Managed fiber connectivity systems
AssigneeCommScope Technologies LLC
InventorsJohn Anderson, Steven J. Brandt, Joseph C. Coffey, Kamlesh G. Patel, Cyle D. Petersen, Michael D. Schroeder, John Stasny
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communications connection system includes an adapter module defining at least first and second ports and at least one media reading interface mounted at one of the ports. The first adapter module is configured to receive a fiber optic connector at each port. Some type of connectors may be formed as duplex connector arrangements. Some types of adapters may include ports without media reading interfaces. Some types of media reading interfaces include contact members having three contact sections.
Claims20
A connection arrangement comprising:
- a circuit board having oppositely facing first and second major surfaces;
- a body defining a first port configured to receive a plug connector along an insertion axis, the body defining an aperture leading from an exterior of the body to an interior of the first port, the body being coupled to the circuit board so that the insertion axis extends parallel to the first and second major surfaces and the aperture faces the circuit board;
- and
- a presence sensing arrangement including a contact spring that is deflectable relative to the circuit board, the contact spring being configured to selectively complete and break a circuit defined by the circuit board to provide plug presence monitoring, the contact spring having a first section that moves between a deflected position and an undeflected position, wherein the contact spring is configured so that insertion of the plug connector at the first port moves the first section away from the body towards the deflected position;
- wherein the presence sensing arrangement includes a second member coupled to the body so that at least a majority of the second member is disposed within the body, the second member being a separate piece from the contact spring, the second member being movable between first and second positions, wherein the second member is moved from the first position to the second position when contacted by the plug connector as the plug connector is being inserted into the first port;
- and wherein the second member contacts and moves the contact spring to the deflected position as the second member is moved to the second position.
A method of detecting a presence of a plug connector at a port, the method comprising:
- blocking access to a port of a coupler before a plug connector is inserted into the port, wherein no presence is sensed at the port while the port is blocked;
- biasing a first member to a first position relative to the coupler while the port is blocked;
- inserting a plug connector within the port of the coupler along an insertion axis;
- moving the first member relative to the coupler from the first position to a second position through engagement with the plug connector, the first member being deflected towards a circuit board disposed external to the coupler when moved to the second position;
- and sensing the presence of the plug connector at the port when the first member is disposed in the second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.