Enclosure with hardened connectivity combined with blown fiber technology

Abstract

An assembly including a telecommunication housing. The assembly also including at least one hardened fiber optic adapter coupled to the telecommunication housing. The assembly further including a blown fiber tube routed into the telecommunication housing and the blown fiber tube is sealed and secured with respect to the telecommunication housing.

Description

[0001] ENCLOSURE WITH HARDENED CONNECTIVITY COMBINED WITH BLOWN FIBER TECHNOLOGY

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is being filed on May 29, 2025 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 686,267, filed on August 23, 2024, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 653,093, filed on May 29, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to telecommunications devices and systems and in particular to blown fiber systems.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Different architectures and systems have been developed for facilitating the deployment of fiber optic networks. One type of system architecture can be referred to as a blown fiber system. An example blown fiber system can include a conduit through which one or more blown fiber tubes are routed at a first date. The blown fiber tubes and the conduit extend between a first location (e.g., a more centralized location such as cabinet, hub, etc.) and a second location (e.g., a location closer to a periphery of the network than the first location and often in the vicinity of subscriber locations). At a second date, when it is desired to provide fiber optic service to subscribers near the second location, optical fibers can be blown through the preinstalled blown fiber tubes from the first location to the second location. Example blown fiber systems are disclosed by PCT International Publication Nos. WO 2023 / 076734; WO 2023 / 076677; and WO 2022 / 246255 and European Patent No. EP 2330706B1.

[0008] Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and a fiber optic adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The fiber optic adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. Particularly in the case of single fiber connectors, the corresponding fiber optic adapter includes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the fiber optic adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the fiber optic adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. The adapter also typically has a mechanical fastening arrangement (e.g., a snap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retaining the fiber optic connectors within the adapter. One example of an existing fiber optic connection system is described at U.S. Patent Nos. 6,579,014, 6,648,520, and 6,899,467. In the case of multi-fiber connectors, the ferrules can include male and female multi-fiber ferrules (e.g., MPO ferrules) that are aligned through pins of the male ferrules that fit within alignment openings of the female ferrules.

[0009] Hardened fiber optic connection systems have been developed for facilitating making optical connection in outdoor applications. Hardened fiber optic connection systems generally include hardened fiber optic connectors that are sealed with respect to corresponding hardened fiber optic adapters when mated. The hardened fiber optic adapters are often mounted in sealed relation with respect to corresponding telecommunications housings (e.g., terminals such as drop terminals / multi-service terminals). Example hardened fiber optic connection systems are disclosed by United States Patent No. 7,744,288.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to enclosure arrangements that combine hardened connectivity with blown fiber technology.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to low-cost enclosures configured to be used with blown fiber components. In certain examples, the enclosures can provide blown fiber storage available for later access.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to assembly methods using optical modules. A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a telecommunication enclosure kit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 assembled within packaging;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. lin an open configuration with blown fiber tubes secured and sealed with respect to one end of a housing of the enclosure kit and with a splice holder mounted to a mounting panel within the housing;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 in an open configuration with the blown fiber tubes secured and sealed with respect to one end of the housing of the enclosure kit and with a non-hardened fiber optic adapter (e.g., an SC fiber optic adapter) mounted to the mounting panel within the housing;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 3 or 4 in a closed configuration;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 in an open configuration with a blown fiber tube secured and sealed with respect to one end of the enclosure housing and a hardened fiber-optic adapter secured to an opposite end of the enclosure housing;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration with a blown fiber tube and a hardened fiber optic adapter secured and sealed to one end of the enclosure housing;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration with two blown fiber tubes secured and sealed with respect to one end of the enclosure housing and a hardened fiber-optic adapter secured to an opposite end of the enclosure housing;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration with a blown fiber tube and one hardened fiber-optic adapter secured and sealed to one end of the enclosure housing and another hardened fiber optic adapter secured and sealed with respect to an opposite end of the enclosure housing;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a plan view depicting the telecommunication enclosure kit of FIG. 1 with a blown fiber tube secured and sealed to one end of the enclosure housing and a length of blown fiber coiled and stored within the enclosure housing;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting an example hardened fiber optic adapter suitable for use with telecommunication enclosures in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through the hardened fiber-optic adapter of FIG. 11 ;

[0028] FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view cut longitudinally through the hardened fiber-optic adapter of FIG. 11;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the hardened fiber-optic adapter of FIG. 11 with a non-hardened fiber optic connector (e.g., and SC fiber optic connector) installed within an inner port of the hardened fiber-optic adapter;

[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the hardened fiber-optic adapter of FIG 11 with a non-hardened fiber-optic connector installed within an inner port of the hardened fiber-optic adapter and a hardened fiber optic connector installed within an outer port of the hardened fiber-optic adapter;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an architecture for a first example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an architecture for a second example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an architecture for a third example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an architecture for a fourth example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an architecture for a fifth example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1; FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an architecture for a sixth example optical module adapted for use with the housing of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a telecommunication enclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 23 depicts a base of the telecommunication enclosure of FIG. 22 with an optical module installed with respect to the base such that fiber optic connectors of the optical module are loaded within inner ports of the fiber-optic adapters mounted to the base;

[0038] FIG. 24 is another view of the base of the telecommunication enclosure of FIG. 22 with the optical module installed with respect to the base;

[0039] FIG. 25 depicts an example architecture for the optical module of FIGS. 23 and 24 defining an optical power splitting configuration;

[0040] FIG. 26 depicts another example architecture for the optical module of FIGS. 23 and 24 defining an optical indexing configuration;

[0041] FIG. 27 depicts another example architecture for the optical module of FIGS. 23 and 24 defining an optical fan-out (e.g., break-out) configuration; and

[0042] FIG. 28 depicts another example architecture for the optical module of FIGS. 23 and 24 defining an optical tap configuration.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 depicts a telecommunication enclosure kit 120 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunication enclosure kit 120 includes a telecommunication housing 122 including a cover 124 and a base 126 the telecommunication housing 122 also includes a seal 128 (e.g., gasket seal) for providing perimeter sealing between the cover 124 and the base 126 when the telecommunication housing 122 is in a closed configuration. The seal 128 can have an elastomeric construction. The base 126 and the cover 124 can be molded plastic parts. In certain examples, the cover 124 can include end ports 130 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that in certain examples can be initially covered by knock-out portions. The enclosure kit 120 also includes sealing glands 132 configured to mount within the end ports 130. The sealing glands 132 are adapted to secure and seal blown fiber tubes 134 to the telecommunication housing 122. The enclosure kit 120 also includes a component mounting plate 136 for mounting components within the interior of the telecommunication housing 122. Example components can include one or more splice holders 138 (see FIG. 3) and one or more non-hardened fiber-optic adapters 140 (see FIG. 4). The enclosure kit 120 can include a plug 142 enclosing an open but unoccupied port of the telecommunication housing 122. The telecommunication housing kit further includes first and second zip ties 144 for retaining the telecommunication housing 122 in a closed configuration. For example, the zip ties 144 (straps with teeth along their length that can engage a pawl in a ratchet like manner to allow the straps to be cinched to a tightened configuration) can be cinched about an exterior of the housing to secure the base 126 and the cover 124 together in a closed configuration. FIG. 2 shows the telecommunication enclosure kit 120 packaged within packaging material such as a bag 146. In the depicted examples, the base 126 and the cover 124 are not coupled by a hinge; but could be in alternative examples. In the depicted example, the zip ties 14 are wrapped around a profile of the housing defined by the combination of the mated base 126 and cover 124 and force the base 126 and the cover 124 together to compress the perimeter seal 128.

[0045] The blown fiber tubes 134 can be routed through the end ports 130 of the telecommunication housing 122 and can be sealed and retained in such a position by the sealing glands 132. Optical fibers 148 can be blown, pushed, pulled or otherwise moved through the blown fiber tubes 134 from a remote location to the interior of the telecommunication housing. Tube blocks 150 (see FIG. 6) can be mounted at the ends of the blown fiber tubes 134 within the interior of the telecommunication housing 122 to seal the ends of the blown fiber tubes 134 while allowing the optical fibers 148 to pass through the tube blocks 150. In certain examples, fiber optic connectors 60 (e.g., non-hardened fiber optic connectors such as SC connectors) can be installed at ends of the optical fibers 148 within the interior of the telecommunication housing 122. In certain examples, such fiber optic connectors 60 can be used to optically connect to optical fibers 148 corresponding to different blown fiber tubes 134 coupled to the telecommunication housing 122 with the assistance of a fiber optic adapter 140 (see FIG. 4). In certain examples, such fiber optic connectors 60 can be used to optically connect one or more of the optical fibers 148 to the inner port of a hardened fiber optic adapter 44 installed within one of the end ports 130. In other examples, the optical fibers 148 corresponding to different blown fiber tubes 134 can be unconnectorized and can be coupled together through an optical splice that may be supported within the telecommunication housing 122 by the splice holder 138 (see FIG. 3). In certain examples, a connector at the end of the optical fiber 148 can be plugged into an inner port of one of the hardened fiber optic adapters 44 to allow a drop cable terminated by a hardened fiber optic connector to be optically connected to the optical fiber 148 by plugging the hardened fiber optic connector into an outer port of the hardened fiberoptic adapter 44.

[0046] The hardened fiber-optic adapters 44 and the blown fiber tubes 134 can be mounted at a variety of different locations of the telecommunication housing 122. For example, in one arrangement, hardened fiber optic adapter 44 and blown fiber tube 1 4 are mounted at opposite ends of the telecommunication housing 122 (see FIG. 6). In another arrangement, hardened fiber optic adapter 44 and blown fiber two 134 are mounted at the same end of the telecommunication housing 122 (see FIG. 7). In another arrangement, two of the blown fiber tubes 134 are mounted at one end of the telecommunication housing 122 and one of the hardened fiber optic adapters 44 is mounted at the opposite end of the telecommunication housing 122 (see FIG. 8). In a further arrangement, hardened fiber optic adapters 44 are mounted at opposite ends of the telecommunication housing 122 and one of the blown fiber tubes 134 is mounted at one of the ends of the telecommunication housing 122 (see FIG. 9).

[0047] In certain examples, it is desirable to store a length of blown optical fiber within an underground storage container such as it a vault. In the arrangement of FIG. 10, optical fiber 148 is blown through blown fiber to 134 into the interior of the telecommunication housing 122. The blown fiber tube 134 would typically be routed through an opening defined in the vault and the telecommunication housing 122 can be stored within the vault. The optical fiber 148 can be arranged in a loop / coil and stored within the interior of the telecommunication housing 122 to provide protection to the optical fiber 148 within the vault. At a later date, the vault can be opened and the optical fiber 148 can be accessed from within the telecommunication housing 122 and blown through another blown fiber tube 134 routed to the vault. In this way, optical service can be extended.

[0048] Referring to Figures 11-15, the hardened fiber optic adapter 44 includes an adapter body 50 having an exterior form factor adapted to fit within (e.g., mate with) the form factor of one of the end ports 130. The adapter body 50 defines a hardened exterior port 52 and a non-hardened interior port 54. When the adapter body 50 is installed within a port 130 of the telecommunication housing, the exterior port 52 is accessible from the exterior of the housing and the interior port 54 is accessible from within the interior of the housing. The fiber optic adapter 44 also includes a ferrule alignment sleeve 56 mounted within the adapter body 50. In one example, the ferrule alignment sleeve 56 is co-axially aligned with a through-passage defined by the adapter body 50. It will be appreciated that the ferrule alignment sleeve 56 is configured for coaxially aligning ferrules supporting optical fibers corresponding to fiber optic connectors inserted into the ports 52, 54. Figure 14 shows the ferrule alignment sleeve 56 receiving a ferrule 58 of a non-hardened fiber optic connector 60 installed within the interior port 54. Figure 15 shows the ferrule alignment sleeve 56 also receiving a ferrule 62 of a hardened fiber optic connector 64 (e.g., terminating the end of a drop cable or other cable) installed within the exterior port 52. As depicted at Figure 15, the ferrule alignment sleeve 56 functions to co-axially aligned the ferrules 58, 62 within the adapter body 50 such that optical fibers supported by the ferrules 58, 62 are optically coupled to one another.

[0049] In one example, the hardened fiber optic adapter 44 is a Prodigy™ type fiber optic adapter sold by Commscope Inc. of Hickory, North Carolina, USA. Further details regarding the hardened fiber optic adapter 44 can be found in PCT international publication number W02021 / 041305 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the fiber optic adapter can be a DLX™ type fiber optic adapter, sold by Commscope Inc. of Hickory, North Carolina, USA, details of which can be found in United States Patent No. 7,744,288 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, other examples of hardened connector / adapter systems can be used such as Optitap™ or PushLok™ type fiber optic adapters sold by Coming Cable Systems Inc. of Hickory, North Carolina, USA; or FastConnect type fiber optic adapters sold by Huawei Technologies Co. LTD of Shenzhen, China. Of course, aspects of the present disclosure are also applicable to other types of hardened fiber optic adapters than those specifically described herein. For example, components from hardened multi-fiber connector-based connection systems can be used.

[0050] In certain examples, different optical modules can be used to allow one type of base model enclosure (e.g., housing 120) to be assembled in a variety of different configurations. The assembly can take place in the factory or in the field. In the factory, different configurations can be manufactured on demand to satisfy customer requests. In the field, field technicians can assemble suitable enclosure configurations in real time to meet requirements encountered in the field. This type of assembly process allows a reduced number of enclosures to be stocked at the factory or in a service vehicle while maintaining the capability of providing devices having a variety of configurations. The optical modules are preferably relatively compact and easily installed in the enclosure. Example optical modules include optical power splitting modules (e.g., symmetric optic power splitters, asymmetric optical power splitters (e.g., optical taps), wavelength division multiplexing modules, optical breakout modules or other modules. The different optical modules can provide different types of optical functionality and different port configurations. The modules can be factory manufactured and installed in the field. The modules can each include a substrate (e.g., a film, a sheet, a polymeric layer, a plastic part, etc.) to which optical fibers are secured along pre-defined routing paths. The optical fibers can have ends that project beyond an outer perimeter of the substrate and are splice ready or are terminated (e.g., factory terminated) with a fiber optic connector (e.g., an LC connector, an SC connector, etc.). Connectorized ends of the fibers (e.g., pigtails) can be positioned on the substrate to facilitate easy installation in non-hardened ports of hardened fiber optic adapters (e.g., hardened fiber optic adapters 44) of the housing being assembled / installed.

[0051] The housing 120 includes four different port locations 130a-130d. Port locations 130a, 130b are located at one axial end of the housing 120 while port locations 130c, 130d are located at the opposite axial end of the housing 120. It will be appreciated that the port locations 130a-130d can be populated in any number of different ways and optical modules can be provided for supporting population of the port locations 130a-130d in a variety of configurations. Figs 16-21 depict various optical modules to 220a-220f that can be used to provide different optical configurations for the housing 120. It will be appreciated that the depicted optical modules 220a-220f are only exemplary and that other configurations can be used as well.

[0052] The module 220a of FIG. 16 is configured to populate hardened fiber optic adapters 44 of the housing 120 when the adapters 44 are mounted at port locations 130b and 130c (as depicted at FIG. 9). The module 220a includes a substrate 222 supporting an optical tap 224. The optical tap includes an input 226, a pass-through output 228 and a tap output 230. The optical tap is an asymmetric optical power splitter and is configured such that a majority of the power of the optical signal provided at the tap input 226 passes through to the pass-through output 228, and a minor portion of the power of the input optical signal is tapped from the input signal and output through the tap output 230. In certain examples, the power of the optical signal tapped from the input signal is about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or other percentages less than 50%. The input 226 is optically coupled to an input optical fiber 232 having a splice-ready end 234 adapted for optical connection to a blown optical fiber. The pass-through output 228 is optically connected to a pass-through optical fiber 236 routed to a location 238 adapted to align generally with the port location 130c. The tap output 230 is optically connected to a tap output optical fiber 240 routed to a location 242 adapted to align generally with the port location 130b. Each of the optical fibers 232, 236 and 240 includes a first portion routed on and bonded to the substrate 222 and a second portion that extends beyond an outer perimeter of the substrate 222. The second portions of the optical fibers 236, 240 form connectorized pigtails with the optical fibers 236, 240 being terminated by fiber optic connectors 241. When the module 220a is installed in the housing 120, the fiber optic connectors 241 can be readily plugged into the inner ports of the hardened fiber optic adapters 44 mounted at the port locations 130b and 130c.

[0053] The module 220b of FIG. 17 has the same basic configuration as the module 220a, except the tap output optical fiber 240 is routed to a location 243 adapted to align generally with the port location 130d.

[0054] The module 220c of FIG. 18 has the same basic configuration as the module 220a, except the optical tap 224 further includes an internal symmetric splitting configuration that routes the tapped signal to two of the tap output optical fibers 240 which are routed to locations 242 and 243 corresponding to port locations 130b and 130d.

[0055] The module 220d of FIG. 19 is configured to populate hardened fiber optic adapters 44 of the housing 120 when the adapters 44 are mounted at port locations 130b and 130c (as depicted at FIG. 9). The module 220d includes substrate 222 supporting a symmetric optical power splitter 245. The optical power splitter 245 is depicted as a 1X2 splitter; but other split ratios could also be provided. The optical power splitter 245 an input 246 and first and second outputs 247. The optical power splitter splits optical power from the input equally between the outputs 247. The input 246 is optically coupled to an input optical fiber 252 having a splice-ready end 254 adapted for optical connection to a blown optical fiber. The outputs 247 are optically connected to output optical fibers 256 routed to locations 242, 238 adapted to align generally with the port locations 130b, 130c. Each of the optical fibers 252, 256 includes a first portion routed on and bonded to the substrate 222 and a second portion that extends beyond an outer perimeter of the substrate 222. The second portions of the optical fibers 252, 256 form connectorized pigtails with the optical fibers 252, 256 being terminated by fiber optic connectors 241 . When the module 220d is installed in the housing 120, the fiber optic connectors 241 can be readily plugged into the inner ports of the hardened fiber optic adapters 44 mounted at the port locations 130b and 130c.

[0056] The module 220e of FIG. 20 has the same basic configuration as the module 220d, except output optical fibers 256 are routed to locations 238, 243 adapted to align generally with the port locations 130c and 1 0d.

[0057] The module 220f of FIG. 21 is configured to populate hardened fiber optic adapters 44 of the housing 120 when the adapters 44 are mounted at port locations 130b, 130c and 130d. The module 220f includes substrate 222 supporting optical fibers 270 arranged in an optical fiber break-out configuration. The optical fibers 270 include first end portions 271 having splice-ready ends 272 adapted for optical connection to blown optical fibers. The optical fibers 270 include second end portions 274 that are connectorized by fiber optic connectors 241. Intermediate portions of the optical fibers 270 are routed on and bonded to the substrate 222. The intermediate portions of the optical fibers 270 extend to locations 238, 242 and 243 of the substrate that correspond to port locations 130c, 130b and 130d of the housing 120. When the module 220f is installed in the housing 120, the fiber optic connectors 241 can be readily plugged into the inner ports of the hardened fiber optic adapters 44 mounted at the port locations 130b, 130c and 130d.

[0058] It will be appreciated that for each of the tap module configurations depicted, a plurality of different tap modules having different power tapping percentages can be provided for selection for use within the housing 120.

[0059] FIGS. 22-24 show an enclosure 400 including an optical module 500 (of the type disclosed above) installed within the enclosure 400. The enclosure includes a base 402 and a dome 404. The optical module 500 connects with fiber optic adapters 44a-e carried with the base 402 and is housed at least partially in the dome 404. The module 500 can include a sheet-like substrate 502 that is preferably flexible and can include one or more layers. In certain examples the sheet-like substrate 502 can include a polymeric constructions. An example sheet-like substrates 502 can include one or more layers of film or can include a single layer of plastic. In certain examples, optical fibers 506a-e are routed on and managed by the substrate 502. In certain examples, the optical fibers 506a-e can be bonded to the substrate 502 either continuously or at discontinuously at discrete locations. In certain examples, the optical fibers 506 can be terminated by fiber optic connectors 68a-e adapted to be respectively received within inner connector ports 54a-e of the fiber optic adapters 44a- e. In certain examples, a holder 510 can be provided for holding the fiber optic connectors 68a-e at a relative positioning (e.g., spacing, offsetting, etc.) matching a relative positioning defined between the inner connector ports 54a-e of the fiber optic adapters 44a-e. In certain examples, the substrate 502 can function as the holder 510. In certain other examples, the holder 510 can have a more rigid configuration than the substrate 502 (e.g., a molded plastic frame construction). In certain examples, the holder 510 can be coupled to the substrate 502 and moveable with the substrate 502. In certain examples the holder 510 can provide support for the substrate 502. In certain examples, the holder 510 is not connected to the substrate 502 and is moveable relative to the substrate 502. In certain examples, the holder 510 can function as a connector insertion tool for allowing all the fiber optic connectors 68a-e to be concurrently inserted into their corresponding inner connector ports 54a-e. In certain examples, the holder remains with attached with the fiber optic connectors after the fiber optic connectors have been inserted into their corresponding inner connector ports and provides support for the substrate with respect to the base 402. In certain examples, the holder 510 is detachable from the fiber optic connectors 68a-e after a fiber optic connectors 68a-e have been inserted into their corresponding inner connector ports 54a- e. In other examples, the substrate has a perimeter P, and the optical fibers 506a-e include pigtail portions 512a-e that extend off the substrate 502 past the perimeter P. The pigtail portions 512a-e can include ends (e.g., free ends) terminated by the fiber optic connectors 68a-e. In other examples, the substrate 502 can have a more rigid construction such as a self-supporting plastic construction.

[0060] FIGS. 25-28 depict a variety of different modules that can be assembled in the housing 401 to allow one type of housing 401 to be efficiently assembled on demand into a variety of different types of optical devices having different optical configurations. The modules can include a variety of configurations. Example configurations include passive optical power splitting configurations or wavelength division multiplexing configurations (see module 500a of FIG. 25), optical indexing configurations (see module 500b of FIG. 26), optical break-out configurations (see module 500c of FIG. 27) and optical tapping configurations (see module 500d of FIG. 28). In the optical power splitting configuration of FIG. 25, the fiber optic connectors 68a-e are all single-fiber connectors (e.g., SC or LC connectors). Fiber 506c connects to an input of a passive optical power splitter 520, and fibers 506a-b and 506d-e connect to outputs of the passive optical power splitter. Connectors 68a-e are adapted to respectively plug into the inner ports 54 of the fiber optic adapters 44a-e. The passive optical power splitter 520 is mounted on the substrate 502 and portions of the optical fibers 506a-e are routed and managed on the substrate 502. Alternatively, passive optical power splitter 520 can be a wavelength division multiplexer that splits a signal from the fiber 506c based on wavelength such that different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths are provided to the fibers 506a-b and 506d-e.

[0061] In the optical indexing configuration of FIG. 26, the fiber optic connectors 68a, c are multi-fiber optical connectors and the fiber optic connectors 68b, d-e are single-fiber optical connectors. Fiber optic connector 68c can be an input optical fiber and fiber optic connector 68a can be an output optical connector. Optical fibers 600a-c are drop optical fibers that are routed from the fiber optic connector 68c to the single-fiber optical connectors 68b, d-e. Optical fibers 600d-l are indexing optical fibers that are routed from the fiber optic connector 68c to the fiber optic connector 68a. The optical fibers 600d-l are indexing optical fibers because the ends of the optical fibers 600d-l at the fiber optic connector 68c are shifted in position relative to the ends of the optical fibers 600d-l at the fiber optic connector 68a. For example, the fiber optic connectors 68a, c are each shown having 12 positions. The ends of the optical fibers 600d-l at the fiber optic connector 68c are respectively at positions 4-12 while the ends of the optical fibers 600d-l at the fiber optic connector 68a are at positions 1-9. The positions 1 -12 can be referred to as connector fiber positions. In certain examples, the connectors 68a, c can be multi-fiber connectors such as MPO connectors and the fiber optic adapters 44a, c can be configured for coupling non-hardened multi-fiber connectors to hardened multi-fiber connectors. In other examples, the connectors 68a, c can be bare-fiber (e.g., ferrule-less) multi-fiber optical connectors and the fiber optic adapters 44a, c can be configured for coupling together non-hardened ferrule-less multi-fiber fiber optic connectors to hardened ferrule-less multi-fiber fiber optic connectors. Connectors 68a-e are adapted to respectively plug into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters 44a-e. The fiber optic adapters 44b, d-e can be configured for coupling non-hardened, single fiber optical connectors to hardened single-fiber optical connectors. Portions of the optical fibers 600a-I are routed and managed on the substrate 502.

[0062] In the break-out configuration of FIG. 27, fiber optic connector 68c is a multi-fiber optical connector and fiber optic connectors 68a-b, d-e are single-fiber optical connectors. The fiber optic adapter 44c can be configured for coupling a nonhardened multi-fiber connector to a hardened multi-fiber connector. The fiber optic adapters 44a-b, d-e can be configured for coupling non-hardened single-fiber connectors to hardened single-fiber connectors. The connectors 68a-e are adapted to respectively plug into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters 44a-e. Portions of the optical fibers 506a-b, d-e are routed and managed on the substrate 502.

[0063] In the tap configuration of FIG. 28, the fiber optic connectors 68a-e are all single-fiber optical connectors. The tap configuration includes an optical tap 530 and a passive optical power splitter 540. The optical tap 530 can include an input 531 and two outputs 532, 533. In certain examples, the optical tap 530 provides asymmetric passive power splitting such that a lower power signal is provided to the output 533 as compared to the output 532. Thus, output 532 provides a pass-through signal while output 533 provides a tap signal. Optical fiber 506c connects the fiber optic connector 68c to the tap input 531. Optical fiber 506f connects the tap output 533 to an input of the passive optical power splitter 540. Optical fibers 506a-b,d connect fiber optic connectors 68a-b, d to outputs of the passive optical power splitter 540. Optical fiber 506e connects the pass-through output 532 to the fiber optic connector 68e. Portions of optical fibers 506a-e are routed and managed on the substrate 502. The entire optical fiber 506f is routed and managed on the substrate 502. The optical tap 530 and the passive optical power splitter 540 are mounted on the substrate 502. The connectors 68a-e are adapted to respectively plug into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters 44a-e.

[0064] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for assembling an enclosure including a housing (e.g., housing 401). The enclosure including a plurality of fiber optic adapters (e.g., adapters 44a-e) each including inner ports (e.g., inner port 54) adapted to face toward the interior of the housing and outer ports (e.g., outer ports 26) adapted to be accessed from an exterior of the housing. The method includes selecting an optical module from a plurality of different types of optical modules (e.g., modules 500a-d). The different types of optical modules each including a substrate (e.g., substrate 502) on which a plurality of optical fibers are bonded along routing paths and fiber optic connectors (e.g., connectors 68a-e) installed at ends of the optical fibers. The different types of optical modules including at least two different module types selected from the following module types: a) a break-out module (e.g., module 500c of FIG. 27); b) a passive optical splitter module (e.g., module 500a of FIG. 25; c) an optical tap module (e.g., module 500d of FIG. 28); and d) an indexing module (e.g., module 500b of FIG. 26). The method also includes installing the selected optical module within the housing, wherein the fiber optic connectors are inserted into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters during installation of the selected optical module within the housing.

[0065] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0067] Aspect 1. An assembly comprising: a telecommunication housing; at least one hardened fiber optic adapter coupled to the telecommunication housing; and a blown fiber tube routed into the telecommunication housing and sealed and secured with respect to the telecommunication housing.

[0068] Aspect 2. The assembly of aspect 1, further comprising an optical fiber routed through the blown fiber tube and into the telecommunication housing, the optical fiber having a connectorized end that plugs into an inner port of the hardened fiber-optic adapter.

[0069] Aspect 3. The assembly of any of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the blown fiber tube is secured within a port of the telecommunication housing by a sealing gland.

[0070] Aspect 4. The assembly of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the hardened fiber-optic adapter is mounted within a port defined by the telecommunication housing. Aspect 5. The assembly of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the telecommunication housing includes a base and a cover secured together by zip ties.

[0071] Aspect 6. The assembly of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the blown fiber tube and the hardened fiber-optic adapter are mounted at one end of the telecommunication housing.

[0072] Aspect 7. The assembly of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the blown fiber tube and the hardened fiber-optic adapter are mounted at opposite ends of the telecommunication housing.

[0073] Aspect 8. An assembly comprising: a telecommunication housing including a base and a cover; at least one hardened fiber optic adapter coupled to the telecommunication housing or at least one blown-fiber sealing gland coupled to the telecommunication housing; a perimeter seal for providing perimeter sealing between the base and the cover when the base and the cover are in a closed configuration; and first and second zip ties that are cinched about an exterior of the housing to secure the base and the cover in the closed configuration.

[0074] Aspect 9. The assembly of aspect 8, wherein the zip ties are wrapped about a profile of the housing defined by the base and the cover and force the base and the cover together to compress the perimeter seal.

[0075] Aspect 10. A method for assembling an enclosure including a housing, the enclosure including a plurality of fiber optic adapters each including inner ports adapted to face toward the interior of the housing and outer ports adapted to be accessed from an exterior of the housing, the method comprising: selecting an optical module from a plurality of different types of optical modules, the different types of optical modules each including a substrate on which a plurality of optical fibers are bonded along routing paths and fiber optic connectors installed at ends of the optical fibers, the different types of optical modules including at least two different module types selected from the following module types: a) a break- out module; b) a symmetric passive optical splitter module having a first split ratio; c) a symmetric passive optical splitter module having a second split ratio; d) an optical tap module having a first tap percentage; e) an optical tap module including a second tap percentage; f) an indexing module; and g) a wavelength division multiplexer module; and installing the selected optical module within the housing, wherein the fiber optic connectors are inserted into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters during installation of the selected optical module within the housing. Aspect 11 . The method of aspect 10, wherein the substrates of the optical modules are flexible, sheet-like substrates.

[0076] Aspect 12. The method of aspect 10, wherein the substrates of the optical modules are films.

[0077] Aspect 13. The method of any of aspects 10-12, wherein the substrates have a perimeter, and wherein the optical fibers include pigtail portions that extend off the substrates past the perimeter, and wherein the pigtail portions are terminated by the fiber optic connectors.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An assembly comprising: a telecommunication housing; at least one hardened fiber optic adapter coupled to the telecommunication housing; and a blown fiber tube routed into the telecommunication housing and sealed and secured with respect to the telecommunication housing.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an optical fiber routed through the blown fiber tube and into the telecommunication housing, the optical fiber having a connectorized end that plugs into an inner port of the hardened fiber-optic adapter.

3. The assembly of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the blown fiber tube is secured within a port of the telecommunication housing by a sealing gland.

4. The assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the hardened fiber-optic adapter is mounted within a port defined by the telecommunication housing.

5. The assembly of any of claims 1 -4, wherein the telecommunication housing includes a base and a cover secured together by zip ties.

6. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein the blown fiber tube and the hardened fiber-optic adapter are mounted at one end of the telecommunication housing.

7. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein the blown fiber tube and the hardened fiber-optic adapter are mounted at opposite ends of the telecommunication housing.

8. An assembly comprising: a telecommunication housing including a base and a cover;at least one hardened fiber optic adapter coupled to the telecommunication housing or at least one blown-fiber sealing gland coupled to the telecommunication housing; a perimeter seal for providing perimeter sealing between the base and the cover when the base and the cover are in a closed configuration; and first and second zip ties that are cinched about an exterior of the telecommunication housing to secure the base and the cover in the closed configuration.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the zip ties are wrapped about a profile of the housing defined by the base and the cover and force the base and the cover together to compress the perimeter seal.

10. A method for assembling an enclosure including a housing, the enclosure including a plurality of fiber optic adapters each including inner ports adapted to face toward the interior of the housing and outer ports adapted to be accessed from an exterior of the housing, the method comprising: selecting an optical module from a plurality of different types of optical modules, the different types of optical modules each including a substrate on which a plurality of optical fibers are bonded along routing paths and fiber optic connectors installed at ends of the optical fibers, the different types of optical modules including at least two different module types selected from the following module types: a) a breakout module; b) a symmetric passive optical splitter module having a first split ratio; c) a symmetric passive optical splitter module having a second split ratio; d) an optical tap module having a first tap percentage; e) an optical tap module including a second tap percentage; f) an indexing module; and g) a wavelength division multiplexer module; and installing the selected optical module within the housing, wherein the fiber optic connectors are inserted into the inner ports of the fiber optic adapters during installation of the selected optical module within the housing.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the substrates of the optical modules are flexible, sheet-like substrates.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the substrates of the optical modules are films.

13. The method of any of claims 10-12, wherein the substrates have a perimeter, and wherein the optical fibers include pigtail portions that extend off the substrates past the perimeter, and wherein the pigtail portions are terminated by the fiber optic connectors.

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