Device for providing enhanced optical fiber breakout protection

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced protection of optical fibers in a molded or overmolded optical fiber breakout assembly. The device may include an optical fiber protection mechanism, assembly, portion, and / or other structure that may be configured to provide a protected fiber routing path. The device may be configured to prevent optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from a base portion in the first direction beyond the optical fiber protection portion during molding or overmolding of the optical fiber protection portion to form an optical fiber breakout assembly, and / or other breakout structure.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED OPTICAL FIBER BREAKOUT PROTECTION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 740,396, which was filed on December 31 , 2024, and is currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a device for providing enhanced optical fiber breakout protection, and more particularly, to optical fiber breakout protecting mechanism, assembly, and / or other structure, such as a fiber optic cable routing component that is configured to provide an enhanced optical fiber protection path during assembly, manufacture, or other operations, such as over-molding, of the device.BACKGROUND

[0003] As demand for high bandwidth and reliable data speed has increased, fiber optic cables have become more prolific. Individual fiber optic cables may utilize a single fiber optic cable to provide reliable communications. However, such individual fiber optic cables may be relatively large and cumbersome in some distributed network environments. For instance, server environments where large volumes of cables, channels, and connections are concurrently utilized may place a premium on the physical size of fiber optic cables and connectors. Hence, fiber optic cables may be physically packaged together to reduce bulk and increase density of fiber optic cables. With multiple fiber optic cables positioned in a common cable, e.g., a multi-fiber cable, routing the respective cables during breakout becomes more precise to ensure minimal signal loss over the length of the cable. However, conventional multi-fiber cables incur unwanted fiber optic cable positioning during manufacture, or subsequent use, that degrades the performance and / or capabilities of the cable. As an example,the process of injecting a resin over a fiber cable arrangement may cause fibers in the fiber cable arrangement to kink. For these reasons, it is a continued goal for multifiber cables to have more precise, and consistent, fiber optic cable placement during manufacturing and use.

[0004] Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a fiber optic cable routing component that is structurally configured to mitigate risk of kinked fibers in a fiber cable arrangement. For example, it may be desirable to provide a fiber optic cable routing component that prevent upward movement of fibers of the fiber cable arrangement during an injection molding process, for example, an overmolding process.SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection with an optical fiber protection mechanism. A first end portion of the optical fiber protection mechanism may receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable. A second end portion may receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion. A base portion may extend from the first end portion to the second end portion. A fiber routing portion may extend from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and may route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion. An optical fiber protection portion may extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction so as to provide a fiber routing path in the optical fiber protection mechanism. The optical fiber protection mechanism may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by prevent optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from the base portion in the first direction beyond the optical fiber protection portion during over-molding of the optical fiber protection mechanism to form an optical fiber breakout assembly.

[0006] Embodiments of the device may have an over-molded casing portion surrounding the device with a plurality of optical fibers extending into the first end portion through the fiber routing path and extending out of the second end portion. In some embodiments, the over-molded casing portion may be constructed of a polymer material. The optical fiber protection portion may maintain the optical fibers in the fiber routing path after over-molding of the optical fiber protection mechanism, in other embodiments.

[0007] A device, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection with an optical fiber protector that may have an optical fiber protection portion. The optical fiber protection portion may extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction so as to provide a fiber routing path in the optical fiber protector. The optical fiber protection portion may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by preventing optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from a base portion in the first direction beyond the optical fiber protection portion during over-molding of the optical fiber protector to form an optical fiber breakout assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optical fiber protector may have a first end portion that may receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable. The optical fiber protector, in other embodiments, may have a second end portion that may receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion. Embodiments of the base portion may extend from the first end portion to the second end portion. The optical fiber protector, in some embodiments, may have a fiber routing portion extending from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and may route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion.

[0009] Aspects of a device, in accordance with the disclosure, may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection with an optical fiber breakout protection structure that may provide a mold protected optical fiber routing portion that may protect a first optical fiber breakout portion and a second optical fiber breakout portion of a molded optical fiber breakout structure during molding of the molded optical fiber mold breakout structure. The optical fiber breakout protection structure may provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by protecting the first optical fiber breakout portion and the second optical fiber breakout portion of the molded optical fiber breakout structure in the mold protected optical fiber routing path during the molding of the molded optical fiber mold breakout structure.

[0010] Embodiments of the optical fiber breakout protection structure may have an optical fiber protection mechanism with the molded optical fiber breakout structure having an over-molded optical fiber breakout structure that may be formed by overmolding. The optical fiber breakout protection structure, in some embodiments, mayhave a first end portion that may receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable, may have a second end portion that may receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion, and may have a base portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mold protected optical fiber routing portion may extend from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and may protectively route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion. The optical fiber breakout protection structure, in other embodiments, may extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction to provide the fiber routing path. Each of the plurality of optic fibers may terminate with a connector portion, in some embodiments.

[0012] Embodiments of the optical fiber breakout protection structure may have a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion to define the fiber routing path. The mold protected optical fiber routing portion, in some embodiments, may have a plurality of fiber retaining portions that may prevent optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from the base portion. Each of the plurality of fiber retaining portions, in other embodiments, may extend from the base portion to at least partially cover the mold protected optical fiber routing portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a line representation of portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a line representation of portions of a multi-fiber cable that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a line representation of aspects of a multi-fiber device structurally configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of portions of a multi-fiber cable system that may produce a multi-fiber cable in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of aspects of a multi-fiber cable system that may produce a multi-fiber cable in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of portions of a multi-fiber cable system that may produce a multi-fiber cable in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of aspects of a multi-fiber cable system that may produce a multi-fiber cable in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of portions of a multi-fiber cable system operated in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of aspects of a multi-fiber cable system operated in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a line representation of portions of a multi-fiber cable constructed in accordance with various embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-9.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a line representation of aspects of a multi-fiber device arranged in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a line representation of aspects of a multi-fiber device structurally configured in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the disclosure employ a cable system to create a multifiber cable with accurate fiber optic cable placement. The cable system allows for the use of low pressure and multiple different injection vectors to produce rigid routing portions of a multi-fiber cable.

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0028] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0029] Use of a cable that houses multiple separate fiber optic cables may provide enhanced structural density and increased network efficiency compared to using individual fiber optic cables. However, the incorporation of multiple fiber optic cables into a single cable may be wrought with challenges during manufacture and subsequent operation that jeopardizes the signal speed and / or quality. For instance, unwanted movement of a fiber optic cable may induce signal losses and / or signal disruptions that degrade aspects of a data network.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a line representation of a distributed network 100 in which various embodiments of a multi-fiber system may be practiced. A network 100 may connect any number of sources 110 with any number of destinations 120 to allow oneway, or two-way, signal communications. While a single signal pathway 130 may connect an individual source 110 and destination 120 as a wired connection or a wireless connection, as shown by segmented line 140, some embodiments employ one or more interconnects 150, such as an adapter, cassette, splitter, server, or other device, to provide stable signal pathways 130 connecting selected sources 110 and destinations 120.

[0031] In an effort to provide greater signal speed, optical signal transmission may be provided by one or more fiber optic cables. Increased density of cable terminating ports in sources 110, destinations 120, and / or interconnects 150 has emphasized greater fiber optic cable density in cables. Accordingly, various embodiments of the distributed network 100 utilize cables that package multiple fiber optic cables to provide increased density.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates portions of a fiber optic cable 200 that may be employed in the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to provide greater fiber optic cable 210 density. The cable 200 has a multi-fiber portion 220 and a separated portion 230 that respectively correspond with different pitch distances (P1 / P2) between fiber optic cables 210. The packaging of multiple separate fiber optic cables 210 in a single cable 200 may be characterized as a multi-fiber cable that allows for efficient engagement of the respective cables 210 collectively, via a termination of the multi-fiber portion 220, or individually, via terminals of the separated portion 230.

[0033] It is noted that a multi-fiber cable 200 may be structurally configured to present the constituent fiber optic cables 210 with a consistent pitch distance (P1) throughout its length, which would provide multi-fiber portions 220 on opposite sides of the cable 200. Yet, the separation of the constituent fiber optic cables 210 in the cable 200 may provide operational efficiencies with the greater pitch distance (P2) along with operational challenges associated with expanding the pitch distance between cables 210. As such, a multi-fiber cable 200 may allow for greater operational density, but may not be optimal for all distributed network applications.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates portions of a fiber optic device 300 that may be utilized in a distributed network in some embodiments. The fiber optic device 300 is structurally configured with a breakout portion 310 and a multi-fiber portion 320 that are each comprised of multiple fiber optic cables 330, as shown as segmented lines. The breakout portion 310 terminates the respective fiber optic cables 330 with connectors 312 that are physically separated while the multi-fiber portion 320 collectively terminates the fiber optic cables 330 within a single connector 322.

[0035] With the physical contraction, or expansion, of fiber optic cables 330, the fiber optic device 300 may provide practical connectivity solutions, particularly in datacenters and distributed network environments with high port density. However, the routing of the respective fiber optic cables 330 between the respective connectors 312 / 322 may be delicate and prone to damage and / or altered performance in response to movement over time. For instance, the optical properties and / or performance of the respective fiber optic cables 330 may degrade in response to impact, movement, or applications of force on any aspect of the fiber optic device 300.

[0036] Accordingly, various embodiments of the fiber optic device 300 secure portions of the fiber optic cables 330 between the respective connectors 312 / 322. It is contemplated that the device cables 330 may be secured within one or more rigid, or semi-rigid, components that preserve the optical capabilities and performance of the fiber optic cables 330 by preventing movement or damage in response to applied force. The use of at least one component to protect and preserve the fiber optic cables 330 may be straightforward, but may be difficult to manufacture, assemble, or otherwise construct.

[0037] The non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 3 conveys how a tray 340 may be employed to physically position the respective fiber optic cables to allow one or more components to be constructed. Such construction may involve the assembly or application of parts that physically secure the fiber optic cables 330 in place once the tray 340 is removed. Hence, the tray 340 is not an element of the device 300 in use, but is utilized during the construction, or assembly, of the fiber optic device 300 to provide a protected region 350 for each fiber optic cable 330.

[0038] Various embodiments of the tray 340 allow for a rigid component to be constructed around the respective fiber optic cables 330 via pouring, injection, dipping, or other method of depositing liquid that subsequently hardens into a protective component. Through the deposition of liquid around the fiber optic cables 330 to create one or more protective components, once allowed to harden, the physical position and optical quality of the cables 330 may be preserved while adding a capability to maintain optical performance despite the application of force.

[0039] Yet, constructing a protective component via liquid deposition around the fiber optic cables 330 may present challenges in at least manufacturing time and preserving optical quality through the length of the respective cables 330. For instance,injection of liquid from some angles, such as substantially orthogonal to one or more fiber optic cable 330, may induce unwanted cable 330 movement or degrade the optical performance of one or more cables 330. As a result of such unwanted cable 330 activity, the construction of a protective component with the tray 340 may induce signal losses and / or reduced signal bandwidth compared to the fiber optic cables 330 prior to component construction.

[0040] With these issues in mind, various embodiments construct a rigid fiber optic cable routing component with a tool that allows for accurate and non-invasive fiber optic cable 330 positioning throughout construction and subsequent use. FIG. 4 illustrates aspects of a fabrication environment 400 in which a cable fabrication tool 410 may be utilized to construct a cable that may be employed in a distributed network in various embodiments. The front view of FIG. 4 conveys how the cable fabrication tool 410 has a bottom portion 412 and a top portion 414 that fit together during injection of material that forms aspects of a cable.

[0041] The respective top and bottom portions 412 / 414 physically position and support a core region 420 that has a bottom core portion 422 and a top core portion 424. With the respective core portions 422 / 424 providing even distribution of force, a bottom plate 440 and top plate 450 respectively mate to physically define cavities and regions that are accessible while the bottom portion 412 is mated to the top portion 414, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 respectively display perspective view line representations of aspects of the top portion 412 (FIG. 5) and the bottom portion 414 (FIG. 6). The view of FIG. 5 conveys how the top plate 450 is structurally configured with a breakout cavity 442 disposed between breakout cavities 444 and a multi-fiber cavity 446. The respective cavities 442 / 444 / 446 have sizes and shapes that allow for the formation of a breakout cable with a rigid fiber optic cable protector. It is noted that the top plate 450 additionally has a connection portion 448 that physically connects the multi-fiber cavity 446 to the breakout cavity 442.

[0043] In FIG. 6, the bottom plate 440 is shown with injection portions 452 that direct liquid to a breakout cavity 454, breakout cavities 456, and a multi-fiber cavity 458. The respective cavities 454 / 456 / 458 may physically match, or be dissimilar to,the cavities 442 / 444 / 446 of the top plate 450 to define a shape and size of the assorted aspects of a breakout cable where fiber optic cables of a multi-fiber cable are separated into individual cables.

[0044] The breakout cavity 454 is partially filled with a retention member 460 that is structurally configured to efficiently separate and maintain fiber optic cables during deposition of liquid via the injection portions 452. That is, the retention member 460 may house fiber optic cables that are respectively terminated in the various cavities 444 / 456 during formation of a unified cable that extends from a multi-fiber connector 322 to separated individual connectors 312, as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0045] The alternate perspective view of the fabrication tool 410 in FIG. 7 conveys how the breakout cavity 454 is arranged without the presence of the retention member 460. Although not required or limiting, the breakout cavity 454 has a pair of retention protrusions 930 that continuously extend through the retention member 460, as shown in FIG. 6. Through the physical engagement of the retention member 460 with the assorted aspects of the breakout cavity 454, the retention member 460 may have increased accuracy and security for the constituent fiber optic cables during deposition of liquid, such as silicone, elastomer, or other polymer, and formation of a rigid protective portion of a breakout cable.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates aspects of the fabrication tool 410 in exploded form. As shown, the retention member 460 has a continuous base that extends to an exposed top, which allows liquid to flow into and retain the constituent fiber optic cables that pass through the retention member 460. The retention member 460 has a plurality of retention portions 462 that are respectively cantilevered to physically contain fiber optic cables without inducing installation inefficiencies. For instance, the retention portions 462 may be arranged as fingers that collectively contain fiber optic cables without extending to close, and restrict access to, the interior cavity defined by the continuous base.

[0047] FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively illustrate perspective views of a fabrication environment 900 in which a bottom portion 412 of a fabrication tool 410 is utilized in accordance with various embodiments to produce a breakout cable. FIG. 9 conveys how the bottom core portion 422 and bottom plate 440 are loaded with cablecomponents prior to injection of material to create a unitary breakout cable. FIG. 10 displays a post-injection situation prior to the unitary breakout cable being removed from the bottom portion 412 of the fabrication tool 410.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the retention member 460 is structurally configured with a plurality of separated retention portions 462 that are each positioned along a single, top plane of the base of the retention member. That is, each retention portion 462 continuously extends along a single plane that is elevated above fiber optic cables 330 to allow efficient loading and routing of the respective cables 330 along with secure retention of the cables 330 during injection of material to create a unitary breakout member 910.

[0049] In contrast to loops, tabs, and other structures that extend to enclose portions of the retention member 460, the cantilevered retention portions 462 define an interior cavity with the retention member base without restricting fiber optic cable installation to feeding cables 330 through each enclosing portion. In other words, the cantilevered arrangement of the respective retention portions 462, along with the varying sizes of the respective retention portions 462, provide efficient and accurate positioning of fiber optic cables 330 and subsequent secure retention of the cables 330 during injection molding.

[0050] As a result of the efficient positioning and routing of the assorted fiber optic cables 330 allowed by the structural configuration of the retention portions 462 relative to the base of the retention member 460, the operation of the respective fiber optic cables 330 may be optimized after formation of the breakout member 910. Hence, the structural configuration of the retention member 460 increases the quality of fabrication of a breakout cable by maintaining the signal carrying capabilities and performance of the fiber optic cables 330 despite being encased via injection molding. It is noted that other retention member 460 configurations that do not utilize the retention portions 462 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may experience degraded capabilities and / or performance as a result of injection molding.

[0051] In the post-injection situation shown in FIG. 10, the portion portions 452 are filled with injection molding material, such as silicone, elastomer, or other injectable liquid. The bottom core portion 422 provides an overflow reservoir 920 that maycontributed to accurate fabrication of the breakout member 910 and surrounding of the individual cables entering the single connectors 312 with a lower injection pressure. That is, the size, shape, and position of the port portions 452 and any reservoirs 920 may allow a reduced injection pressure to fully, and accurately, fill the mold defined by the bottom plate 440 and top plate 450 without jeopardizing the capabilities or performance of the fiber optic cables 330.

[0052] While not required, the bottom plate 440 may have one or more components to retain and block injection material from a multi-fiber connector 322. Thus, the breakout member 910 may be physically separated from the single connectors 312 as well as from the multi-fiber connector 322 except for the tethered fiber optic cables 330 that are jacketed by the injection molded material. Once the molded material solidifies, the excess material may be trimmed and, potentially, reused.

[0053] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 440 may have one or more removal portions that aid in the separation of the breakout cable, including connectors 312 / 322 and breakout member 910, from the fabrication tool 410. For instance, the bottom plate 440 may include an articulable feature, such as the protrusions 930 of the breakout receiving portion or cavity 454, that move to loosen and / or separate aspects of the breakout cable from the bottom plate 440 and / or top plate 450 of the fabrication tool 410.

[0054] Through the assorted embodiments of the fabrication tool 410 and breakout member 910, the fiber optic cables 330 may be efficiently separated into individual connectors. The accurate and efficient routing of fiber optic cables via the retention portions of the base of the breakout member allows for relatively low pressure injection molding for a variety of different directions without jeopardizing the capabilities and performance of the respective fiber optic cables 330. As such, the breakout member may be created with relatively simple injection molding equipment without concern for direction of injection. Accordingly, the fabrication tool 410 may deliver low pressure molding material in a direction orthogonal to the breakout member and a vector extending parallel the longitudinal axis of the breakout cable from the multi-fiber connector to the respective individual connectors.

[0055] In accordance with various embodiments, a routing component may protect the fiber and store it. The design of a routing component, in some embodiments, may contain external elements (or can be integrated within the routing component), which may protect the fiber from moving upwards. The external (or internal) elements may be placed well in the routing of a routing component in order to reduce any potential kink of the fiber cable assembly. The configuration of the routing component may address structural and operational issues during the process of injecting a resin over some fiber cable assembly to ensure optimal performance of the fiber assembly.

[0056] It is contemplated that some printed prototypes, such as three-dimensional printed structures, were created and the overall geometry has changed slightly over time. Embodiments of the routing component may create a protected path for a cable assembly during the injection of a resin material. Some embodiments may present two different family components, such as a 12F configuration and a 8F configuration. The configurations, in assorted embodiments, may differ by an overall dimension to be able to accommodate eight and twelve fiber of each. Each family of components may have different variations with some of those variations containing external doors or internal doors within the same component. Some aspects of a routing component accomodate eight or more fibers.

[0057] The components and the doors, in some embodiments, may be made out of plastic and protect the fiber from moving upwards. The external geometry of the routing component may be configured so the flow of any resin material can pass without stressing any fiber. It is contemplated that the flow of material may be injected perpendicular to the fiber axis without affecting the signal performance. As a result, some embodiments of a routing component may provide low pressure mold capability, geometry that may eliminate signal loss caused by excessive bend radius, geometry that may ease route in one sequence, geometry that allows a predetemrined flow rate, such as one Ipm, flow to be injected in almost any direction without affecting long term performance assembly, geometry that prevents fiber movement due to cable memory or external forces, and geometry that allows slim routing to accommodate patch panel tray configurations (DCX, ECX, etc..).

[0058] A routing component with no doors may be implemented in some embodiments, but are not visible to the public since it's being over molded.Embodiments of a breakout connector may be configured for injection molding construction and fiber optic fiber retention with a connector body portion, and input portion, and an output portion. A connector body portion, such as breakout member 910, may house a multiple fiber optic fibers, such as cores 330. An input portion, such as multi-fiber portion 320, may provide the fiber optic fibers to the connector body portion, as shown in FIG. 9. An output portion may provide each fiber optic fiber for connection to an external device, such as destination 120.

[0059] The input portion may be arranged as a bundle connector portion, such as connector 322, with each fiber optic fiber extending from a single bundle connector housing portion, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The connector body portion may be a unitary structure having a retention member portion, such as retention member 460 that may define a channel portion, as shown in FIG. 9. The channel portion may be a pair of overlapping loop portions, as illustrated in FIG. 9, to house the fiber optic fibers. The retention member portion may have multiple retention tab portions, such as retention portions 462, configured to partially cover the channel portion, as shown in FIG. 9. The plurality of retention tab portions may allow access to aspects of the channel portion prior to a deposition of a material of the connector body portion, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0060] The plurality of retention tab portions may retain the plurality of fiber optic fibers within the channel portion and prevent a fiber optic fiber of the plurality of fiber optic fibers from exiting the channel portion during the deposition of the material of the connector body portion.

[0061] FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively illustrate retention members that may be employed in accordance with various embodiments to create a fiber optic cable connector. The retention member 1100 of FIG. 11 displays how a retention body portion may define a fiber route. Some embodiments of the retention member 1100 provides both static retention portions, such as cantilevered finger portions, and dynamic retention portions, such as pivoting features that rotate to cover aspects of a fiber route, which may operate concurrently with the static retention portions to enhance fiber placement, such as during over-molding operations.

[0062] The retention member 1200 of FIG. 12 displays how curvilinear fiber routes may be provided by a retention body. Assorted aspects of the fiber routes may be partially covered by static retention portions, such as cantilevered finger portions, that may provide enhanced maintenance of fiber position, such as during over-molding operations. It is noted that the assorted static retention portions may have different sizes, shapes, and orientations relative to the fiber routes, and retention body, which may provide greater fiber retention is selected regions of the retention body, such as in a turn or straight aspect of a fiber route.

[0063] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0064] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber breakout protection comprising:an optical fiber protection mechanism comprising:a first end portion configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable;a second end portion configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion;a base portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion;a fiber routing portion extending from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and being configured to route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion;an optical fiber protection portion configured to extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction so as to provide a fiber routing path in the optical fiber protection mechanism; wherein the optical fiber protection mechanism is structurally configured to provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by prevent optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from the base portion in the first direction beyond the optical fiber protection portion during over-molding of the optical fiber protection mechanism to form an optical fiber breakout assembly.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an over-molded casing portion surrounding the device, and a plurality of optical fibers extending into the first end portion through the fiber routing path and extending out of the second end portion.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the over-molded casing portion comprises a polymer material.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber protection portion is configured to maintain the optical fibers in the fiber routing path after over-molding of the optical fiber protection mechanism.

5. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber breakout protection comprising:an optical fiber protector comprising:an optical fiber protection portion configured to extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction so as to provide a fiber routing path in the optical fiber protector; wherein the optical fiber protection portion is configured to provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by preventing optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from a base portion in the first direction beyond the optical fiber protection portion during over-molding of the optical fiber protector to form an optical fiber breakout assembly.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the optical fiber protector comprises a first end portion configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the optical fiber protector comprises a second end portion configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the base portion is configured to extend from the first end portion to the second end portion.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the optical fiber protector comprises a fiber routing portion extending from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and being configured to route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion.

10. A device for providing enhanced optical fiber breakout protection comprising:an optical fiber breakout protection structure configured to provide a mold protected optical fiber routing portion that is configured to protect a firstoptical fiber breakout portion and a second optical fiber breakout portion of a molded optical fiber breakout structure during molding of the molded optical fiber mold breakout structure; andwherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure is configured to provide enhanced optical fiber breakout protection by protecting the first optical fiber breakout portion and the second optical fiber breakout portion of the molded optical fiber breakout structure in the mold protected optical fiber routing path during the molding of the molded optical fiber mold breakout structure.11 . The device of claim 10, wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure comprises an optical fiber protection mechanism, the molded optical fiber breakout structure comprises an over-molded optical fiber breakout structure that is formed by over-molding.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure comprises a first end portion configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure comprises a second end portion configured to receive the plurality of optical fibers such that the optical fibers are equally spaced apart along the second end portion.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure comprises a base portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the mold protected optical fiber routing portion is configure to extend from the base portion in a first direction to an edge portion and being configured to protectively route a portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers from the first end portion to the second end portion.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure is configured to extend from the edge portion in a second direction transverse to the first direction to provide the fiber routing path.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of optic fibers is configured to terminate with a connector portion.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein the optical fiber breakout protection structure is configured with a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion to define the fiber routing path.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the mold protected optical fiber routing portion comprises a plurality of fiber retaining portions that are configured to prevent optical fibers in the fiber routing path from moving away from the base portion.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of fiber retaining portions is configured to extend from the base portion to at least partially cover the mold protected optical fiber routing portion.

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