Adapter retention mechanism

Abstract

An adapter retaining mechanism comprises: an adapter body having a first end and a second end, which receive a first group and a second group of connecting sleeves in use; a first pair of closing members, which are pivotally connected to the first end of the adapter body, the first pair of closing members including a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, the first pair of closing members being configured to engage the first group of connecting sleeves; and a second pair of closing members, which are pivotally connected to the second end of the adapter body, the second pair of closing members including a third locking mechanism and a fourth locking mechanism, the second pair of closing members being configured to engage the second group of connecting sleeves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter retention mechanism and method of retaining a coupling sleeve in an adapter. Background Art

[0002] Increasingly complex computer infrastructures are often used to perform computing tasks. Data centers are often used to manage such computing infrastructures. Such data centers may include various electronic devices that make up the computing infrastructure. In order to facilitate the transmission of data through the computing infrastructure, many devices, including, for example, external optical cables, patch panels, and fiber shuffle boxes, are used to implement complex connection topologies for computing systems. The connections between different devices in the computing infrastructure may have different types of connections, which may change over time or service as devices are upgraded or added. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter retaining mechanism is provided, the adapter retaining mechanism comprising: an adapter body, the adapter body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end receiving a first group of coupling sleeves and a second group of coupling sleeves in use; a first pair of closing members, the first pair of closing members being pivotally connected to the first end of the adapter body, the first pair of closing members comprising a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, the first pair of closing members being configured to engage the first group of coupling sleeves; and a second pair of closing members, the second pair of closing members being pivotally connected to the second end of the adapter body, the second pair of closing members comprising a third locking mechanism and a fourth locking mechanism, the second pair of closing members being configured to engage the second group of coupling sleeves, wherein the first pair of closing members and the second pair of closing members are configured to rotate around the adapter body outside the adapter body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, in the closed position, the first pair of closing members maintains the position of the first group of coupling sleeves, and the second pair of closing members maintains the position of the second group of coupling sleeves.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter retaining mechanism is provided, which includes: an adapter body, the adapter body having a first end and a second end; a first cover, the first cover being connected to the first end of the adapter body; a second cover, the second cover being connected to the first end of the adapter body; a third cover, the third cover being connected to the second end of the adapter body; and a fourth cover, the fourth cover being connected to the second end of the adapter body, wherein each of the first cover, the second cover, the third cover and the fourth cover includes a base and two opposing retaining clips, wherein the first cover, the second cover, the third cover and the fourth cover are configured to rotate around the adapter body outside the adapter body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, in the closed position, the first cover and the second cover maintain the position of a first group of connecting sleeves, and the third cover and the fourth cover maintain the position of a second group of connecting sleeves.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for retaining a connecting sleeve in an adapter is provided, the method comprising: connecting a first group of connecting sleeves to a first side of the adapter; connecting a second group of connecting sleeves to a second side of the adapter; and rotating a first closing member, a second closing member, a third closing member, and a fourth closing member of the adapter from an open position to a closed position, wherein the closed positions of the first closing member, the second closing member, the third closing member, and the fourth closing member exert a force on the first group of connecting sleeves and the second group of connecting sleeves to maintain the positions of the first group of connecting sleeves and the second group of connecting sleeves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an adapter in an open position is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A top perspective view of the adapter in a closed position.

[0008] Figure 3 Shown from different angles Figure 1 to Figure 2 A perspective view of the adapter in the open position.

[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figures 1 to 3 Side view of the adapter in the open position.

[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 4 Top view of the adapter.

[0011] Figure 6 Shows Figures 1 to 5 End view of the adapter.

[0012] Figure 7 Shows Figures 1 to 6 A perspective view of the adapter.

[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the adapter.

[0014] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an adapter is shown with one closure member in an open position and one closure member in a closed position according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A cut-away perspective view of an adapter with one closure member in an open position and one closure member in a closed position.

[0016] Fig.11 A perspective view of an adapter with a closed latch is shown according to one or more embodiments of the example embodiments.

[0017] Fig.12 A perspective end view of an adapter in an open position is shown according to one or more embodiments of the example embodiments.

[0018] Fig.13 One or more embodiments according to example embodiments are shown. Fig.12 A perspective end view of an adapter in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] One or more embodiments of the subject matter claimed below are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals. In the following detailed description, specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the example embodiments. In other examples, features known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described to avoid blurring the description of the example embodiments.

[0020] Optical fiber shuffles are used to provide complex connectivity between multiple computers, computer systems, and / or networks. The optical fiber from each optical connector of a system is split to optically couple to multiple optical connectors of different systems. Optical fiber shuffles can be expensive, require longer lead times to implement, and can be physically larger than desired.

[0021] The present disclosure provides a retention mechanism for a fiber optic interconnection flexible board implemented by an adapter that retains orthogonal or parallel mating sleeves. An adapter using such a retention mechanism can provide a device and method for retaining a coupling sleeve, fixing the coupling sleeve in position within the adapter, and providing a fixed optical connection that is inexpensive, easy to implement, and can have a desired form factor inside or outside the system.

[0022] Steering Figure 1 , showing a top perspective view of the adapter 100 in an open position. In this embodiment, the adapter 100 is shown as having an adapter body 105 having a first end 110 and a second end 115. The adapter body 105 is configured such that the first end 110 can receive a first group 120 in a coupling sleeve 130, and the second end 115 can receive a second group 125 in the coupling sleeve 130. As used herein, the first group 120 and the second group 125 in the coupling sleeve 130 may include one or more sleeves 130 into which one or more optical fibers 135 may be inserted. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the first group 120 and the second group 125 in the coupling sleeve 130 may include, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more sleeves 130 in a single-row or double-row fiber configuration. Thus, each group 120, 125 in the coupling sleeve 130 can provide a support for connecting one or more optical fibers 135.

[0023] The adapter 100 may also include a closure member 140, which in this embodiment is shown as a first cover 145 disposed on the first end 110. The adapter 100 may also include a second closure member 140, which is shown as a second cover 150 disposed on the first end 110. Similarly, the adapter 100 may include two additional closure members 140, which in this embodiment are shown as a third cover 155 and a fourth cover 160 disposed on the second end 115.

[0024] The first, second, third, and fourth covers 145, 150, 155, 160 can be pivotally connected to the adapter body 105 using a plurality of pivot points 165. The pivot points 165 can include hinges, pins, co-extruded connections, or any other physical structure that provides a center point at which the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 rotate relative to the adapter body 105. In some embodiments, the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 can be connected or disconnected at the pivot points 165 by removing the pins or other structures, thereby allowing the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 to be changed or otherwise adapted for use with a particular adapter 100. In some other examples, the pins in the pivot points 165 can be configured to be tightened, for example, to hold the covers closed.

[0025] The first, second, third, and fourth covers 145, 150, 155, 160 may also include a retaining clip 170. In the present embodiment, the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 each include two opposing retaining clips 170 that are configured to engage or otherwise interact with the adapter body 105. Although two opposing retaining clips 170 are shown for each cover 145, 150, 155, 160, in other embodiments, a single retaining clip 170 or more than two retaining clips 170 may be used for each cover 145, 150, 155, 160. In further other embodiments, a single retaining clip 170 may be used for each group of corresponding covers 145, 150, 155, 160. For example, the first and second covers 145, 150 may have a single retaining clip 170, while the third and fourth covers 155, 160 have a single retaining clip.

[0026] The retaining clips 170 of the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 are configured to engage or otherwise interact with the adapter body 105. Thus, the retaining clips 170 can provide a locking mechanism to maintain the position of the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 when the adapter 100 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the retaining clips 170 are configured to engage a retaining surface 175 disposed on the adapter body 105. As shown, the retaining surface 175 can include a raised portion on the adapter body 105, onto which the retaining clips 170 can slide, thereby retaining the retaining clips 170 to the adapter body 105 until a positive force is applied to the retaining clips 170 to release them from the adapter body 105. In other embodiments, the positive force may be applied to the top, side, or bottom of the retaining clips 170 to allow the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 to retract to the open position.

[0027] Although the retention face 175 is shown here as a raised face, in other embodiments, the retention face 175 may include a raised face having a hole through which the retention clip can slide and be secured in place. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that various alternative physical structures may be provided on the adapter body 105 to releasably secure the retention clip 170 to the adapter body. In some embodiments, the retention face 175 may be an integral element of the adapter body 105, for example, when the retention face 175 is formed when the adapter body 105 is formed. In other embodiments, the retention face 175 may be added after the adapter body 105 is formed, thereby allowing the retention face 175 to be added to an existing adapter body 105. In such embodiments, the retention face 175 may be adhesively or mechanically connected to the adapter body 105, thereby allowing the retention face 175 to be modular with respect to various adapters 100.

[0028] The first, second, third, and fourth covers 145, 150, 155, 160 also include a base 180 disposed on an inner end thereof. When in a closed position, the base 180 can provide a positive force or retention force to compress and retain the coupling sleeve 130 in position within the adapter body 105. The base 180 can include an end surface of the cover 145, 150, 155, 160, or can include a raised surface that is not flush with the ends of the cover 145, 150, 155, 160. In some embodiments, the base 180 can include a profile that is configured to engage a matching profile on the coupling sleeve 130 in a manner not shown.

[0029] The adapter 100 may also include one or more mounting features 185 disposed on the adapter body 105. As shown, the mounting features 185 may be low-profile features, thereby preventing the mounting features 185 from interfering with the installation of the adapter 100 to a desired location. The mounting features 185 may provide attachment points for the adapter 100, thereby allowing the adapter 100 to be removably connected to a housing, a bracket (not shown), or to another adapter (not separately shown). As shown, the mounting features 185 include a bracket configuration with holes, thereby allowing the adapter 100 to be attached to other features by screws, thereby securing the adapter 100 in place before the adapter 100 is further operated.

[0030] In other embodiments, in addition to a bracket configuration with holes, the mounting features may include one or more of clips, springs, tethering points, adhesives, or other physical and / or chemical connections that allow the adapter 100 to be secured to another feature. Additionally, according to certain aspects of the adapter 100, the mounting features 185 may be arranged at one or more points around the adapter body 105. For example, a single mounting feature 185 may be arranged on a single side of the adapter body 105, multiple mounting features 185 may be arranged on a single side of the adapter body 105, or one or more mounting features 185 may be arranged on multiple sides of the adapter body 105.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 , the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 are pivotally connected to the adapter body 105 at the pivot point 165, as described above. Figure 1 Rotate the open position shown to Figure 2 When in the closed position, the retaining clips 170 of the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 engage retaining surfaces 175 on the adapter body 105. In this embodiment, the retaining clips 170 can push onto the upper portion of the retaining surfaces 175, and the retaining surfaces 175 can prevent the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 from being pulled back to the open position unless a positive force is applied to the ends of the retaining clips 170. In other embodiments, a positive force can be applied to the top, sides, or bottom of the retaining clips 170, thereby allowing the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 to retract to the open position.

[0032] Additionally, when in the closed position, Figure 1 The illustrated base 180 can provide a positive force on one or more ferrules 130 to retain one or more optical fibers 135. Thus, when the adapter 100 is in the closed position, the positive force applied to the ferrules 130 by the base 180 can maintain the position of the ferrules 130. Because the retention clip 170 holds the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 closed, the positive force on the ferrules 130 can be maintained, thereby preventing one or more ferrules 130 from being withdrawn or otherwise inadvertently disconnected.

[0033] The adapter 100 may also include one or more mounting features 185 disposed on the adapter body 105. Figure 1As described above, the mounting features 185 can provide an attachment point for the adapter 100, thereby allowing the adapter 100 to be removably connected to a housing, or a bracket (not shown), or another adapter (not shown separately). Additionally, because the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 hold the adapter in a closed position, the adapter 100 can be more tightly secured, thereby allowing multiple adapters to exist in a single system.

[0034] refer to Figure 3 , perspective views of the adapter 100 in an open position are shown from different angles. Figure 3 The groups 120, 125 ( Figure 1 ) is shown in the open position before insertion. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, the adapter 100 includes an adapter body 105 having a first end 110 and a second end 115 and also having a retaining surface 175 disposed or otherwise formed thereon. The adapter body 105 also includes a series of sleeve guides 190, thereby allowing the first group 120 and the second group 125 of the coupling sleeve 130 to be inserted into the adapter body 105 and guided to an initial aligned position. In addition, the adapter body 105 may include one or more final alignment features 195, which may facilitate aligning the first group 120 and the second group 125 of the coupling sleeve 130 to the correct direction and final position during assembly.

[0035] The adapter 100 also includes first, second, third, and fourth covers 145, 150, 155, and 160, as well as a pivot point 165 and a mounting feature 185, such as with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Discussed in detail.

[0036] refer to Figure 4 , shows a side view of the adapter 100 in an open position according to one particular example embodiment. Two mounting features 185 are shown on opposite sides of the adapter body 105. In other embodiments, the mounting features 185 can be arranged at one or more points around the adapter body 105. For example, a single mounting feature 185 can be arranged on a single side of the adapter body 105, multiple mounting features 185 can be arranged on a single side of the adapter body 105, or one or more mounting features 185 can be arranged on multiple sides of the adapter body 105.

[0037] refer to Figure 5 , a top view of the adapter 100 is shown. Figure 5The adapter 100 is shown in a closed position, wherein the second end 115 is partially cut away so that the second set 125 of coupling sleeves can be seen through this side of the adapter body. As shown, the adapter body 105 can include one or more final alignment features 195 that can facilitate aligning the first set 120 of coupling sleeves 130 and the second set 125 of coupling sleeves 130 to the correct orientation and final position during assembly. Figure 5 , the first and second covers 145, 150 hold the position of the first group 120 of the coupling sleeves 130, which is shown as a 6-coupling sleeve group with only the first sleeve 130 visible. The third and fourth covers 155, 160 hold the position of the second group 125 of the coupling sleeves, which is shown as an 8-coupling sleeve group. In other examples, the first group 120 and the second group 125 of the coupling sleeves 130 can have numbers other than 6 and 8, respectively.

[0038] refer to Figure 6 , an end view of the adapter 100 is shown. The end view of the adapter 100 shows a first set 120 of joined ferrules having a plurality of ferrules 130 having a plurality of optical fibers 135 contained therein. Since the ferrules 130 are held in a closed position by the covers 145, 150, 155, 160, the ferrules 130 can be secured within the adapter body 105, thereby preventing disconnection of the optical fibers. The covers 145, 150, 155, 160 can have an offset profile 200, thereby allowing the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 to substantially engage and close without overlapping.

[0039] refer to Figure 7 , showing a perspective view of the adapter 100. In this embodiment, the pivot point 165 may also include one or more securing pins 205. The securing pins 205, which may include screw pins, allow the pivot point 165 to be secured in place, thereby preventing the closure member 140 from being opened without first unfastening the securing pins 205. In one embodiment, the securing pins 205 may include screws that expand radially at the pivot point 165 to prevent the closure member 140 from rotating about the pivot point. The securing pins 205 may also include screw-type pins that compress a pivot point member (not shown) in a radial or latitudinal direction, thereby preventing the closure member 140 from rotating about the pivot point 165. Thus, the closure member 140 is compressed and held against the adapter body 105.

[0040] In some embodiments, the hole portion in the closure member 140 that receives the securing pin 205 can be threaded so that the securing pin 205 is tightened by rotating the securing pin 205 relative to the hole portion of the closure member 140. In some embodiments, the securing pin 205 can be inserted into one side of the pivot point 165, and a nut (not shown) or other mechanical mating surface can be arranged on the opposite side of the pivot point 165. As the securing pin 165 or nut are tightened relative to each other, internal pressure is exerted on the adapter body 105, thereby preventing the closure member 140 from pivoting about the pivot point 165. In other embodiments, the securing pin 205 can be a peg, a hinge pin stop, a pin lock, or any other type of securing member that prevents the closure member 140 from pivoting about the pivot point 165.

[0041] refer to Figure 8 , shows an enlarged perspective view of the adapter 100. In this embodiment, the first end 110 of the adapter body 105 of the adapter 100 is shown in an open position. As described above, the adapter 100 includes a securing pin 205 disposed at the pivot point 165 where the closure member 140 is connected to the adapter body. In this embodiment, in addition to the base 180 that provides a positive force against the sleeve, as shown Figure 7 As shown, during assembly, one or more spring fingers 210 may further provide a positive force to hold the sleeve 130 in place.

[0042] The spring fingers 210 may include one or more protrusions formed of metal, plastic, composite, etc. that provide a spring force against the sleeve 130 when the adapter 100 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, there are multiple spring fingers 210, such that there is one spring finger 210 for each sleeve 130, such as Figure 7 As shown, however, in other embodiments, a single spring finger 210 the length of the inside of the adapter body 105 may be used, or a plurality of spring fingers 210 that do not correspond to the number of sleeves 130 may be arranged.

[0043] refer to Fig. 9 , shows a perspective view of the adapter 100, wherein one closure member 140 is in an open position and one closure member 140 is in a closed position. In this embodiment, one of the two opposing closure members 140 on one of the opposing ends 110, 115 may include a locking mechanism such as a retaining clip 170, and the opposing closure member 140 includes a retaining surface 175. The retaining clip 170 and the retaining surface 175 may include the above relative to Figure 1 The deformation described.

[0044] For example, the first cover 145 may include a retaining clip 170, while the second cover 150 includes a retaining surface 175. Similarly, the third cover 155 may have a retaining clip 170, while the fourth cover 160 includes a retaining surface 175. Thus, when the closure member 140 is rotated about the pivot point 165, the closure member 140 can be rotated to a closed position and can be locked in the closed position. In some embodiments, the adapter body 105 can also have a retaining surface 175, thereby allowing different types of closure members 140 to be used with the adapter body. For example, in some embodiments, one group of opposing closure members 140 can be locked to a closed position by a feature of the engagement member of the closure member 140 and the adapter body 105, while a second group of opposing closure members can be locked to a closed position by an engagement member of the closure member 140. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that variations in the position of the retaining clip 170 and the retaining surface 175 relative to the adapter body 105 and the closure member 140 are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pivot point 165 may also include one or more fixing pins 205 (eg, Figure 8 130 to provide an additional locking mechanism. Additionally, when in the closed position, the base 180 can provide a positive force on the one or more ferrules 130 to retain the one or more optical fibers 135. Thus, when the adapter 100 is in the closed position, the positive force applied by the base 180 to the ferrules 130 can retain the position of the ferrules 130. The force can be applied by locking one of the closure members to the other or to each other, or by locking the adapter into the closed position using a retaining pin 205. Additionally, when in the closed position, the base 180 can provide a positive force on the one or more ferrules 130 to retain the one or more optical fibers 135. Thus, when the adapter 100 is in the closed position, the positive force applied by the base 180 to the ferrules 130 can retain the position of the ferrules 130.

[0046] refer to Fig.10 , shows a partially transparent perspective view of the adapter 100, wherein the closure member 140 on the first end 110 is shown in a closed position, and the closure member 140 on the second end 115 is shown in an open position. In this embodiment, one of the two opposing closure members 140 on one of the opposing ends 110, 115 may include a locking mechanism such as a retaining clip 170, and the opposing closure member 140 includes a retaining surface 175. The retaining clip 170 and the retaining surface 175 may include the above relative Figure 1 As can be seen from the transparent portion of the second end 115 , both sides of the closure member 140 may have corresponding locking mechanisms, such as corresponding retaining clips 170 and retaining surfaces 175 .

[0047] refer to Fig.11 , shows a perspective view of an adapter with a closed latch according to one or more embodiments of the example embodiments. Fig.11 As shown, the adapter 100 includes an adapter body 105 having a first end 110 and a second end 115 and also having a retaining surface 175 disposed or otherwise formed thereon. The adapter 100 also includes a plurality of closure members 140, including a first cover 145, a second cover 150, a third cover 155, and a fourth cover 160, which are pivotally connected to the adapter body 105 at a pivot point 165 to be opened and closed as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The open position shown is rotated to Fig.11 Shown in closed position.

[0048] When in the closed position, the retaining clips 170 of the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 engage retaining surfaces 175 on the adapter body 105. In this embodiment, the retaining clips 170 can be pushed onto the tops of the retaining surfaces 175, and the retaining surfaces 175 can prevent the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 from retracting to the open position unless a positive force is applied to the ends of the retaining clips 170. In other embodiments, a positive force can be applied to the top, sides, or bottom of the retaining clips 170 to pull the covers 145, 150, 155, 160 back to the open position.

[0049] In addition to locking the adapter 100 into the closed position by the retaining clip 170 and the retaining surface 175, the adapter may also include one or more closure latches 215. In such an embodiment, one of the two opposing closure members 140 may include a first latch surface 220 configured to engage a second latch surface 225 disposed on the other opposing closure member 140. Examples of the first and second latch surfaces 220, 225 include a first latch surface 220 that pivots latitudinally about the closure member 140 and engages a second latch surface 225 that is statically disposed on the opposing closure member 140. Other closure latches 215 may include, for example, a pin lock system, a ball lock system, a screw, a peg, and a physical or chemical adhesion (such as a hook and loop system, glue, resin, epoxy, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0050] refer to Fig.12, shows a perspective end view of an adapter 100 in an open position according to one or more embodiments of the example embodiments. In this embodiment, the adapter 100 includes an adapter body 105 having a first end 110 and a second end 115. The adapter 100 also includes a first pair of closure members 140 on the first end 110 and a second pair of closure members (not shown) on the second end 115. For purposes of this disclosure, the first closure members and the second closure members are substantially identical.

[0051] The closure member 140 is pivotally connected to the adapter body 105 and is configured to rotate in direction A from an open position to a closed position ( Fig.13 ). Each closure member 140 includes one or more locking mechanisms 230 configured to engage a set of coupling sleeves 235 when in a closed position. For clarity, a first pair of closure members 140 is pivotally connected to the first end 110 of the adapter body 105 about a pivot point 165. The first pair of closure members 140 has first and second locking mechanisms 230 that engage a first set 120 of coupling sleeves 130. Similarly, but not explicitly shown, a second pair of closure members is pivotally connected to the second end 115 of the adapter body 105 and pivots about a corresponding pivot point 165. The second pair of closure members has third and fourth locking mechanisms that engage a second set of coupling sleeves.

[0052] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 230 can include one or more spring fingers 210, as described above. The spring fingers 210 can provide a positive force on the sleeves 130, thereby maintaining the position of the sleeves when the adapter is in the closed position. In one embodiment, a spring finger 210 can be provided for each of the sleeves 130, while in other embodiments, a single spring finger 210 can be provided, or a number of spring fingers 210 that is not directly related to the number of sleeves can be provided. Additionally, the number of spring fingers 210 can be different relative to the first pair of closure members and the second pair of closure members.

[0053] Additionally, one or more pivot points may include a fixing pin 205. The fixing pin 205, which may include a screw pin, allows the pivot point 165 to be fixed in place, thereby preventing the closure member 140 from being opened without first unfastening the fixing pin 205. In one embodiment, the fixing pin 205 may include a screw that expands radially at the pivot point 165 to prevent the closure member 140 from rotating around the pivot point. The fixing pin 205 may also include a screw-type pin that compresses a pivot point member (not shown) longitudinally or latitudinally, thereby preventing the closure member 140 from rotating around the pivot point 165. In some embodiments, the hole portion in the closure member 140 that receives the fixing pin 205 may be threaded, thereby allowing the fixing pin 205 to be tightened by rotating the fixing pin 205 relative to the hole portion of the closure member 140. In other embodiments, the fixing pin 205 may be a peg, a hinge pin stop, a pin lock, a locating pin, or any other type of fixing member that prevents the closure member 140 from pivoting around the pivot point 165.

[0054] refer to Fig.13 , showing a perspective end view of an adapter in a closed position according to one or more embodiments of the example embodiments. Fig.12 Same, Fig.13 The adapter shown in the closed position can include the retaining pin 205 and the mounting feature 185 discussed in detail above. Once the retaining pin 205 is in the closed position, the retaining pin can be tightened to prevent the closure member 140 from being opened until the retaining pin 205 is loosened to the unlocked position. In addition to holding the closure member 140 in the closed position when tightened, the retaining pin 205 can also provide additional positive force against the sleeve 130 by preventing the spring finger 210 from exiting contact with the sleeve 130.

[0055] Overall reference above through Figures 1 to 13 Discussing the embodiments in detail, example embodiments may provide a method of retaining a coupling sleeve within an adapter. To retain the coupling sleeves, a user may first connect a first set of coupling sleeves to a first side of an adapter. The connection may include pushing or sliding the coupling sleeves into the adapter body along sleeve guides or by using alignment features to secure the coupling sleeves within the adapter body. After connecting the first set of coupling sleeves, the user may connect a second set of coupling sleeves to a second side of the adapter using the same process as described for the first set of coupling sleeves.

[0056] After one or both of the coupling sleeves are connected within the adapter body, the corresponding closure members can be rotated from the open position. For example, after connecting the two sets of coupling sleeves, the first closure member and the second closure member can be rotated from the open position to the closed position along with the third closure member and the fourth closure member. In other operations, the first set of coupling sleeves can be connected and the first closure member and the second closure member can be rotated from the open position to the closed position. After the first set is in the closed position, the second set of coupling sleeves can be connected and the third closure member and the fourth closure member can be rotated from the open position to the closed position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the sleeves can be connected in any order that the user prefers.

[0057] When in the closed position, the closure member applies a force on the first and second sets of coupling sleeves to maintain the position of the sleeves and prevent accidental disconnection of the fiber optic connection. In some embodiments, the closure member can be fixed in the closed position by engaging a locking mechanism of the closure member to another opposing closure member or between the closure member and the adapter body. In further other embodiments, the spring fingers of the closure member can be engaged with one or more coupling sleeves in the first and second sets of coupling sleeves. Therefore, when the adapter is in the closed position, this engagement can exert a force on the coupling sleeves to maintain their position.

[0058] In some embodiments, the retaining pin can be operated between locked and unlocked states, wherein operating the retaining pin to the locked position prevents the closure member from rotating back to the open position before the retaining pin is unlocked. In addition, in some embodiments, the mounting features on the adapter body can be used to mount the adapter to a housing or machine frame, for example, using a bracket system, a panel, a bracket, or a rack on a guardrail. The mounting features can also be used to couple multiple adapters to each other. In such embodiments, the adapters can be cascaded together, allowing multiple adapters to be fixed together within a system.

[0059] In addition to rotating the closure member between the open and closed positions, a latch may be used to lock or otherwise secure the closure member in the closed position. Latches and other locking mechanisms may be used to secure the closure member to the adapter body, to secure the closure member to another closure member, or a combination thereof.

[0060] Features of one or more implementations of the example embodiments may include one or more of the following.

[0061] In one or more of the example embodiments, an adapter retention mechanism may be used to secure the set in the coupling sleeve within the adapter.

[0062] In one or more of the example embodiments, a closure member of the adapter may be used to secure the set in the coupling sleeve within the adapter.

[0063] In one or more of the example embodiments, the adapter may include one or more securing pins to lock the adapter in a closed or open position.

[0064] In one or more of the example embodiments, the adapter may include one or more locking mechanisms to secure the closure member to the body of the adapter retaining mechanism.

[0065] In one or more of the example embodiments, the adapter may include one or more locking mechanisms to secure the closure members to each other.

[0066] In one or more of the example embodiments, the adapter may include one or more locking mechanisms for securing the closure members to each other and a locking mechanism for securing the closure member to the body of the adapter retaining mechanism.

[0067] In one or more of the example embodiments, mounting features of the adapter may be used to secure the adapter within a machine housing, such as within a system.

[0068] In one or more of the example embodiments, mounting features of the adapters may be used to secure multiple adapters to one another, thereby allowing adapters to be cascaded within a system.

[0069] In one or more of the example embodiments, a member of the adapter may be used to provide a positive force, a retention force, on the set of cannulas, thereby maintaining the position of the cannulas when the adapter is in the closed position.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, example embodiments may provide an inexpensive system for retaining a set of coupling sleeves within an adapter.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, example embodiments may provide a system and method for quickly connecting and disconnecting a set of coupling sleeves within an adapter while still maintaining the integrity of the adapter when the adapter is in a closed position.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, example embodiments may provide retention features on an adapter that retain multiple ferrules installed from both sides of the adapter while providing mechanical force for reliable optical signal connectivity.

[0073] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that various embodiments may also employ permutations and combinations of these specific features. For example, the following permutations and combinations given below are also within the scope of the protection sought and within the scope of permutations and combinations not explicitly given or shown in the drawings.

[0074] In one or more of the example embodiments, an adapter retention mechanism may be used to secure sets of coupling sleeves within an adapter using a closure member, with or without one or more securing pins to lock the adapter in a closed or open position.

[0075] In one or more embodiments of the example embodiments, an adapter retention mechanism can be used to secure sets of coupling sleeves within an adapter using closure members, and includes a locking mechanism for securing the closure members to a body of the adapter retention mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is used or not to secure the closure members to each other.

[0076] Although example embodiments have been described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will recognize that other embodiments may be devised that fall within the scope of the subject matter claimed below as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of protection sought is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adapter retaining mechanism, the adapter retaining mechanism comprising: an adapter body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end receiving, in use, the first and second sets of coupling sleeves; a first pair of closure members pivotably connected to the first end of the adapter body, the first pair of closure members including a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, the first pair of closure members being configured to engage the first set of coupling sleeves; as well as a second pair of closure members pivotably connected to the second end of the adapter body, the second pair of closure members including a third locking mechanism and a fourth locking mechanism, the second pair of closure members being configured to engage the second set of coupling sleeves, wherein the first pair of closing members and the second pair of closing members are configured to rotate around the adapter body outside the adapter body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, in the closed position, the first pair of closing members maintains the position of the first set of coupling sleeves and the second pair of closing members maintains the position of the second set of coupling sleeves.

2. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: Any of the locking mechanisms includes at least one spring finger.

3. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one fixing pin to fix movement of at least one of the first pair of closing members and the second pair of closing members.

4. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: Any of the closure members comprises a closure latch.

5. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: In the closed position, the first pair of closure members are configured to exert a retaining force on the first set of coupling sleeves.

6. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: In the closed position, the first and second locking mechanisms are configured to exert a retaining force on the first set of coupling sleeves, and the third and fourth locking mechanisms are configured to exert a retaining force on the second set of coupling sleeves.

7. The adapter retention mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one mounting feature disposed on the adapter body.

8. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one mounting feature is configured to engage a second mounting feature of another adapter retention mechanism.

9. An adapter retaining mechanism, the adapter retaining mechanism comprising: an adapter body having a first end and a second end; a first cover connected to a first end of the adapter body; a second cover connected to the first end of the adapter body; a third cover connected to the second end of the adapter body; as well as a fourth cover connected to the second end of the adapter body, wherein each of the first cover, the second cover, the third cover and the fourth cover comprises a base and two opposing retaining clips, Wherein, the first cover, the second cover, the third cover and the fourth cover are configured to rotate around the adapter body outside the adapter body between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, in the closed position, the first cover and the second cover maintain the position of the first group of connecting sleeves, and the third cover and the fourth cover maintain the position of the second group of connecting sleeves.

10. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 9, wherein: The base is configured to exert a force on at least one ferrule including at least one optical fiber.

11. The adapter retaining mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: A corresponding base is arranged on the first cover, the second cover, the third cover and the fourth cover adjacent to the adapter body.

12. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 9, wherein: The adapter body also includes at least one retention surface configured to engage at least one of the retention clips.

13. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 9, wherein: At least one spring finger is disposed within at least one of the first cover, the second cover, the third cover, and the fourth cover.

14. The adapter retention mechanism of claim 9, further comprising at least one mounting feature disposed on the adapter body.

15. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 14, wherein: The at least one mounting feature is configured to engage a mounting feature of another adapter retention mechanism.

16. The adapter retaining mechanism of claim 9, wherein: The first cover is connected to a first side of the adapter body, the second cover is connected to a second side of the adapter body, the third cover is connected to a top side of the adapter body, and the fourth cover is connected to a base side of the adapter body.

17. A method of retaining a coupling sleeve in an adapter, the method comprising: connecting a first set of coupling sleeves to a first side of the adapter; connecting a second set of coupling sleeves to a second side of the adapter; as well as The first, second, third, and fourth closing members of the adapter are rotated from an open position to a closed position, wherein the closed positions of the first, second, third, and fourth closing members exert a force on the first and second groups of coupling sleeves to maintain the positions of the first and second groups of coupling sleeves.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The first, second, third and fourth closure members are secured in the closed position by engaging a locking mechanism of the closure member to another locking mechanism disposed on the adapter body.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Engaging the spring fingers of the first, second, third, and fourth closure members with the first and second sets of coupling sleeves, wherein the engagement exerts a force on the first and second sets of coupling sleeves.

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