Mechanical transfer ferrule retention system

Abstract

A mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly and a connector housing one or more such sub-assemblies are provided. The mechanical transfer termini sub-assembly has two guide pins captured by the pin keeper. Two springs around the guide pins provide mating force for physical contact between two termini. The spring push captured by the guide pins with interlocking features allows compression and decompression of the springs for physical contact between the ferrules during mating and unmating. The interlocking features retain the pins in the spring push holding all components together. The spring push is inserted into a plug or receptacle connector housing and clipped into place for retention. The retention clip component may be part of the plug and receptacle connector housings.

Description

MECHANICAL TRANSFER FERRULE RETENTION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 687,423 filed on August 27, 2024. The disclosures of the Provisional Application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Generally, ferrules are a type of ring used to either reinforce a shaft or bind together strands of a material. In the context of wiring, a ferrule is a small deformable metal tube. This short tube (or long ring) is placed over a section of stranded wire extending from stripped insulation, then compressed with a crimping tool to hold the strands together. Ferrules discussed here also feature a flared portion on one end, which saves to guide the strands into the main crimped section and provide strain relief. Once crimped, the bundle may be transformed into a structure that acts as an aid of a solid-core wire. The addition of the ferrule may present several advantages, including the aforementioned strain relief and the tea that every strand of a wire may be inserted into a connector, without some being displaced to the sides upon insertion. Ferrules greatly reduce the contact resistance between the wire and connector and may reduce the oxidation in the strands because Of the lack of air space between diem.

[0004] A typical mechanical transfer connector assembly has two or more outer housing portions that are held together by retention clips that snap together and the crimp process of the cable. Springs maybe used on two guide pins. Such connectors have a challenge with serviceability. The force of the springs may cause smaller components such as the retention clips to be launched into the environment when the connector is disassembled in the field. In environments such as military vehicles, airplanes, and similar ones, this may prevent at-location servicing.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure generally describes a mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly and a mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retortion system.

[0006] According to some examples, a mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly may include a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentrically positioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins; a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a crimp band to affix an optical cable to the spring push; and a shrink sleeve to fasten the optical cable and the crimp band.

[0007] According to other examples, a mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly may include a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly ; a pin keeper ; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a body to affix an optical cable to the spring push, where the body is attached to the spring push through a snap lock mechanism; and an oval spring positioned between the spring push and the body.

[0008] According to further examples, a mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retention system may include a single piece housing; a plurality of retention clips; a pair of capture plates; and if the connector is a receptacle connector, a plunger, else if the connector is a plug connector, a jack screw assembly and a pair of dowel pins. The connector is arranged to receive a plurality of mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assemblies, where each cable subassembly may include a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentrically positioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins; and a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position.

[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:FIG. 1 illustrates an example assembly drawing of a conventional mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a ferrule;FIG. 2 illustrates an example assembly drawing of a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a mechanical transfer ferrule;FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate mechanical transfer receptacle and plug connector housings and components;FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate external and cross-section views of plug and receptacle housings of a mechanical transfer connector in a mechanical transfer ferrule retention system in mated state;FIG. 5A through 5E illustrate various components of plug and receptacle housings of a mechanical transfer connector in a mechanical transfer ferrule retention system;FIG. 6 illustrates side views of a plug type mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with two guide pins;FIG. 7A through 7D illustrate various components of a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with two guide pins;FIG. 8A and 8B illustrate external and cross-section (internal) views of flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly in plug and receptacle type configurations;FIG. 9A through 9C illustrate external views of a round connector with multiple flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies;FIG. 9D illustrates cross-section view of a portion of the round connector in FIG. 9A through 9C showing details of retention clip locking onto the flat base of the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly;FIG. 9E illustrates cross-section view of the round connector in FIG. 9A through 9C showing details of two mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies in place;FIG. 9F illustrates mechanical drawings of an oval spring that may be used in a flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly, andFIG. 10A through 10C illustrate a flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a retention clip and progressive phases of retention clip disengagement through a removal tool for removal of the assembly from a connector, all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In die drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different tonfigurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0012] This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to a mechanical transfer cable subassembly and a mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retention system.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example assembly drawing of a conventional mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a ferrule.

[0014] Diagram 100 shows components of the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a mechanical transfer ferrule 116, pin 112 or socket 114 (male or female) clamp assemblies, springs 110, retention clips 108, body halves 106 to hold the springs, and a strain relief 102 for the cable and a shrink sleeve 104 to join the cable (strain relief) and the body. Such mechanical transfer sub-assemblies may be used in circular or rectangular connectors and achieve high density of contacts.

[0015] If the sub-assembly is serviced in the field, the body halves have to be separated. As the body is being disassembled, the force of the springs (up to 20 N) may cause smallercomponents such as the retention clips to be launched into the environment when the connector is serviced in the field. In environments such as military vehicles, airplanes, and similar ones, the risk of small, conductive components being launched into the sensitive environment may prevent at-location servicing.[0016| FIG. 2 illustrates an example assembly drawing of a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a mechanical transfer ferrule^ arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0017] Diagram 200 shows an assembled mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly 202 and its components: a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly 204, a pin keeper 206, two guide pins 208 (male or female), 2 springs 210, a spring push 212, a crimp band 214, and a heat shrink 216. The spring push 212 and the crimp band 214, which fits partially over tie spring push 212, have a substantially round shape and are referred to herein as a "round base ". Thus, this example mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly 202 is referred to as a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly.

[0018] Examples are directed to capturing a pre-terminated mechanical transfer optical cable sub-assembly inside a plug or receptacle connector housing. The sub-assembly configuration of pin keeper, guide pins, springs, and spring push, as well as, the operation of the sub-assembly during disassembling and assembling provide advantages over existing technologies. For example, an approximately 20 N spring load in conventional connector systems may cause parts to fly out during disassembly. In sensitive environments such as airplanes, this may create a significant risk. Furthermore, example configurations may allow size reduction through smaller connector shells. As mentioned herein, example mechanical transfer connectors may be implemented in any housing size and shape to accommodate any number of mechanical transfer termini positions based on application.

[0019] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate mechanical transfer receptacle and plug connector housings and components, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0020] Diagram 300A in FIG. 3A shows a receptacle connector with components such as mechanical transfer receptacle housing 308, 4 retention clips 310, two capture plates 312 (right and left side), captive screws 316 to hold the capture plates in place, and a phmger 314 formating the receptacle connector with a plug connector. Diagram 300A also shows perspective view 302, front view 304, and rear view 306 of the receptacle connector.

[0021] Diagram 300B in FIG.3B shows a plug connector with components such as mechanical transfer plug housing 330, 4 retention clips 332, two capture plates 334 (right and left side), captive screws 338 to hold the capture plates in place, a jack screw assembly 340, and two dowel pins 328 for securely mating the plug connector with a receptacle connector. Diagram 300A also shows perspective view 322, front view 324, and rear view 326 of the plug connector.

[0022] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate external and cross-section views of plug and receptacle housings of a mechanical transfer connector in a mechanical transfer ferrule retention system in mated state, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0023] Diagram 400A shows housings of a pair of plug and receptacle mechanical transfer connectors 402, 406 in mated state and mechanical transfer ferrule retention cable subassemblies 404, 408 feeding into each connector.

[0024] Diagram 400B shows inside view of two mated plug and receptacle mechanical transfer connectors 422, 424 and two mechanical transfer ferrule retention cable sub-assemblies with bodies 410, 418, guide pins 414 (pin and socket), springs 412. 416, retention clips 426, and crimp bands.

[0025] An example connector system may include unique components that make up two distinct aspects, the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly and the plug or receptacle housing. The mechanical transfer termini sub-assembly may have two guide pins that are captured by the pin keeper. Two springs may be positioned around the guide pins. These springs may provide the mating force necessary for physical contact between two mechanical transfer termini The spring push may be captured by the guide pins wife interlocking features feat allow compression and decompression of the springs so physical contact between the mechanical transfer ferrules can be achieved during mating and unmating conditions. Although the guide pins are free to move back and forth, the interlocking features may retain the pins into the spring push therefore holding all the components together as a complete assembly. The spring push may have four facets that allow the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly, after it has been terminated onto a fiber optic cable, to be inserted into a plug or receptacle connector housing and clipped into place for retention. The retention clip component may be part of the plug and receptacle connector housings. With the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly retainedinto a plug and receptacle housing, the two connectors may be mated together to create an optical pass-through.

[0026] FIG. 5A through 5E illustrate various components of plug and receptacle housings of a mechanical transfer connector in a mechanical transfer ferrule retention system, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0027] Diagrams 500A through 500E in FIG. 5A through 5E show the main components of plug and receptacle mechanical transfer connectors with example implementation dimensions. The example dimensions are for illustration purposes and do not impose a limit on embodiments. A mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly and a mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retention system may be implemented in any practical shape connector with any practical number of mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies using the principles described herein. Thus, actual dimensions of the connectors and components may depend on a configuration of a specific connector and number of mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies it includes.

[0028] Diagram 500A in FIG. 5A shows example plug mechanical transfer connector housing dimensions. Diagram 500B in FIG. 5B shows example receptacle mechanical transfer connector housing dimensions. Diagrams 500C and 500D in FIG. 50 and FIG. 5D show example left and right retention plate dimensions, respectively. Diagram 500E in FIG. 5E shows example retention clip dimensions.

[0029] While the example mechanical transfer ferrule retention systems are shown and described in a rectangular housing with four mating mechanical transfer termini positions, the application may be utilized in various shapes, sizes, and mechanical transfer termini positions.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates side views of a plug type mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly wife two contacts, arranged in accordance wife at least some embodiments described herein.

[0031] Diagram 600 shows a plug type mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly includes two guide pins 601, a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly 602, a pin keeper 604, two springs 606 concentrically positioned over the guide pins, a spring push 608, a crimp band 610, and a heat shrink wrapped over the cable containing optical fibers. As mentioned above, the spring push 608 and the crimp band 610, which fits partially over the spring push, have a substantially round shape and are referred to herein as a “round base”. Thus, this example mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is referred to as a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly .

[0032] In some examples, component materials may be varied like composite and metal to achieve cost targets or meet qualifications standards fora particular application. Hie spring push of the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly may vary in size and shape to allow for different fiber optic cables in size or construction to be attached for increased retention strength of the fiber and cable. In other examples, the outer profile of the spring push or the inner profile of the plug or receptacle connector housing opening where the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly is inserted, may be varied for environmental sealing purposes. The size and shape of these components may be optimized if needed to create an environmental seal between the plug or receptacle housing and the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly.

[0033] FIG. 7 A through 7D illustrate various components of a round base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with two contacts, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0034] Diagrams 700A through 700D in FIG. 7A through 7D show the main components of a mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with example implementation dimensions. The example dimensions are for illustration purposes and do not impose a limit on embodiments. A mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a mechanical transfer ferrule retention system may be implemented in any practical shape connector with any practical number of mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies using the principles described herein.

[0035] Diagram 700A in FIG. 7A shows example mechanical transfer pin keeper dimensions. Diagram 700B in FIG. 7B shows example spring push dimensions. Diagrams 700C and 700D in FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D show example male and female guide pin dimensions, respectively,

[0036] The mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly does not use an external housing to capture the mechanical transfer ferrule, pm keeper, spring, and spring push like traditional designs in the industry. By not having an external housing, example implementations may minimize the size of the overall package. With the reduced size of the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly, the density may be increased while reducing the overall size of any plug or receptacle housing.

[0037] Some mechanical transfer termini cable assemblies may forgo the use of an external housing. However, those designs may rely on assembling multiple components on the plug or receptacle housing to capture and retain the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly. Insuch designs, the plug or receptacle have to be screwed together to capture the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly making it more time consuming and difficult. In example configurations, the components are held together with features on the guide pins and spring push. These features keep the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly together during termination, shipping, and installation. This aspect along with the retention clip component internal to the plug and receptacle housings allow an end user (or installer) to simply insert the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly until it snaps together. No assembly of the housings may be required.

[0038] FIG. 8A and 8B illustrate external and cross-section (internal) views of flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly in plug and receptacle type configurations, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein,

[0039] Diagram 800A shows a mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with or without guide pins 822 (depending on plug or receptacle configuration) protruding from a front end of a ferrule 804, which also includes the optical fiber termini 802. A pin keeper 806 is attached to the ferrule 804 and partially contains the guide pins and an oval spring 812, which provides a push force between the pin keeper and the body (spring push), where the two parts are locked together through a snap lock mechanism 808 on two opposite sides. The spring push 810 and the extension of the body, Which fits partially over the optical fibers, have a substantially flat shape and are referred to herein as a “flat base". Thus, this example mechanical transfer cable subassembly is referred to as a flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly.

[0040] As shown in diagram 800B, the flat base configuration may accommodate a larger number of optical fibers compared to the round base configuration. Therefore, the guide pins 822 are separated further apart. Another difference is the lack of crimp band. In the flat base configuration, the body includes the spring push 810 and extends beyond the spring push to hold the optical fibers with the optical fiber cable terminating inside the body.

[0041] FIG. 9A through 9C illustrate external views of a round connector wife multiple flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies, arranged in accordance wife at least some embodiments described herein.

[0042] Diagram 900A shows a round connector with its shell 902, body 904, and cavities 908 to receive flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies. A backplate wife two retention screws 906 includes retention clips 910 inside each cavity. Diagram 900B shows a front view ofthe same connector with flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies inserted. Thus, the front ends of the ferrules 912 with optical fiber termini are shown. The flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies are in receptacle configuration, that is, instead of guide pins, they have cavities to receive the guide pins. Diagram 900C shows a rear view of the same connector with flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies 914 inserted. Thus, the bodies of the flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies 914 are shown protruding from the backplate.

[0043] FIG.9D illustrates cross-section view of a portion of the round connector in FIG. 9A through 9C showing details of retention clip locking onto the flat base of the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described hereto.

[0044] Diagram 900D shows cross-section view of a flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly inside a cavity within the connector. The cavity extends between the connector body 904 and the backplate 928 with a retention clip 924 between the body 904 and the backplate 928. Each retention clip may include four locking features (latches 926). The latches 926 extend from the retention clip 924 and lock an external step structure of the cable subassembly body holding the sub-assembly in place.

[0045] In some examples, the connector maybe pre-assembled with the retention clips captured inside. End users may then insert the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly through the rear until the retention clips snap and capture the cable sub-assembly. Thus, mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies may be inserted into a connector without disassembly of the connectors. Furthermore, the cable sub-assembly may be removed with a removal tool by deflecting the four latches of the retention clip and having the cable sub-assembly slide back out of the connector for service. Thus, a single (or more) mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly may be removed from a multi-sub-assembly connector without disassembling the connector, services, and inserted back in.

[0046] FIG. 9E illustrates cross-section view of the round connector in FIG. 9A through 9C showing details of two mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies in place, arranged in accordance with to least some embodiments described herein.

[0047] Diagram 900E shows two mechanical transfer cable sub-assemblies inside a connector that can accommodate four such cable sub-assemblies. A mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly according to examples may be used in any number and placement configurationinside a connector. The connectors may have any shape such as rectangular, square, round, triangular, elliptical, etc.

[0048] FIG. 9F illustrates mechanical drawings of an oval spring that may be used in a flat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0049] The oval spring, shown in diagram 900F, in each cable-assembly provides push force when those sub-assemblies are disassembled individually by unhooking the snap lock feature. Dimensions of the oval spring shown in diagram 900F are example dimensions for illustration purposes. Other sizes and dimensions may also be implemented using the principles described herein.

[0050] FIG. 10A through 10C illustrate a fiat base mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a retention clip and progressive phases of retention clip disengagement through a removal tool for removal of the assembly from a connector, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0051] Diagram 1000 A shows a mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly with a ferrule 1002, pin keeper 1004, oval spring 1008, snap lock 1006 to secure the pin keeper 1004 and body 1004 of the assembly. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly further includes a retention clip 1010 around it. The retention clip 1010 may include two locking features (latches 1012) on opposite sides (broader sides of the cable sub-assembly body), which may latch on to a step structure on the exterior surface of the sub-assembly body and hold is in place.

[0052] Diagram 1000B shows a removal tool 1020 with four flat protrusions 1022 on its front end approaching and engaging the retention clip 1010. Upon engaging 1025 the retention clip, the flat protrusions 1022 of the removal tool 1020 may deflect each latch releasing the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly may then be simply slid out of the rear of the connector for service or replacement.

[0053] Diagram 1000C shows the latches in engaged state 1032. The flat protrusions of the removal tool are moving forward 1034 to engage the latches of the retention clip inside the connector. Once the latches are engaged, they are deflected from the step-like structure allowing the sub-assembly to be removed from the cavity inside the connector.

[0054] bi an example mechanical transfer ferrule retention system, the mechanical transfer tarmini cable sub-assembly may be removed in a simple manner. A removal tool that can releasethe retention clips internal to the plug or receptacle housing may be used to allow the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly to be simply removed in the opposite manner as it was installed. This feature may allow cleaning or rep lacement of the mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly, if needed. without disconnecting the plug and receptacle housings, beneficial in high density connector housing where there are multiple mechanical transfer termini cable assemblies captured by the same mated housings.

[0055] Example mechanical transfer connector pairs with mechanical transfer cable subassemblies may be coupled through bayonet, latch, lever, push-pull, screw, snap-in, or similar mechanisms. In some examples, the shells (housings) of the connector pair may be made from conductive material and act as shield (and ground) electrically coupling to the shields of the cables on both sides. In other examples, inside surfaces of the shells may be covered with conductive materials (e.g., plating, spraying, or similar methods) and act as the shield and ground. In some examples, crimpable brass, a light weight aluminum alloy, electroless or sulfamate nickel, black or zinc nickel, and similar non-reflective coatings / platings may be employed. While the male (plug) and female (receptacle) mechanical transfer connectors are shown having rectangular form in the diagrams, embodiments may be implemented using any connector form such as circular, trapezoid, triangular, etc.

[0056] According io some examples, a mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly may include a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentrically positioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins: a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a crimp band to affix an optical cable to the spring push; and a shrink sleeve to fasten the optical cable and the crimp band.

[0057] According to other examples, the pair of guide pins may have at least one interlocking feature. The spring push may be captured by the pair of guide pins through the al least one interlocking feature and allows compression and decompression of the pair of springs such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair of mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states. Ihe spring push may have four facets that allow lhe mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into a plug err receptacle connector housing and clipped into place for retention following termination onto the optical cable. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly may be held in place in a plug or receptacleconnector housing through a retention dip. A shape and a size of one or more of the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly, the pin keeper, and the spring push may be selected based on a type, configuration, and size of a mechanical transfer connector to contain the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly.

[0058] According to further examples, a mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly may include a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a body to affix an optical cable to the spring push, where the body is attached to the spring push through a snap lock mechanism; and an oval spring positioned between the spring push and the body.

[0059] According to yet other examples, the spring push may be captured by the pair of guide pins through at least one interlocking feature and allows compression and decompression of the oval spring such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair of mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states, The body may have a step structure on at least two opposing external facets that allow the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into a plug or receptacle connector housing and clipped into place for retention following termination onto the optical cable. The mechanical transfer cable subassembly may be held in place in a plug or receptacle connector housing through a retention clip. Hie pair of guide pins may have at least one interlocking feature to be secured inside the pin keeper. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly may be inserted into a pre-assembled connector without disassembling the connector. The mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly may be removed from a connector through release of latches on the retention dip without disassembling the connector. The latches on the retention clip may be released by insertion of a removal tool through a rear of a cavity holding the cable sub-assembly.

[0060] According to yet further examples, a mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retention system may include a single piece housing; a plurality of retention clips: a pair of capture plates; and if the connector is a receptacle connector, a plunger, else if the connector is a plug connector, a jack screw assembly and a pair of dowel pins. lltc connector is arranged to receive a plurality of mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assemblies, where each cable subassembly may include a pin keeper, a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentricallypositioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins; and a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position.

[0061] According to some examples, each cable sub-assembly may further include a crimp band to affix an optical cable to the spring push; and a shrink sleeve to fasten the optical cable and the crimp band. Alternatively, each cable sub-assembly may further include a body to affix an optical cable to the spring push, where the body is attached to the spring push through a snap lock mechanism; and an oval spring positioned between the spring push and the body. The spring push may be captured by the pair of guide pins through the at least one interlocking feature and may allow compression and decompression of the pair of springs such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair of mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states.

[0062] According to other examples, the spring push may have four facets that allow each mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into the housing and clipped into place for retention following termination onto the optical cable. A shape, a configuration, or a size of the housing may be selected based on a number of mechanical transfer ferrule assemblies to be contained. An inner profile of the housing opening to receive the mechanical transfer cable subassembly may be adjusted to match an outer profile of a spring push of the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to provide environmental sealing.

[0063] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0064] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely examples, and in fact, many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the samefunctionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically connectable and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0065] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity,

[0066] In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to ” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in tiie absence of such recitation^ no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., thebare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0067] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A. B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (c.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A dr B” Will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0068] For any and al) purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups baying 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0069] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI / WE Claim:I. A mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly, the cable siib-assembly comprising: a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly, a pin keeper, a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentrically positioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins; a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a crimp band to affix an optical cable to the spring push; and a shrink sleeve to fasten the optical cable and the crimp band.

2. The cable sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of guide pins comprises at least one interlocking feature.

3. The cable sub-assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring push is captured by the pair of guide pins through the at least one interlocking feature and allows compression and decompression of the pair of springs such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair of mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states.

4. The cable sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring push has four facets that allow the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into a plug or receptacle connector housing and clipped into place forretention following termination onto the optical cable.

5. The cable sub-assembly of claim 4, wherein the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is held in place in a plug or receptacle connector housing through a retention clip.

6. Hie cable sub-assembly of claim 1 , wherein a shape and a size of one or more of the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly, the pin keeper, and the spring push are selected based on atype, configuration, and size of a mechanical transfer connector to contain the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly.

7. A mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assembly, the cable sub-assembly comprising: a mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective boles within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position; a body to affix an optical cable to the spring push, wherein the body is attached to the spring push through a snap lock mechanism; and an oval spring positioned between the spring push and the body.

8. The cable sub-assembly of claim 7, wherein the spring push is captured by the pair of guide pins through at least one interlocking feature and allows compression and decompression of tiie oval spring such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair of mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states.

9. The cable sub-assembly of claim 7, wherein the body has a step structure on at least two opposing external facets that allow the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into a plug or receptacle connector housing and clipped into place for retention following termination onto the optical cable.

10. The cable sub-assembly of claim 9, wherein the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is held in place in a plug or receptacle connector housing through a retention clip.

11. The cable sub-assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of guide pins comprises at least one interlocking feature to be secured inside the pin keeper.

12. The cable sub-assembly of claim 7, wherein the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is inserted into a pre-assembled connector without disassembling the connector.

13. The cable sub-assembly of claim 7, wherein the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is removed from a connector through release of latches on the retention clip without disassembling the connector.

14. The cable sub-assembly of claim 13, wherein the latches on the retention clip are released by insertion of a removal tool through a rear of a cavity holding the cable sub-assembly.

15. A mechanical transfer connector with a ferrule retention system, comprising: a single piece housing: a plurality of retention clips; a pair of capture plates; and if the connector is a receptacle connector, a plunger, else if the connector is a plug connector, a jack screw assembly and a pair of dowel pins, wherein the connector is arranged to receive a plurality of mechanical transfer termini cable sub-assemblies, each cable sub-assembly comprising: a pin keeper; a pair of guide pins positioned inside respective holes within the pin keeper and the mechanical transfer ferrule assembly; a pair of springs concentrically positioned over bottom portions of the pair of guide pins; and a spring push to hold the pair of guide pins in position.

16. The connector of claim 15, wherein each cable sub-assembly further comprises: a crimp band to affix an optical cable to the spring push; and a shrink sleeve to fasten the optical cable and the crimp band17. The connector of claim 15, wherein each cable sub-assembly further comprises: a body to affix an optical cable to the spring push, wherein the body is attached to the spring push through a snap lock mechanism; and an oval spring positioned between the spring push and the body.

18. The connector of claim 15, wherein the spring push is captured by the pair of guide pins through the at least one interlocking feature and allows compression and decompression of the pair of springs such that physical contact between mechanical transfer ferrules of a pair erf mechanical transfer connectors is achieved during mated and unmated states.

19. The connector of claim 15, wherein the spring push has four facets that allow each mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to be inserted into the housing and clipped into place for retention following termination onto the optical cable.

20. The connector of claim 15, wherein a shape, a configuration, or a size of the housing is selected based on a number of mechanical transfer ferrule assemblies to be contained.

21. The connector of claim 15, wherein an inner profile of the housing opening to receive the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly is adjusted to match an outer profile of a spring push of the mechanical transfer cable sub-assembly to provide environmental sealing.

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