Optical fiber sub-unit

Abstract

Disclosed is an optical fiber sub-unit (100) adapted to be mounted on a rack comprising a plurality of walls (102) substantially parallel to each other such that a wall of the plurality of walls (102) separated from an adjacent wall of the plurality of walls (102) forms a plurality of chambers (112). Further, each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) is adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules (114) such that each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) receives the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in an XY plane.

Description

Title: OPTICAL FIBER SUB-UNITCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No.“ I N202311065683” titled “OPTICAL FIBER SUB-UNIT” filed by the applicant on 29-Sep- 23 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of optical fiber cables, and more particularly, relate to an optical fiber sub-unit adapted to be mounted on a rack.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Modern optical devices and optical communications systems widely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used to transmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer or buffers that surround the fiber or fibers, a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibers function to carry optical signals.

[0004] Optical fiber refers to the technology and the medium for the transmission of data as light pulses along an ultrapure strand of glass, which is as thin as a human hair. For many years, optical fibers have been extensively used in high-performance and long-distance data and networking.

[0005] With the growth of fiber optic communication systems, various devices have been developed to house and manage complex assemblies associated with fiber optic communication. For example, existing optical fiber sub-units have multiple modulesmounted over a slidable tray. In case one of the modules requires maintenance, a user has to slide out the entire tray assembly.

[0006] Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. Fiber optic networks employing optical fiber are being developed and used to deliver voice, video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private and public networks. These fiber optic networks often include separated connection points linking optical fibers to provide “live fiber” from one connection point to another connection point. In this regard, fiber optic equipment is located in data distribution centers or central offices to support interconnections.

[0007] The fiber optic equipment is customized based on application need. The fiber optic equipment is typically included in housings that are mounted in equipment racks to optimize use of space. One example of such fiber optic equipment is a fiber optic module. A fiber optic module is designed to provide cable-to-cable fiber optic connections and / or manage the polarity of fiber optic cable connections. A fiber optic module is typically mounted to a chassis or housing which is then mounted inside an equipment rack or cabinet. A technician establishes fiber optic connections to the fiber optic modules mounted in the equipment rack. Due to increasing bandwidth needs and the need to provide a larger number of connections in data centers for increased revenue generating opportunities, a need exists to provide fiber optic modules that can facilitate larger numbers of fiber optic connections in a given space.

[0008] Prior art reference “US8712206B2” disclosed a plurality of fiber modules mounted on a tray. The tray is slidably mounted on a chassis and each of the modules can be accessed by sliding out the corresponding tray.

[0009] Another prior art reference “US10094996B2” discloses a plurality of fiber modules mounted on a tray. The tray is slidably mounted on a chassis and each of the modules can be accessed by sliding out the corresponding tray. Also, each of the fiber modules can be individually slidable by using guide rails over the tray.

[0010] Yet another prior art reference “US10859782B2” discloses a fiber enclosure with a movable tray and cable manager to arrange the patch cords of the fiber enclosure.

[0011] However, each of the above stated prior arts does not enable a user to extract a single module from the sub-unit for maintenance. Moreover, there remains a continuing need for improvements to lower cost, increase efficiency and provide for ease maintenance of the optical fiber sub-units.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to develop an optical fiber sub-unit that overcomes one or more limitations associated with the available traditional optical fiber cables sub-units by addressing aforementioned technical disadvantages.

[0013] Thus, the present invention proposes a technical solution that overcomes the above-stated limitations in the prior arts by providing an optical fiber sub-unit adapted to be mounted on a rack.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention relates to an optical fiber sub-unit adapted to be mounted on a rack unit comprises a plurality of walls substantially parallel to each other such that one wall of the plurality of walls separated from an adjacent wallforms a plurality of chambers. In particular, each chamber of the plurality of chambers is adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules such that each chamber of the plurality of chambers receives the plurality of fiber optic modules in an XY plane.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of walls are arranged parallel to each other such that a distance (D) between a pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls is in a range of 90 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, plurality of walls comprising one or more partition walls and a plurality of side walls such that the one or more partition walls are(i) parallel to the plurality of side walls and(ii) disposed between the plurality of side walls .

[0017] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each wall of the one or more partition walls comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the one or more partition walls receives exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules. Further, the plurality of fiber optic modules in a chamber are arranged in parallel.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each wall of the plurality of side walls comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of a wall of the plurality of side walls and a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of a wall of the one or more partition walls that is adjacent to the wall of the plurality of side walls is adapted to slidably receive exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules .

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber sub-unit further comprises a base substantially perpendicular to the plurality of walls such that the plurality of partition walls are mounted on the base.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each chamber has a plurality of chambers comprises a plurality of front cable holders. In particular, the plurality of front cable holders are mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls. Further, the plurality of front cable holders are removably mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls of a chamber of the plurality of chambers.

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber sub-unit further comprises at least one of, a rear door and a front door that is opposite to the rear door. The rear door and the front door are openable with application of an external force.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber sub-unit further comprising a top cover that is opposite to the base. In particular, the top cover (126) is a removable cover.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules comprising at least one U-shaped clip for mounting each fiber optic module with the set of guide rails of adjacent walls of the plurality of side walls and the one or more partition walls.

[0024] The foregoing objectives of the present invention are attained by providing an optical fiber sub-unit adapted to be mounted on a rack unit.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[oooi] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention is understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0002] The invention herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0003] Fig. 1 A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating perspective view of an optical fiber subunit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;[ooo4] Fig. 1 B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;[ooos] Fig. 1 C is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0006] Fig. 1 D is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] Fig. 1 E is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;[ooos] Fig. 1 F is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Fig. 1 G is a pictorial snapshot illustrating side view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;[ooio] Fig. 2 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a partial enlarged view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Fig. 3 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a second chamber formed by a first partition wall and a second partition wall of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 4 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a side perspective view of a fiber optic module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 5A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;[ooi4] Fig. 5B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an enlarged partial front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 5C is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another enlarged partial front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The optical fiber sub unit in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment of the invention as illustrative or exemplary embodiments of the invention, specific embodiments in which the inventionmay be practised are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practised with or without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the invention.

[0018] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. The terms “comprising,” “including," “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another and do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0020] The conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "may," "might," "may," “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps.

[0021] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0022] The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the present invention:

[0023] The term “optical fiber” as used herein refers to a light guide that provides highspeed data transmission. The optical fiber has one or more glass core regions and a glass cladding region. The light moving through the glass core regions of the optical fiber relies upon the principle of total internal reflection, where the glass core regions have a higher refractive index (n1 ) than the refractive index (n2) of the glass cladding region of the optical fiber.

[0024] The term “XY plane” as used herein refers to an xy-coordinate plane that has two coordinate axes, the x-axis and y-axis perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the x- axis is defined along a width of the optical fiber sub-unit and y-axis is defined along a height of the optical fiber sub-unit.

[0025] The term “optical fiber cable” as used herein refers to a cable that encloses one or more optical fibers.

[0026] The term “fiber optic module” as used herein refers to a component that is used to connect a fiber-optic cable to an electronic device and to manage one or more optical fibers.

[0027] The term “optical fiber sub-unit” as used herein refers to an enclosure adapted to house one or more fiber optic modules in a stacked format.

[0028] The term “rack unit” as used herein refers to a type of physical steel and electronic framework that is designed to house one or more optical fiber sub-units. The rack unit generally facilitates equipment placement and orchestration within a data center facility.

[0029] Fig. 1A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating the perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a rack unit (not shown) of a data centre may have a trayless design with one or more partition walls that provides easy access to an individual optical fiber module and hence, other modules will remain undisturbed. In particular, the optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have a plurality of walls 102 and a base 104. The plurality of walls 102 may have a plurality of side walls 102a and one or more partition walls 102b may be disposed between two opposing side walls of the plurality of side walls 102a. As illustrated, the plurality of side walls 102a may have first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab and the one or more partition walls 102b may have first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc. Further, the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc may be disposed between the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab. Furthermore, the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc and the first andsecond sidewalls 102aa and 102ab may be parallel to each other. Although FIG. 1A illustrates that the one or more partition walls 102b have 3 walls ( / .e., the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to it. In various different embodiments of the present invention, the one or more partition walls 102b may have any number of partition walls, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In such a scenario, each partition wall is configured to perform one or more operations in a manner similar to the operations of the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc as described herein.

[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each partition wall of the plurality of partition walls 102b may have a pair of walls 106 coupled in a back to back configuration. For example, the first partition wall 102ba may have a first pair of walls 106a coupled in the back to back configuration. Similarly, the second partition wall 102ab may have a second pair of walls 106b coupled in the back to back configuration. And, the third partition wall 102ac may have a third pair of walls 106c in the back to back configuration. In particular, the first side wall 102aa and the second sidewall 102ab may have first and second attachment walls 108a and 108b, respectively, such that the first and second attachment walls 108a and 108b (as shown in FIG. 1 B) are fixedly and / or removably coupled to the first side wall 102aa and the second sidewall 102ab, respectively. Moreover, the first and second attachment walls 108a and 108b may be substantially similar to an individual wall of the pair of walls 106. Each wall of the pair of walls 106 may have a set of guide rails 110 on at least one surface. Further, walls of the first through third pair of walls 106a-106c may have first through sixth set of guide rails 110a-110f (as shown in FIGs 1A and 1 B), respectively, disposed on both surfaces.Furthermore, the first and second attachment walls 108a and 108b may have seventh and eighth set of guide rails 110g and 11 Oh (as shown in FIGs 1A and 1 B). In other words, the first side wall 102aa and the second side wall 102ab may have the set of guide rails 110 (i.e., the seventh and eighth set of guide rails 110g and 11 Oh) by virtue of the first and second attachment walls 108a and 108b on at least one surface. As illustrated, a pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls 102 separated from an adjacent wall of the plurality of walls 102 forms a plurality of chambers 112.

[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a wall (e.g., the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc and the first and second sidewalls 102aa and 102ab) of the plurality of walls 102 separated from an adjacent wall (e.g., the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc and the first and second sidewalls 102aa and 102ab) may form the plurality of chambers 112 of which first through fourth chamber 112a-112d are shown. For example, a wall (i.e., the first side wall 102aa (having the first attachment wall 108a attached thereon)) separated from an adjacent wall (i.e., the first partition wall 102ba) may form the first chamber 112a. In particular, the first partition wall 102ba and the second partition wall 102bb may form the second chamber 112b. Moreover, the second partition wall 102bb and the third partition wall 102bc may form the third chamber 112c. Further, the third partition wall 102bc and the second side wall 102ab (having the second attachment wall 108b attached thereon) may form the fourth chamber 112d. Each chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 may be adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules 114 (as shown later in FIG. 1 D). Furthermore, each chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 may be adapted to receive exactly one module of the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 in an XY plane. Specifically, each chamber of the plurality ofchambers 112 may be adapted to receive exactly one module of the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 in the XY plane by way of the set of guide rails 110.

[0032] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a guide rail of the set of guide rails 110 of a wall of the plurality of side walls 102a and a guide rail of the set of guide rails 110 of a wall of the one or more partition walls 102b that is adjacent to the wall of the plurality of side walls 102a is adapted to slidably receive the plurality of fiber optic modules 114. As illustrated, the third chamber 112c may be adapted to receive the plurality of modules 114 in the XY plane by way of the fourth and fifth set of guide rails 110d and 110e. Further, the fourth chamber 112d formed by the third partition wall 102bc and the second sidewall 102ab may be adapted to receive the plurality of modules 114 in the XY plane by way of the sixth set of guide rails 110f and the eighth set of guide rails 11 Oh. Although FIG. 1A illustrates that the plurality of chambers 112 have 4 chambers ( / .e., the first through fourth chambers 112a-112d), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to it. In various other aspects of the present invention, the plurality of chambers 112 may depend on a number of partition walls installed inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In such a scenario, each chamber is adapted to serve one or more functionalities in a manner similar to the functionalities served by the the first through fourth chambers 112a-112d as described herein.

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base 104 may be substantially perpendicular to the plurality of walls 102 such that the one or more partition walls 102b are mounted on the base 104. Particularly, the one or more partition walls 102b may be fixedly mounted on the base 104. Moreover, the one or more partition walls102b may be removably mounted on the base 104. Further, the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab may have first and second L-shaped ledges 116a-116b near first and second top ends, respectively. The first and second L-shaped ledges 116a-116b may be adapted to hold a top cover 126 (as shown later in FIG. 1 C). Furthermore, the plurality of walls 102 and the base 104 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a hardened plastic and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the material for the plurality of walls 102 and the base 104 known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber subunit 100 may further have a set of front cable holders 117. Particularly, each chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 may have a plurality of front cable holders of the set of front cable holders 117. The first through third partition walls 102ba- 102bc may have first through third plurality of front cable holders 117a-117c. Moreover, the first through third plurality of front cable holders 117a-117c may be mounted on at least one wall of the pair of walls 106 of the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc, respectively. Further, the first through third plurality of front cable holders 117a-117c may be removably mounted on at least one wall of the pair of walls 106 of the first through third partition walls 102ba-102bc, respectively. The set of front cable holders 117 ( / .e., the first through third plurality of front cable holders 117a-117c) may be adapted to hold one or more optical fiber cables in the assembled configuration of the optical fiber sub-unit 100.

[0035] Fig. 1 B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The opticalfiber sub-unit 100 may have a plurality of rear mounted posts 118 of which first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d are shown and a plurality of rack mounting brackets of which first and second rack mounting brackets 120a and 120b are shown. In particular, the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d may be disposed near a rear end of the base 104 such that the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a- 118d extend in a vertically upward direction from the base 104. Moreover, the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d may be fixedly attached to the rear end of the base 104. Further, the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d may be removably attached to the rear end of the base 104. Furthermore, the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 ( / .e., the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d) may have a plurality of set of rear cable holders ( / .e., first through fourth set of rear cable holders 122a-122d). Specifically, the first through fourth set of rear cable holders 122a- 122d may be loops that may be disposed on a surface of the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d, respectively.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first through fourth set of rear cable holders 122a-122d may be adapted to hold one or more optical cables in an assembled configuration of the optical fiber sub-unit 100. In particular, the plurality of rack mounting brackets may be disposed of on the plurality of side walls 102a. Moreover, the first and second rack mounting brackets 120a and 120b may be disposed on an outer surface of the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab, respectively. The first and second rack mounting brackets 120a and 120b may have first and second set of holes 124a and 124b, respectively. Further, the first and second rack mounting brackets 120a and 120b may enable mounting of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 onto arack by way of a plurality of fasteners (not shown) fastened through the first and second set of holes 124a and 124b.

[0037] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 and the plurality of rack mounting brackets may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a hardened plastic, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the material for the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 and the plurality of rack mounting brackets known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Although FIG. 1 B illustrates that the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 have 4 rear mounted posts ( / .e., the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to it. In various other aspects of the present invention, the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 have any number of rear mounted posts, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In such a scenario, each rear mounted post is adapted to serve one or more functionalities in a manner similar to the functionalities served by the the first through fourth rear mounted posts 118a-118d as described herein.

[0038] Fig. 1 C is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 further has the top cover 126 opposite to the base 104. Particularly, the top cover 126 may be removably attached to first and second L-shaped ledges 116a- 116b of the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab, respectively, by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from top. Further, the top cover 126 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, ahardened plastic, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the material for the top cover 126 known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 1 D is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 may further have a rear door 128 attached to a rear end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100. Particularly, the rear door 128 may be removably attached along the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 (as shown in FIG. 1 B) by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from the rear end. Moreover, the rear door 128 may be removably attached to the rear end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 such that the rear door 128 is openable on application of an external force. The rear door 128 being an openable door, may provide easy access to the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 installed inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100.

[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the rear door 128 being pivottable openable door with the help of one or more hinges 119 (as shown in FID. 1 C). The rear door 128 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a hardened plastic, and the like. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the material for the rear door 128 known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 1 E is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have a front door 130 that is opposite to the rear door 128 andattached to a front end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 opposite to the rear door 128. Particularly, the front door 130 may be removably attached to the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from the front end. Moreover, the front door 130 may be removably attached to the front end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 such that the front door 130 is openable on application of an external force. Further, the front door 130 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a metal, a hardened plastic, and the like. Preferably, the front door 130 may be a pivotable door that may be made up of an acrylic material to provide a transparent view of the optical fiber sub-unit 100. Aspects of the present invention are intended to include and / or otherwise cover any type of the material for the front door 130 known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber subunit 100 may have a width (W) that may be in a range of 350 millimeters (mm) to 370 mm. Preferably, the width (W) may be 350 mm.

[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber subunit 100 may have a rear length (RL) that may be in a range of 435 mm to 445 mm. Preferably, the rear length (RL) may be 440.5 mm. Furthermore, the optical fiber subunit 100 may have a height (H) that may be in a range of 175 mm to 180 mm. Preferably, the height (H) may be 178 mm.

[0044] Fig. 1 F is a pictorial snapshot illustrating yet another perspective view of an optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have the rear door 128 that may be removably attachedalong the plurality of rear mounted posts 118 by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from the rear end. In particular, the optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have at least one of, the rear door 128 and the front door 130 such that the optical fiber sub-unit 100 is enclosed from one of, the rear end and the front end. Further, the rear door 128, the front door 130 (as shown in FIG. 1 E), and the top cover 126 (as shown in FIG. 1 E) being an openable cover and / or a removable cover, may provide easy access to the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 installed inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100.

[0045] Fig. 1 G is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a side view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have the top cover 126 that is removably attached to first and second L-shaped ledges 116a-116b (as shown in FIG. 1A) of the first and second side walls 102aa (as shown in FIG. 1A) and 102ab, respectively, by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from top. Further, the optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have the rear door 128 attached to the rear end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from the rear end. The optical fiber sub-unit 100 may further have the front door 130 that is opposite to the rear door 128 and attached to the front end of the optical fiber sub-unit 100 opposite to the rear door 128 by way of one or more fasteners (not shown) to enclose the optical fiber sub-unit 100 from the front end.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a partial enlarged view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, each chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 has a plurality of female connectors 200. Inparticular, the first partition wall 102ba of the first chamber 112a may have the first pair of walls 106a coupled in the back to back configuration. Moreover, the first pair of walls 106a may have the first set of guide rails 110a such that each guide rail of the first set of guide rails 110a may have a female connector of the plurality of female connectors 200. Further, a guide rail 110aa of the first set of guide rails 110a has a female connector 200a of the plurality of female connectors 200. Furthermore, a guide rail 110ab of the first set of guide rails 110a has a female connector 200b of the plurality of female connectors 200 In some aspects of the present invention, the female connector 200a may be a through hole provided on the guide rail 110aa. Specifically, the female connector 200a may be adapted to be coupled with a U-shaped clip of a fiber optic module by way of a snap-fit mechanism when the fiber optic module is inserted inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a perspective view of a second chamber formed by a first partition wall and a second partition wall of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, the pair of walls 106a of the first partition wall 102ba may have the set of guide rails 110a (as shown in FIG. 1A) and 110b, respectively. Similarly, the pair of walls 106b of the second partition wall 102bb may have the set of guide rails 110c (as shown in FIG. 1A) and 110d, respectively. Moreover, each wall of the pair of walls 106 may have the set of guide rails 110 on at least one surface. Further, each pair of guide rails of the third and fourth sets of guide rails 110c and 110d aligned with each other may be capable of receiving the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 in the second chamber 112b such that the plurality of fiber optic modules 114 are arranged in parallel. Furthermore, the pair of walls 106c hasthe third and fourth set of guide rails 110c and 110d such that when a guide rail of the third set of guide rails 110c disposed on a surface of the pair of walls 106a is aligned with a corresponding guide rail of the fourth set of guide rails 110d disposed on a surface of the pair of walls 106b, the aligned guide rail of the third and fourth sets of guide rails 110c and 110d receives the plurality of modules 114 in the XY plane, without need of an additional support structure.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a side perspective view of a fiber optic module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fiber optic module 114a may be adapted to facilitate management of a plurality of optical fibers disposed inside the fiber optic module 114a. Particularly, the fiber optic module 114a may have a plurality of guide slots 400 of which first and second guide slots 400a-400b are shown that are disposed on an outer surface of a first side wall 402 of the fiber optic module 114a. Similarly, the plurality of guide slots 400 may have third and fourth guide slots (not shown) that may be disposed on an outer surface of a second side wall (not shown) that may be opposite to the first side wall 402 of the fiber optic module 114a. Moreover, the plurality of guide slots 400 may be adapted to facilitate engagement of the fiber optic module 114a with the set of guide rails 110 of a pair of adjacent partition walls of the first and second side walls 102aa and 102ab and the one or more partition walls 102b (as shown in FIG. 1A). Further, the fiber optic module 114a may have at least one U-shaped clip. As illustrated, the fiber optic module 114a may have a plurality of U- shaped clips.

[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of U- shaped clips may have a first U-shaped clip 404 and a second U-shaped clip (notshown). The first U-shaped clip 404 may be disposed on the outer surface of the first side wall 402. And, the second U-shaped clip may be disposed on the outer surface of the second side wall (not shown). In particular, each of the plurality of U-shaped clips may have a male connector. For example, the first U-shaped clip 404 has a first male connector 406. Moreover, the second U-shaped clip may have a second male connector (not shown). Further, the first male connector 406 may be adapted to be engaged with the female connector 200a (as shown in FIG. 2) by way of a snap-fit mechanism when the fiber optic module 114a is inserted inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100. In some aspects of the present invention, the first U-shaped clip 404 and the second U-shaped clip may be adapted to hold one or more optical fiber cable in an assembled configuration of the optical fiber sub-unit 100.

[0050] Fig. 5A is a pictorial snapshot illustrating a front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B is a pictorial snapshot illustrating an enlarged partial front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5C is a pictorial snapshot illustrating another enlarged partial front view of the optical fiber sub-unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 5A the optical fiber sub-unit 100 may have a front length (FL) (including the first and second rack mounting brackets 120a and 120b) that may be in a range of 480 mm to 484 mm. Preferably, the front length (FL) may be 482.5 mm.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5B a pair of adjacent fiber optic modules of the plurality of fiber optic modules 114, when installed inside a chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 may have a separation (S). For example, when fiber optic modules 114a and 114bare installed inside a chamber 112a of the plurality of chambers 112 The separation (S) may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 .5 mm. Particularly, the separation (S) may be 1 mm.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5C each pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls 102 may be disposed at a distance (D) from one another. For example, the first partition wall 102ba and the second partition wall 102bb may be disposed at the distance (D) from one another. In particular, the distance (D) may be in a range of 90 mm to 100 mm. Moreover, the distance (D) may be 91.45 mm. Further, the distance (D) between adjacent walls of the plurality of walls 102 may be in the range of 90 mm to 100 mm.

[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each partition wall of the one or more partition walls 102b ( / .e., the first and second partition walls 102ba and 102bb) may have a thichness (T) that may be in a range of 15 mm to 19 mm. Preferably, the thichness (T) may be 17.4 mm.

[0055] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each chamber of the plurality of chambers 112 (e.g., the chamber 112a) may have a chamber width (CW) that may be in a range of 125 mm to 128 mm. Preferably, the chamber width (CW) may be 126.25 mm.

[0056] Thus, the optical fiber sub-unit 100 of the present invention facilitates elimination of additional support members and / or components that are required in traditional optical fiber sub-units to hold the fiber optic modules within the optical fiber sub-units. In particular, the top cover 126 being a removable cover and the rear door 128 and the front door 130 being openable doors, provides easy access to the optical fiber sub-unit 100 for assembling. Further, as the fiber optic module 114a is slidable and accessible inside the optical fiber sub-unit 100, hence, there is no need to disturb other fiber optic moduleswhile working on a selected one. As each of the fiber optic modules are arranged between the plurality of partition walls 102b, there are no requirements to add any other support member such as, a base tray, and the like.

[0057] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

ClaimsWe Claim:

1. An optical fiber sub-unit (100) adapted to be mounted on a rack unit, the optical fiber sub-unit (100) comprising; a plurality of walls (102) substantially parallel to each other such that a wall of the plurality of walls (102) separated from an adjacent wall of the plurality of walls (102) forms a plurality of chambers (112), wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) is adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules (114) such that each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) receives the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in an XY plane.

2. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein plurality of walls (102) are arranged parallel to each other such that a distance (D) between a pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls (102) is in a range of 90 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.

3. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein plurality of walls (102) comprising one or more partition walls (102b) and a plurality of side walls (102a) such that the one or more partition walls (102b) are (i) parallel to the plurality of side walls (102a) and (ii) disposed between the plurality of side walls (102a).

4. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 3, wherein each wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the one or more partition walls (102b) receives exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114), wherein the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in a chamber are arranged in parallel.

5. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 3, wherein each wall of the plurality of side walls (102a) comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of a wall of the plurality of side walls (102a) and a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of a wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) that is adjacent to the wall of the plurality of side walls (102a) is adapted to slidably receive exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114).

6. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 5, further comprising a base (104) substantially perpendicular to the plurality of walls (102b) such that the plurality of partition walls (102b) are mounted on the base (104).

7. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) comprising a plurality of front cable holders (117), wherein the plurality of front cable holders (117) are mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls (106) of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls (102b).

8. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) comprising a plurality of front cable holders (117), wherein the plurality of front cable holders (117) are removably mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls (106) of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) of a chamber of the plurality of chambers (112).

9. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber sub-unit (100) further comprising at least one of, a rear door (128) and a front door (130) that is opposite to the rear door (128), wherein the rear door (128) and the front door (130) are openable with application of an external force.

10. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber sub-unit (100) further comprising a top cover (126) that is opposite to the base (104), wherein the top cover (126) is removable cover.

11. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein each fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) comprising at least one U-shaped clip (404) for mounting each fiber optic module with the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the plurality of side walls (102a) and the one or more partition walls (102b).

12. An optical fiber sub-unit (100) adapted to be mounted on a rack unit, the optical fiber sub-unit (100) comprising; a plurality of walls (102) comprising one or more partition walls (102b) and a plurality of side walls (102a) such that the one or more partition walls (102b) are (i) parallel to the plurality of side walls (102a) and (ii) disposed between the plurality of side walls (102a), wherein the plurality of walls (102) is substantially parallel to each other such that a wall of the plurality of walls (102) separated from an adjacent wall of the plurality of walls (102) forms a plurality of chambers (112), wherein each wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the one or more partition walls (102b) adapted to slidably receive exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114), wherein the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in a chamber are arranged in parallel, wherein plurality of walls (102) are arranged parallel to each other such that a distance (D) between a pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls (102) is in a range of 90 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.

13. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 12, wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) is adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules (114) such that each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) receives the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in an XY plane.

14. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber sub-unit (100) further comprising a base (104) substantially perpendicular to the plurality of walls (102b) such that the plurality of partition walls (102b) are mounted on the base (104).

15. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) comprising a plurality of front cable holders (117), wherein the plurality of front cable holders (117) are mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls (106) of a partiton wall of the one or more partition walls (102b).

16. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 12, wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) comprising a plurality of front cable holders (117), wherein the plurality of front cable holders (117) are configured to be removably mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls (106) of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) of a chamber of the plurality of chambers (112).

17. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein each fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) comprising at least one U-shaped clip (404) for mounting each fiber optic module with the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the plurality of side walls (102a) and the one or more partition walls (102b).

18. An optical fiber sub-unit (100) adapted to be mounted on a rack unit, the optical fiber sub-unit (100) comprising;a plurality of walls (102) comprising one or more partition walls (102b) and a plurality of side walls (102a) such that the one or more partition walls (102b) are (i) parallel to the plurality of side walls (102a) and (ii) disposed between the plurality of side walls (102a), wherein the plurality of walls (102) is substantially parallel to each other such that a wall of the plurality of walls (102) separated from an adjacent wall of the plurality of walls (102) forms a plurality of chambers (112), wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) comprising a plurality of front cable holders (117), wherein the plurality of front cable holders (117) are configured to be removably mounted on at least one wall of a pair of walls (106) of a partition wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) of a chamber of the plurality of chambers (112).

19. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 12, wherein each wall of the one or more partition walls (102b) comprising a set of guide rails (110) on at least one surface such that a guide rail of the set of guide rails (110) of adjacent walls of the one or more partition walls (102b) adapted to slidably receive exactly one fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules (114), wherein the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in a chamber are arranged in parallel, wherein plurality of walls (102) are arranged parallel to each other such that a distance (D) between a pair of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls (102) is in a range of 90 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.

20. The optical fiber sub-unit (100) of claim 12, wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) is adapted to receive a plurality of fiber optic modules (114) such that each chamber of the plurality of chambers (112) receives the plurality of fiber optic modules (114) in an XY plane.

Images