 1200. Each one 1210a of the twelve fibers of connection units 1206a- 12061 aligns with the each one 1210a of the fibers 1210 of the opposite connection unit 1206a- 12061 from the opposite connector 1200 as well as the twelves 1210b of the optical fibers 1210 of each connection unit 1206a-12061. Referring to Figure 26, the connector 1200 is shown aligned with a connector 1200a. Each connector 1200, 1200a includes similar connection units 1206a- 12061. The connection units 1206a- 12061 of the connector 1200a can be arranged in a first and second arrangement similar to the connection units 406a-406f and have connection unit keying features similar to the keying features 440 shown in Figures 7-9. The connection units of the connector 1200a can be arranged as 1206a- 12061 similar to the connector 1200 or in an opposite arrangement of 12061-1206a.

Figure 26 shows the connection units 1206a- 12061 of the connector 1200a arranged in the opposite arrangement 12061-1206a. The connector 1200a includes a connector key 1212 similar to the connector key 1212 discussed above. The keys 1212 of each connector 1200, 1200a are on opposite sides of one another so that they can be aligned in a key-up to key-down adapter such as the adapter 1400 of Figure 29. Because the connection units 1206a- 12061 are arranged as 12061- 1206a in the connector 1200a and the connectors are arranged to mate in a key-up to key-down adapter, the connection units 1206a-1206b-1206c-1206d-120e-1206f of connector 1200 align to abut with the connection units 1206a-1206b-1206c-1206d-120e-1206f of 1200a respectively. Similarly, the connection units 1206g- 1206h- 1206i- 1206j - 1206k- 12061 of connector 1200 align with the connection units 1206g-1206h-1206i-1206j-1206k-12061 of connector 1200a. Additionally, the ones 1210a align with the ones 1210a of each connection unit 1206a- 1206f and the twelves 1210b align with the twelves 1210b of each connection unit 1206a- 1206f. This allows for the optical fibers to maintain a polarity of the fibers 1210 meaning that fiber paths are preserved between the demateable optical connections across the mating interface.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An arrangement of fiber optic connection units comprising: a plurality of fiber optic connection units, each of the fiber optic connection units extending along a connection unit axis between a first and a second end, each of the fiber optic connection units carrying a plurality of optical fibers and each of the fiber optic connection units including a top side and an opposite bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of at least some of the connection units including a unique keying feature specific to each corresponding fiber optic connection unit, wherein the keying features of each of the fiber optic connection units can mate with the keying feature of at least one other fiber optic connection unit, and when the fiber optic connection units are mated with one another, the connection units are ordered in at least one predetermined sequence.

2. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 1 wherein, the keying features are a mechanical component.

3. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 2, wherein the keying features are integrally formed with the connection units.

4. The arrangement of fiber optic components of claim 2, wherein the keying components are separate from the connection units.

5. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 3 or 4, wherein the keying features are a plurality of pegs and a plurality of holes, the holes can be mated with the plurality of pegs.

6. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 1, wherein the keying features are a plurality of magnets, the magnets are positive and negative.

7. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 6, wherein the magnets are on a sticker which is attached to the connection units.

8. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 6 or 7, wherein the magnets are spaced in a circular pattern.

9. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 8, wherein the magnets have specific unique patterns of positive magnets and negative magnets which correspond and attract to other unique patterns of positive and negative magnets allowing the connection units to mate with one another.

10. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 6 or 7, wherein the magnets are aligned with one another along the connection unit axis.

11. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 10, wherein the magnets have specific unique patterns of positive magnets and negative magnets which are unique to the individual connection unit.

12. The arrangement of the plurality of connection units as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of connection units each include a curve.

13. An arrangement of fiber optic connection units comprising: a plurality of fiber optic connection units, each of the fiber optic connection units extending along a connection unit axis between a first and a second end, the fiber optic connection units each carrying a plurality of optical fibers and each of the fiber optic connection units including a top side and an opposite bottom side, at least one of the top side or the bottom side including a keying feature unique to each corresponding fiber optic connection unit, wherein the keying features of each of the fiber optic connection units can mate with at least one other fiber optic connection unit, and when each of keying features of the fiber optic connection units are mated with one another, the connection units are ordered in at least one predetermined sequence.

14. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 13, wherein the arrangement corresponds to a polarity, and the arrangement can be flipped to reverse the polarity.

15. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 13, wherein the keying features are mechanical keying features.

16. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 15, wherein the keying features are separable from the connection units.

17. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 15 or 16, wherein the keying features are a plurality of pegs and a plurality of holes, the holes can be mated with the plurality of pegs.

18. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 13, wherein the keying features are a plurality of positive and negative magnets.

19. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of claim 18, wherein the plurality of magnets are stickers which are affixed to the connection unit. 0. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 18 or 19, wherein the magnets are aligned with one another along the fiber axis. 1. The arrangement of fiber optic connection units of either claim 18 or 19, wherein the magnets are arranged in a circular pattern.

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