Optical backplane cartridge

Details Optical backplane cartridge Optical backplane cartridge

2001-06-01

2003-07-01

Kim, Robert H. (Department: 2882)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Reexamination Certificate

active

06587630

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an optical component, and more particularly to an optical backplane cartridge for supporting and protecting an optical backplane.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Optical nodes typically include a collection of fiber optic lines in combination with various optical components. One example of an optical node is an optical switch. An optical switch often includes backplane. The backplane is a structure typically located at the rear of the switch to which modules and cables connect. The modules may include circuits, processors, or other types of components. The cables may include fiber optic cable.
Optical connectors supply the optical signal to the backplane. The optical connectors plug into optical housings disposed on the backplane, and transmit optical signals to the backplane, through the optical housings.
The optical connectors can extend from the optical backplane in a number of different ways, as long as the optical fibers leading to the connectors do not bend in a tighter or smaller radius of curvature than about 1 inch, according to limitations of current fiber technology. A tighter or smaller radius of curvature could cause fracture of the optical fibers. The optical fibers must be protected in making the connections to the backplane from excessive manipulation that may compromise the relatively delicate optical fibers encased within the optical backplane.
Another desire in making the connection of the optical fibers to the backplane is to avoid a jumble or entanglement of optical fibers extending from various locations within the optical switch or node to the backplane. Excessive entanglement makes it more difficult to avoid unwanted manipulation of the fibers.
In addition, if the fibers are not clearly marked and organized, the connection of the fibers to the backplane becomes more difficult during installation. In fact, the optical backplanes found in optical switches require repair or replacement from time to time. The optical backplanes can include a plurality of optical connectors, each of which require proper placement and connection/disconnection from the particular plane to which they connect. If the leads to the optical connectors can move about freely and become entangled, it becomes more time consuming to ensure that each optical connector is properly positioned and connected/disconnected without accidentally damaging the optical fibers of the optical backplane during installation or removal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for a structure for supporting and protecting the optical backplane that also permits adequate cooling of the electrical components in the optical switch and maintains optical connectors of the optical backplane in a predetermined and substantially static arrangement. The invention provides further solutions to address this need, and others not specifically noted.
In accordance with one example embodiment of the invention, a cartridge for supporting and arranging an optical backplane includes a base. An upper portion couples with the base. The upper portion has one or more optical connector slots for supporting one or more optical connectors of the optical backplane.
The optical backplane mounts within the upper portion such that the upper portion bends the optical backplane to a curvature having a radius of curvature within a predetermined range. The predetermined range of curvature can approximate greater than 1 inch.
The one or more optical connector slots, according to one embodiment of the invention, have the appropriate size and dimensions to frictionally support the one or more optical connectors.
The cartridge is made of a material such as metal, plastic, composite, ceramic, and the like.
The cartridge can further include one or more optical card slots disposed in the upper portion for supporting one or more optical cards (e.g., daughter cards). The one or more optical card slots, according to one embodiment of the invention, have the appropriate size and dimensions to frictionally support at least a portion of the one or more optical cards.
The cartridge, according to still another embodiment of the invention, also has the appropriate size and dimensions to promote a flow of air through the cartridge to facilitate and aid in the cooling of the electrical components.
An optical component, according to another aspect of the invention, includes a housing. There is at least one plane disposed within the housing. A cartridge disposed within the housing is proximal to the at least one plane. An optical backplane disposed within the cartridge, such that one or more optical connectors coupled with the optical back plane are supported by the cartridge, and the one or more optical connectors further couple with the at least one plane.
The base of the cartridge, according to one embodiment of the invention, couples with the housing, utilizing at least one locking or fastening device or an adhesive.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4595255 (1986-06-01), Bhatt et al.
patent: 4863232 (1989-09-01), Kwa
patent: 5283851 (1994-02-01), Vergnolle
patent: 5793919 (1998-08-01), Payne et al.
patent: 5937133 (1999-08-01), Moss et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Optical backplane cartridge does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Optical backplane cartridge, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical backplane cartridge will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3032451