Optical switch and system including optical switch

Abstract

To provide an optical switch equipped with a safe and highly reliable means for detecting a blown fuse, and to provide a system including the optical switch.SOLUTION: The optical switch includes (i) a fastener configured to be removably attached, directly or indirectly, to a fuse casing, (ii) a cable connection, the cable connection including a first fiber optic cable connection port, a second fiber optic cable connection port, and an optical through channel extending from the first fiber optic cable connection port and the second fiber optic cable connection port, and (iii) an actuator configured to move between a first position associated with an unblown fuse and a second position associated with a blown fuse. The actuator includes a light blocking portion that enters or is within the light through channel of the cable connection when the actuator is in the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an optical switch and a system including the optical switch, where the optical switch can be in an untriggered state associated with an intact fuse or a triggered state associated with a blown fuse, with the switch operatively coupled to the fuse. The system can include the optical switch, an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver, and a fiber optic cable that provides a continuous optical loop when the optical switch is in the untriggered state, the continuous loop being disrupted or interrupted when the optical switch is in the triggered state. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional electrical standard fuse detection microswitches utilize independent electrical loops to detect when a fuse has blown. For example, a conventional electrical microswitch includes an actuator that, when activated, moves an electrical contact from one position to another. For example, the actuator of the electrical microswitch may be operatively coupled to or otherwise aligned with a blown fuse indicator component (e.g., a plunger, arm, lever, etc.) of the fuse being monitored. In the untriggered state of the electrical microswitch, associated with an intact fuse, the optical switch maintains a first electrical loop. In the triggered state of the electrical microswitch, associated with a blown fuse, the actuator moves to break the first electrical loop and, optionally, complete a separate, second electrical loop. A change in the continuity of this (at least) first electrical loop indicates that the fuse being monitored or associated with the particular electrical microswitch has blown.

[0003] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of fuse 1 having a blown fuse indicator component 5 extending therefrom that indicates when the fuse has blown. FIG. 1B shows an electrical microswitch 10 coupled to fuse 1 in an unblown state. Electrical microswitch 10 is connected to control system 12 such that a continuous electrical signal (e.g., first continuous electrical path) is maintained as long as the microswitch remains untriggered (i.e., fuse unblown). In contrast, as soon as fuse 1 blows, blown fuse indicator component 5 may impinge (e.g., directly or indirectly contact) the actuator, causing the continuous electrical signal (e.g., first continuous electrical path) to be interrupted, signaling that the fuse has blown.

[0004] 1B, these electrical microswitches rely on a physical actuator that, when actuated (e.g., depressed), moves a lever to trigger an electrical contact. Because these electrical microswitches operate at low voltage levels, they can undesirably present one or more of the following: high voltage hazards (e.g., when installed in medium voltage equipment, contact with medium voltage can damage low voltage microswitches, creating a safety risk); electrical noise interference (e.g., can cause false or missed detections in blown fuse detection); and voltage drop (e.g., standard microswitches are sensitive to voltage drop, especially over long cable lengths, which can affect the reliability of the microswitch).

[0005] Thus, there remains a need in the art for a switch that provides a safe and reliable means for detecting a blown fuse. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention may address one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Some embodiments according to the present invention provide an optical switch (e.g., an optical microswitch) that includes: (i) a fastener configured to be removably attached directly or indirectly to a fuse casing; (ii) a cable connection portion including (a) a first fiber optic cable connection port, (b) a second fiber optic cable connection port, and (c) an optical through channel extending from the first fiber optic cable connection port and the second fiber optic cable connection port; and (iii) an actuator having: (a) a blown fuse indicator receiving portion near the fastener portion and positioned so that a blown fuse indicator component of the fuse directly or indirectly impinges thereon; and (b) an upper portion near the cable connection portion and including an optical blocking portion. The actuator may have a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state) and a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch state), the optical blocking portion being located within the optical through channel of the cable connection portion.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system (e.g., an optical system) including: (i) an optical switch (e.g., an optical switch described and disclosed herein); (ii) an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver; (iii) a first fiber optic cable including a first proximal end connected to a first fiber optic cable connection port and a first distal end operatively coupled to the transmitter; and (iv) a second fiber optic cable including a second proximal end connected to a second fiber optic cable connection port and a second distal end operatively coupled to the receiver. In this regard, the system can define a continuous optical loop when the actuator is in a first position associated with an intact fuse (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state), and the continuous optical loop can be disrupted or interrupted when the actuator is in a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch state).

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. The drawings are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] A blown fuse indicator component indicates the fuse in an activated state indicating that the fuse has blown. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electrical microswitch in a blown fuse detection system according to the prior art. [Figure 2A] ~ [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates an optical switch according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a top view of the optical switch of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] 2B is a schematic side view of the optical switch of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 2D. [Figure 2F] 2B is a schematic end view of the optical switch of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2F. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a system including an optical switch according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an isometric view of a fastener according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B shows a schematic top view of the fastener of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] 4B shows a schematic end view of the fastener of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] 4D shows a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 4C. [Figure 4E] 4B shows a schematic side view of the fastener of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] ~ [Figure 5B] 1A-1D show opposing isometric views of cable connections according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a schematic top view of the cable connection portion of FIGS. 5A and 5B. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 5C. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5C is a schematic end view of the cable connection portion of FIGS. 5A-5B. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 5E. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an actuator according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic top view of the actuator of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a schematic end view of the actuator of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D]FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 6C. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the actuator of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of multiple individual fuses associated with respective optical switches, each interfaced with a multiplexer that acts as a data selector, according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] The various figures illustrate optical switches according to some embodiments of the present invention, and the figures indicate relative dimensions of various components, which, it will be understood, are merely exemplary in nature and in no way limiting.

[0012] The disclosed invention generally relates to an optical switch and a system including the optical switch, where the optical switch can be in an untriggered state associated with an intact fuse or a triggered state associated with a blown fuse, the switch being operatively coupled to the fuse. The system may include an optical switch, an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver, and a fiber optic cable that provides a continuous optical loop when the optical switch is in the untriggered state, the continuous loop being disrupted or interrupted when the optical switch is in the triggered state. In this regard, the optical switch and the system including the optical switch provide a safe, reliable, and durable blown fuse detection means. This is safer, more reliable, and more durable than, for example, an electrical microswitch, which is limited when used in medium-voltage applications by safety concerns, susceptibility to noise, and voltage drop issues. In other words, some embodiments of the present invention provide a safe, reliable, and durable blown fuse detection system by replacing conventional electrical microswitches with wiring consisting of fiber optic cables and optical switches. Furthermore, the optical transceiver module may manage the optical loop.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optical switches and systems including optical switches provide a means of preventing electrical hazards in medium-voltage installations by using optical signals in the presence of multiple medium-voltage cables. This approach isolates low-voltage circuits from all other higher-voltage signal circuits. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention enhance safety by using optical signals instead of electrical signals, providing a system for preventing electrical hazards in medium-voltage installations and isolating low-voltage circuits from high-voltage circuits. Because optical fiber is non-conductive, short circuits or exposure to system voltages by the optical switch will not damage the installation. Some embodiments of the present invention may enable improved reliability by ensuring accurate fuse detection without false positives or false negatives due to the optical fiber's insensitivity to electrical noise. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention reduce the impact of signal dropouts. That is, optical fiber cables minimize signal dropouts regardless of cable length, maintaining highly reliable operation.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optical switches and systems including optical switches advantageously provide a fail-safe system. For example, if fiber optic communication is lost, a signal will go missing. For example, the system does not require the detection of the connection of a new (e.g., electrical or fiber optic) communication loop to recognize that a fuse associated with the optical switch has blown. That is, the mere loss of fiber optic communication associated with the optical switch / system may be enough to indicate that a fuse has blown.

[0015] In contrast to electrical microswitches, Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an optical switch 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 3 illustrates a system 50 including an optical switch 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As will be readily appreciated, optical switches and systems including optical switches avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks of electrical-optical switches because the optical signals of the system are isolated from the electrical signals / currents that pass through the fuses. Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 are described in more detail below.

[0016] Some embodiments according to the present invention provide an optical switch (e.g., an optical microswitch) including: (i) a fastener configured to be removably attached directly or indirectly to a fuse casing; (ii) a cable connection portion including: (a) a first fiber optic cable connection port; (b) a second fiber optic cable connection port; and (c) an optical through channel extending from the first fiber optic cable connection port and the second fiber optic cable connection port; and (iii) an actuator having: (a) a blown fuse indicator receiving portion proximate the fastener and positioned for direct or indirect impact with a blown fuse indicator component of the fuse; and (b) an upper portion proximate the cable connection and including an optical blocking portion. The actuator may have a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state) and a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch state), the optical blocking portion being located within the optical through channel of the cable connection.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fasteners, cable connections, and actuators may each be separate components that are removably interconnected to define an optical switch. In this regard, each separate component may be individually interlocked with one another by various fastening means (e.g., snap fits, clips, screws, nuts and bolts, or any combination thereof). Alternatively, the fasteners and cable connections may be provided as two separate halves that are fastened together, with the actuator housed therein. Embodiments of the present invention having the fasteners, cable connections, and actuators as separate components that are removably interconnected to one another may have the advantage of being easier to maintain and / or inspect.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastener may be directly or indirectly attached to the fuse casing by at least one connection means. For example, the fuse may be housed in a fuse casing or shell. The fastener may be directly or indirectly engaged (e.g., removably coupled) to the fuse casing by at least one connection means. By way of example only, the at least one connection means may include a pair of male hooks configured to be directly or indirectly removably engaged to the fuse housing, one or more straps configured to be directly or indirectly removably engaged to the fuse housing, one or more inserts configured to be directly or indirectly removably engaged to the fuse housing, one or more fasteners configured to be directly or indirectly removably engaged to the fuse housing, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system may include a plurality of different fuses connected to a multiplexer (MUX) operating as a data selector. The MUX receives a control signal that determines which fuse state a single coded signal sent to an output indicates, as shown in FIG. 7 (discussed in more detail below).

[0019] According to some exemplary embodiments, the fastener includes at least one male engaging clip portion configured to releasably couple with at least one corresponding female engaging clip portion, thereby interlocking and / or disengaging the fastener from the cable connection. In a distinct manner, the at least one male engaging clip portion is separate and distinct from the at least one connection means that directly or indirectly engages (e.g., releasably couples) with the fuse housing. The at least one male engaging clip portion may include, for example, from 1 to about 6 independent individual male engaging clip portions, e.g., at least about any of 1, 2, 3, or 4, and / or at most about any of 6, 5, or 4. In this regard, the cable connection may include a corresponding number of individual female engaging clip portions, e.g., at least about any of 1, 2, 3, or 4, and / or at most about any of 6, 5, or 4. Alternatively, the fastener portion may include at least one female engaging clip portion, and the cable connection portion may include a corresponding number of individual male engaging clip portions configured to be removably coupled to one another. Regardless of which portion of the optical switch has a male engaging clip portion or a female engaging clip portion, the corresponding clip portions may provide a releasable snap fit between the fastener portion and the cable channel connection. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastener portion may include one or more individual male engaging clip portions and one or more individual female engaging clip portions, while the cable connection portion may include one or more corresponding individual male engaging clip portions and one or more individual female engaging clip portions.

[0020] The fastener, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may include a hollow cavity extending through a thickness (e.g., the entire thickness in the z direction perpendicular to the cross section of the fastener in the xy plane). The hollow cavity may be sized, for example, to allow space for an actuator to be inserted therein and to provide access to a blown fuse indicator receiving portion of the actuator when the actuator is mounted directly or indirectly on a fuse.

[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments, the fastener portion includes at least one pair of lower guide channels configured to receive corresponding guide posts of the actuator, the guide posts of the actuator resting at the bottom of the at least one pair of lower guide channels when the actuator is in a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., when the optical switch is not triggered). The at least one pair of lower guide channels may include from about one to about four pairs of lower guide channels, e.g., one, two, three, or four pairs of lower guide channels, and the actuator may include a corresponding number of guide posts. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pair of lower guide channels may include a respective first lower guide channel and a respective second lower guide channel positioned opposite each other at opposite ends of the hollow cavity of the fastener portion. In this regard, the actuator may be supported and guided from two or more sides of the actuator, thereby achieving increased stability and ease of translation of the actuator in the event of a blown fuse. When the actuator is in the first position (eg, with the optical switch not triggered), the guide posts of the actuator may rest at the bottom of their respective lower guide channels.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastener portion may include at least one alignment protrusion configured to be inserted into at least one corresponding alignment recess in the cable connection portion. The at least one alignment protrusion and the corresponding at least one alignment recess provide a simple means of facilitating proper alignment between the fastener portion and the cable connection portion during assembly of the optical switch. Alternatively, the at least one alignment protrusion may be part of the cable connection portion, and the corresponding at least one alignment recess may be part of the fastener portion. Regardless of the location of the at least one alignment protrusion and the at least one alignment recess, the number of corresponding alignment protrusions and alignment recesses may range from 1 to about 6 pairs, such as 1 pair, 2 pairs, 3 pairs, 4 pairs, 5 pairs, or 6 pairs. In addition to facilitating proper alignment, these corresponding alignment protrusions and alignment recesses may provide lateral stability and / or strength to the optical switch (e.g., perpendicular to the z-direction).

[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments, the cable connection portion may include a hollow pocket aligned with the hollow cavity of the fastener portion, the hollow pocket configured to receive and at least partially encase an upper portion of the actuator. The cable connection portion may also include at least one pair of upper guide channels aligned with the at least one pair of lower guide channels and configured to receive corresponding guide posts of the actuator when the actuator is in a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch). Similar to the lower guide channels, the at least one pair of lower guide channels may include from about one to about four pairs of upper guide channels, e.g., one, two, three, or four pairs of upper guide channels, and the actuator may include a corresponding number of guide posts. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pair of upper guide channels may include a respective first upper guide channel and a respective second upper guide channel positioned opposite each other at opposite ends of the hollow pocket of the cable connection portion. When the fasteners and cable connections are interlocked and aligned, the respective lower guide channels and the respective upper guide channels are aligned to form respective completed guide channels, and the respective guide posts of the actuators can translate / slide through the respective completed guide channels as soon as the actuators move from a first position (e.g., an untriggered optical switch) to a second position (e.g., a triggered optical switch). In this regard, the actuators may be supported and guided from two or more sides of the actuator, thereby providing increased stability and ease of translation of the actuators in the event of a blown fuse.

[0024] According to some exemplary embodiments, the cable connection portion includes at least one female engaging clip portion configured to removably receive at least one corresponding male engaging clip portion of the fastener portion (or vice versa, as described above), the at least one female engaging clip portion including a position-maintaining component having a first state associated with a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., an un-triggered light switch state) and a second state associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered light switch state). The position-maintaining component may be configured to maintain the actuator in a first position of the actuator associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., an un-triggered light switch state) until the actuator translates / moves to a second position of the actuator associated with the blown fuse (e.g., a triggered light switch state). For example, the position-maintaining component may engage a corresponding engaging portion of the actuator to inhibit or prevent premature movement of the actuator from the first position of the actuator (e.g., an un-triggered light switch state) to the second position of the actuator (e.g., a triggered light switch state). In this regard, the position maintaining component can reduce or prevent false detections that may accompany premature movement of the actuator from the actuator first position to the actuator second position.

[0025] The actuator engagement portion may include, for example, a recess formed in the actuator or a protrusion extending outward from the actuator, and the position-retaining component is actively or passively biased toward a first state associated with a first position of the actuator (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state) and is capable of transitioning to a second state associated with a second position of the actuator (e.g., a triggered optical switch state). For example, the active or passive biasing force associated with the first state of the position-retaining component is less than the force associated with the triggering force of the fuse blown indicator component. Thus, when the fuse blown indicator component impacts the actuator, the position-retaining component should not impede translation or movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position. Active biasing can be achieved, for example, by a spring, while passive biasing can be achieved, for example, by forming the attitude-transitioning component from a thin section of material (e.g., a plastic material that can bend under pressure).

[0026] By way of example only, the engagement portion of the actuator may include a protrusion extending outward from the actuator through a portion of the side channel of the cable connection, the side channel being adjacent to the at least one female engagement clip portion of the cable connection. For example, the side channel may extend along a side wall of the cable connection, and the protrusion extending outward from the actuator may be configured to allow translation / movement of the actuator from a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state) to a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch state).

[0027] The actuator may include various configurations but typically includes a fuse indicator receiver located near the fastener and positioned for direct or indirect impact with the fuse's blown indicator component. The specific structure of the fuse indicator receiver may vary as needed, but may include, for example, a substantially flat or planar surface that is substantially parallel to the impact surface of the fuse's blown indicator component. The actuator may also include an upper portion located near the cable connection and including an optical-blocking portion. The optical-blocking portion may include, for example, a thin piece of material that enters the optical through channel of the cable connection and blocks and / or absorbs optical signals being transmitted through the optical through channel of the cable connection when the actuator moves from its first position (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state) to its second position (e.g., a triggered optical switch state). At this point, the presence of the optical-blocking portion in the optical through channel of the cable connection disrupts and / or blocks any continuous optical signals passing through the optical switch.

[0028] As described above, the actuator may include one or more guide posts and / or engagement portions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, each of these components may be integrally molded with the actuator body with which the actuator component, light-blocking portion, and / or engagement portion is associated. Alternatively, any of the above-described components may be provided independently and bonded or fastened to the actuator body.

[0029] 2A and 2B show opposing isometric views of an optical switch 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The optical switch 100 includes a fastener 120 (e.g., shown as removably connected to a housing) and a cable connection 140, where the cable connection 140 includes a first fiber optic cable connection port 162 and a second fiber optic cable connection port 165. FIG. 2C is a top view of the optical switch 100 of FIG. 2A, illustrating the relative positions of the first fiber optic cable connection port 162 and the second fiber optic cable connection port 165. FIG. 2D is a schematic side view of the optical switch 100 of FIG. 2A, illustrating the interlocking mechanism between the fastener 120 and the cable connection 140. The cable connection includes a position-retaining component 170, which is engaged with a corresponding engagement portion 230 of an actuator 200. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 2D, illustrating the actuator 200 housed within the optical switch 100. FIG. 2D also illustrates the position of the optical through channel 150 when the light-blocking portion 220 of the actuator 200 is in a first position (e.g., when the optical switch is not triggered). FIG. 2F is a schematic end view of the optical switch 100 of FIG. 2A, showing how the actuator's engagement portion 230 protrudes from the side of the cable connection portion 140. FIG. 2F also illustrates the relative positions of the optical through channel 150 and the second fiber optic cable connection port 165. FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2F, illustrating the relative positions of the optical through channel 150 and the light-blocking portion 220 of the actuator 200 when the actuator is in the first position. FIG. 2G also illustrates the light-blocking channel 155 configured to receive the light-blocking portion 220 when the actuator is moved to the actuator's second position (e.g., when the optical switch is triggered).

[0030] FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of a fastener 120 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, at least one connection means of the fastener 120 includes a pair of male hooks 122 configured to releasably engage, directly or indirectly, a fuse housing. The fastener 120 also includes at least one male engaging clip portion 124 configured to releasably couple with at least one corresponding female engaging clip portion, thereby interlocking and / or releasing the fastener from a cable connection, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. The fastener 120 also includes a hollow cavity 126 configured to accommodate the actuator 200, and a plurality of lower guide channels 128 are provided on the inner surface of the fastener as recesses (e.g., open toward the hollow cavity). As also shown in FIG. 4A, the fastener 120 includes four alignment protrusions 130 configured to be inserted into at least one corresponding alignment recess of the cable connection. FIG. 4B shows a schematic top view of the fastener 120 of FIG. 4A, better illustrating the relationship between the hollow cavity 126 and the lower guide channel 128. The positional relationship between the alignment protrusion 130 and the at least one male engaging clip portion 124 is also shown. FIG. 4C shows a schematic end view of the fastener 120 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D shows a cross-section taken along line DD of FIG. 4C, better illustrating the interior of the fastener 120. FIG. 4E shows a schematic side view of the fastener 120 of FIG. 4A, illustrating the exterior of the fastener.

[0031] 5A-5B show opposing isometric views of a cable connection 140 according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates the relative positions of a first fiber optic cable connection port 162 and a second fiber optic cable connection port 165, and further illustrates the at least one female engaging clip portion 166, which is configured to removably receive at least one corresponding male engaging clip portion 124 of a fastener 120. On this side of the cable connection 140, a position-retaining component 170 is located above the female engaging clip portion 166 and near a side channel 172. FIG. 5B illustrates the opposite side of the cable connection 140, which includes another female engaging clip portion 165 but no position-retaining component. FIG. 5C is a schematic top view of the cable connection 140 of FIGS. 5A-5B. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 5C, illustrating the light-through channel 150, the upper guide channel 165, the side channel 172, the female engaging clip portions 165, 166, and the position-retaining component 170. FIG. 5E is a schematic end view of the cable connection portion 140 of FIGS. 5A-5B, illustrating the alignment of the light-through channel 150 with the second fiber optic cable connection port 165. FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 5E, illustrating the alignment of the upper guide channel 168 with the female engaging clip portion 165. FIG. 5F also illustrates the alignment of the light-through channel 150 with both the first fiber optic cable connection port 162 and the second fiber optic cable connection port 165. As also shown in FIG. 5F, the cable connection portion 140 may include a light-blocking channel 155 configured to receive the light-blocking portion 220 when the actuator is moved to the actuator's second position (e.g., the optical switch is in a triggered state). FIG. 5G is a schematic side view of FIG. 5A, showing a close-up view of the position-maintaining component 170 according to this embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of an actuator 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention, including a blown fuse indicator receiving portion 210 at a lower portion and a light-blocking portion 220 at an upper portion. FIG. 6A also shows a guide post 230 that may be received by the lower guide channel 128 of the fastener portion 120 while the actuator is in a first position (e.g., while the light switch is not triggered) and may move into the upper guide channel 168 of the cable connection portion 140 when the actuator is in a second position (e.g., when the light switch is triggered). FIG. 6B is a schematic top view of the actuator of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a schematic end view of the actuator of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 6C. FIG. 6E is a schematic side view of the actuator of FIG. 6A.

[0033] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system (e.g., an optical system) including: (i) an optical switch (e.g., an optical switch described and disclosed herein); (ii) an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver; (iii) a first fiber optic cable including a first proximal end connected to a first fiber optic cable connection port and a first distal end operatively coupled to the transmitter; and (iv) a second fiber optic cable including a second proximal end connected to a second fiber optic cable connection port and a second distal end operatively coupled to the receiver. In this regard, the system can define a continuous optical loop when the actuator is in a first position associated with an intact fuse (e.g., an untriggered optical switch state), and the continuous optical loop can be disrupted or interrupted when the actuator is in a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., a triggered optical switch state). According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system may include an external power source operatively connected to the optical transceiver module.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system may include a fuse having a fuse casing that encloses or houses the fuse. The fuse casing may have an indicator opening (e.g., an orifice) and a blown fuse indicator component, the blown fuse indicator component having a first position associated with an unblown fuse and a second position associated with a blown fuse. In this regard, when the fuse is blown and the blown fuse indicator is in the second position, the blown fuse indicator component may pass through and protrude out of the indicator opening in the fuse casing. A blown fuse indicator in the second position (e.g., blown fuse) may directly or indirectly impact a blown fuse indicator receptacle on the actuator to trigger the optical switch as described above. For example, the fastening portion of the light switch may be directly or indirectly attached to the fuse casing, and the blown fuse indicator receiving portion may be positioned relative to the blown fuse indicator component such that the actuator moves from the first position of the actuator (e.g., the light switch is not triggered) to the second position of the actuator (e.g., the light switch is triggered) upon moving the actuator so that the blown fuse indicator component moves to its second position and strikes the actuator, disrupting or interrupting the continuous optical loop through the light switch. For example, the light-blocking portion of the actuator may enter or be located within the optical through channel of the cable connection, thereby disrupting the continuous optical loop or signal. The system may include, for example, an alarm means (e.g., a light, a noise, a prompt on a computer interface screen, a prompt on a mobile phone, etc.) configured to indicate that the fuse has blown.

[0035] Figure 3, for example, illustrates a system 50 including an optical switch 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The system 50 illustrated in Figure 3 includes the optical switch 100 (e.g., an optical switch as described and disclosed herein), an optical transceiver module 60 including a transmitter 70 and a receiver 60, a first fiber optic cable 94 including a first proximal end connected to a first fiber optic cable connection port and a first distal end operatively coupled to the transmitter, and a second fiber optic cable 92 including a second proximal end connected to a second fiber optic cable connection port and a second distal end operatively coupled to the receiver. In this regard, system 50 may define a continuous optical loop when the actuator of optical switch 100 is in a first position associated with an unblown fuse (e.g., the optical switch is not triggered), and the continuous optical loop may be disrupted or interrupted when the actuator is in a second position associated with a blown fuse (e.g., the optical switch is triggered).

[0036] 7 shows a schematic diagram of a system including multiple individual fuses, each associated with a respective optical switch (e.g., an optical switch as described and disclosed herein), and each optical switch interfaced with a multiplexer that operates as a data selector, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a first optical switch 100a associated with a first fuse 1a, a second optical switch 100b associated with a second fuse 1b, and a third optical switch 100c associated with a second fuse 1c. * n * The fuse associated with * n * and a system including an optical switch, * n * represents the total number of fuses and respective optical switches. * n *The total number of fuses and respective optical switches may be interfaced with a multiplexer (MUX) 700 via respective fiber optic cables (e.g., as disclosed and described herein). In this regard, each optical loop of each fuse / optical switch pair may be interfaced with a respective optical transceiver module 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f, 60f, 60g, 60h, 60i, 60j, 60j, 60k, 60kb, 60m, 60m, 60m. * n * In this regard, MUX 700 may receive a control signal that determines which fuse state (e.g., whether the fuse is blown or not) is indicated by a single coded signal sent to output 710.

[0037] In some drawings (e.g., Figures 2D, 2F, 2G, 4B, 4C, 4E, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 6B, 6C, and 6E), exemplary dimensions of various structural features are provided. Note that these specific values, which may be given in cm or mm according to some embodiments, are merely exemplary. In this regard, each of these specific values ​​may be varied as desired. By way of example only, each of the specific values ​​(e.g., in mm or cm) depicted in the drawings may include from about 5% to about 300% of the depicted value, e.g., at least about 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 90% of the depicted value, and / or may include up to about any of 300, 280, 260, 240, 220, 200, 180, 160, 150, 140, 120, and 110% of the depicted value. For example, the recited value 1.5 (whether in mm or cm) may vary from 0.075 to 450.

[0038] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Moreover, it will be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, as further set forth in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the exemplary description of the forms contained herein.

Claims

1. An optical switch, (i) a fastener configured to be removably attached, directly or indirectly, to a fuse casing; (ii) a cable connection portion including: (a) a first fiber optic cable connection port; (b) a second fiber optic cable connection port; and (c) an optical through channel extending from the first fiber optic cable connection port and the second fiber optic cable connection port; (iii) an actuator having: (a) a blown fuse indicator receiving portion near the fastening portion and positioned for direct or indirect impact with a blown fuse indicator component of a fuse; and (b) an upper portion near the cable connection and including a light blocking portion, the actuator having a first position associated with an unblown fuse and a second position associated with a blown fuse, the light blocking portion being located within the light-through channel of the cable connection; Switches including.

2. The switch of claim 1 , wherein the fastener, the cable connection, and the actuator are each separate components that are removably interconnected with one another to define the optical switch.

3. 3. The switch of claim 2, wherein the fastening portion is attached directly or indirectly to the fuse casing by at least one connection means.

4. 4. The switch of claim 3, wherein the at least one connection means comprises a pair of male hooks configured to be directly or indirectly releasably engaged with the fuse housing, one or more straps configured to be directly or indirectly releasably engaged with the fuse housing, one or more inserts configured to be directly or indirectly releasably engaged with the fuse housing, one or more magnets configured to be directly or indirectly releasably engaged with the fuse housing, or any combination thereof.

5. 3. The switch of claim 2, wherein the fastener portion includes at least one male engaging clip portion configured to releasably couple with at least one corresponding female engaging clip portion, thereby interlocking and / or releasing the fastener portion from the cable connection portion.

6. 3. The switch of claim 2, wherein the fastener portion includes a hollow cavity extending through a thickness of the fastener portion, the hollow cavity having a cross-section configured to receive and surround the actuator.

7. 7. The switch of claim 6, wherein the fastener portion further includes at least one pair of lower guide channels configured to receive corresponding guide posts of the actuator, the guide posts of the actuator resting at a bottom of the at least one pair of lower guide channels when the actuator is in the first position associated with an unblown fuse.

8. 7. The switch of claim 6, wherein the fastening portion further includes at least one alignment protrusion, the at least one alignment protrusion configured to be inserted into at least one corresponding alignment recess of the cable connection portion.

9. 8. The switch of claim 7, wherein the cable connection portion includes: (i) a hollow pocket aligned with the hollow cavity of the fastener portion and configured to receive and at least partially encase the upper portion of the actuator; and (ii) at least one pair of upper guide channels aligned with the at least one pair of lower guide channels and configured to receive the corresponding guide posts of the actuator when the actuator is in the second position associated with a blown fuse.

10. 10. The switch of claim 9, wherein the cable connection portion includes at least one female engaging clip portion configured to removably receive at least one corresponding male engaging clip portion of the fastener portion, the at least one female engaging clip portion including a position-retaining component, the position-retaining component having a first state associated with the first position associated with an unblown fuse and a second state associated with a blown fuse.

11. 11. The switch of claim 10, wherein the position-maintaining component is configured to maintain the actuator in the first position of the actuator associated with an unblown fuse until the actuator translates to the second position of the actuator associated with a blown fuse.

12. The switch of claim 11 , wherein the position-retaining component engages a corresponding engagement portion of the actuator.

13. 13. The switch of claim 12, wherein the engagement portion of the actuator comprises a recess formed in the actuator or a protrusion extending outwardly from the actuator, the position-retaining component is biased toward a first state associated with the first position of the actuator and is movable to a second state associated with the second position of the actuator, and a biasing force associated with the first state of the position-retaining component is less than a force associated with a triggering force of a blown fuse indicator component of a fuse.

14. 14. The switch of claim 13, wherein the engagement portion of the actuator includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the actuator and through a portion of a side channel of the cable connection portion, the side channel being adjacent the at least one female engagement clip portion of the cable connection portion.

15. 15. The switch of claim 14, wherein the lateral channel extends along a sidewall of the cable connection and is configured to allow the protrusion extending outward from the actuator to translate from the first position of the actuator associated with an unblown fuse to the second position of the actuator associated with a blown fuse.

16. (i) an optical switch according to claim 1; (ii) an optical transceiver module including a transmitter and a receiver; (iii) a first fiber optic cable, the first fiber optic cable including a first proximal end connected to the first fiber optic cable connection port and a first distal end operatively coupled to the transmitter; (iv) a second fiber optic cable, the second fiber optic cable including a second proximal end connected to the second fiber optic cable connection port and a second distal end operatively coupled to the receiver; A system comprising: defining a continuous optical loop when the actuator is in the first position associated with an unblown fuse; system.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising an external power source operatively connected to the optical transceiver module.

18. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a fuse including a fuse casing having an indicator opening and a blown fuse indicator component, the blown fuse indicator component having a first position associated with an unblown fuse and a second position associated with a blown fuse, the blown fuse indicator component passing through and protruding out of the indicator opening in the fuse casing.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the fastener is directly or indirectly attached to the fuse casing, and the blown fuse indicator receiving portion is positioned relative to the blown fuse indicator component such that the actuator moves from the first position of the actuator to the second position of the actuator immediately upon movement of the blown fuse indicator component to the second position of the fuse indicator component.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the optical blocking portion is located within the optical through channel of the cable connection to disrupt the continuous optical loop, the system further comprising alarm means configured to indicate when the fuse has blown.

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