METHODS, APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS FOR BLIND MATING ARRAYS OF MULTI-OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR MODULES

摘要

Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided that enable a first array of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a first structure to be blindly mated with a second array of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a second structure. The arrays of modules are mounted on respective holders. One of the holders is mounted on the first structure and the other holder is mounted on the second structure. Engagement of the first and second structures with one another results in mating features of the holders being brought within a predetermined allowable misalignment tolerance of one another to ensure that the holders fully mate with one another. Mating of the holders with one another brings mating features of the connector modules of the arrays into a predetermined allowable misalignment tolerance of one another to ensure that full mating of the respective connector modules of the arrays occurs.

主权项

1. An apparatus for holding a first array of first multi-optical fiber connector modules in a floating arrangement that facilitates blind mating of the first array of first multi-optical fiber connector modules with a second array of second multi-optical fiber connector modules, the apparatus comprising:
a guide system; a first holder movably secured to the guide system such that the first holder has limited freedom of movement relative to the guide system in at least one predetermined direction, the first holder having at least a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side, an upper surface and a lower surface, the first holder having at least a first holder mating feature; and a first 1-by-N array of first multi-optical fiber connector modules mounted on the upper surface of the first holder, where N is a positive integer that is equal to or greater than two, each of the first multi-optical fiber connector modules having at least a first passive fine alignment feature adapted to mate with a second passive fine alignment feature of a respective second multi-optical fiber connector module of a second 1-by-N array of second multi-optical fiber connector modules mounted on an upper surface of a second holder, the second holder having a second holder mating feature that is adapted to mate with the first holder mating feature of the first holder, and wherein the full mating of the first and second holder mating features with one another results in the full mating of the first and second fine alignment features of the respective first and second multi-optical fiber connector modules with one another, and wherein the full mating of the first and second fine alignment features of the respective first and second multi-optical fiber connector modules with one another precisely aligns respective optical pathways of the respective first multi-optical fiber connector module with respective optical pathways of the respective second multi-optical fiber connector module.