DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure generally relates to optical cross-connects and more particularly to an opto-mechanical cross-connect apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Optical cross-connect (OXC) is an optical transmission device that can switch or transfer optical signals in a fiber optic network. The main components of an OXC are an input port, an optical cross-connect matrix, an output port, and a management control unit. Typically, the optical cross-connect matrix is configured for N × N ports, i.e., N input ports and N output ports, with the ports interconnected internally in pairs.
[003] One existing OXC implementation is by using reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) system. ROADM systems are not scalable, occupy space in a computer networking room, and has high power consumption. Another existing OXC implementation is by using crossbar optical switch based on a Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror array. However, MEMS based OXC is not reliable and has a high failure rate.
[004] Existing OXCs often lack the precision required for intricate cable management within fiber optic networks. This limitation hinders optimal signal routing and organization of fiber cables. Further, the static nature of existing optical switches restricts their ability to accommodate dynamic adjustments in response to changing network conditions. The existing OXCs do not provide customizable optical configurations adaptable to diverse optical setups. Moreover, existing OXCs, due to wear and tear of mechanical components, have breakdowns and need frequent maintenance which disrupt network functionality.
[005] There is an unmet need for an optical switching system and an optical cross-connect device that provides precise cable management, dynamic adjustment for real-time adaptability, customizable optical configuration, and long-term reliability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.
[007] The objective of the present disclosure is to provide precision cable management and organized layout of cables in a fiber optic network. The objective of the present disclosure, to provide precision cable management, is achieved using an opto-mechanical cross-connect switch. The opto-mechanical cross-connect switch is a device having a precision motor system driving an opto-mechanical switch.
[008] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical cross-connect switch with dynamic adjustments for real-time adaptability. The motorized components empower the switch with the capability for dynamic adjustments. This feature allows the device to adapt in real-time to changing network conditions, providing a level of flexibility not achievable with static alternatives.
[009] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical switching device with customizable optical configurations with specialized lenses. In the present disclosure, specialized lenses integrated into the switch offer the ability to customize optical configurations. This includes fine-tuning light dispersion and focusing, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing adaptability to diverse optical setups.
[0010] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical switching device having robust Construction for Long-Term Reliability. In the present disclosure, the opto-mechanical switch is designed with a robust construction to mitigate wear and tear concerns associated with traditional switches. This ensures long-term reliability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing the risk of disruptions in network functionality.
[0011] Accordingly, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an input side and an output side. The apparatus includes a plurality of input fiber optic cables configured at the input side and a plurality of output fiber optic cables configured at the output side. The apparatus includes a metal plate disposed in between the input side and the output side, wherein the metal plate comprises an array of through holes. The apparatus includes a plurality of first movable guide blocks disposed at a top surface of the metal plate and coupled to a plurality of support rods. The apparatus includes a plurality of second movable guide blocks disposed at a bottom surface of the metal plate and coupled to a plurality of support rods, wherein each of the first movable guide blocks and the second movable guide blocks comprises one or more slots. The apparatus includes a plurality of lens disposed in the one or more slots of each of the first movable guide blocks and the second movable guide blocks, wherein a lens is coupled to a fiber optic cable within a movable guide block and is partially exposed to a through hole in the metal plate. The apparatus includes a plurality of micro-motors disposed at the input side and the output side, wherein the plurality of micro-motors are coupled to the plurality of first movable guide blocks and the plurality of second movable guide blocks.
[0012] The opto-mechanical cross-connect enables controlled and precise cable management. The opto-mechanical cross-connect ensures that fiber cables are routed with accuracy, optimizing signal integrity and network performance. The motorized components empower the switch with the capability for dynamic adjustments. This allows the device to adapt in real-time to changing network conditions. The opto-mechanical cross-connect includes specialized lenses integrated into the switch offering the ability to customize optical configurations. This includes fine-tuning light dispersion and focusing, thereby providing adaptability to diverse optical setups. The opto-mechanical switch is configured with a robust construction to mitigate wear and tear concerns associated with traditional switches. This ensures long-term reliability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing the risk of disruptions in network functionality.
[0013] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIGURE 1A illustrates a top view of an opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGURE 1B illustrates a bottom view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGURE 2A illustrates a top view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIGURE 2B illustrates a bottom view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIGURE 3A illustrates a top view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIGURE 3B illustrates a bottom view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIGURE 4 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a lens assembly attached to fiber optic cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIGURE 5 illustrates a sectional view of a movable block in the opto-mechanical cross-connect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0023] FIGURE 6 illustrates a sectional view of an outer barrel in the lens assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] For promoting an understanding the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0027] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not comprise only those steps but may comprise other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0029] In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0030] FIGURE 1A illustrates a top view of an opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) apparatus and FIGURE 1B illustrates a bottom view of the opto-mechanical cross-connect apparatus (100). The opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) is a device having a precision motor system driving an opto-mechanical switch. Typically, the opto-mechanical cross-connect apparatus (100) is an opto-mechanical cross-connect switching device or a fiber optic switch. It includes a housing with integrated motorized components. Further, the opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) includes an optical sensor for detecting cable movements within the housing. In one embodiment, the precision motor system includes a plurality of micro-motors with encoders mounted to the motor shafts. In one embodiment, the motor used in the precision motor system is a DC motor. However, the precision motor system can include other types of motors, for example, a stepper motor. The motorized components along with the optical sensor, the encoders, and an optical feedback mechanism, enable controlled movements and adjustments of fiber cables within the housing.
[0031] Referring to FIGURE 1A and FIGURE 1B, the opto-mechanical cross-connect apparatus (100) includes a plurality of micro-motors (130), a plurality of movable blocks (120, 121), a plurality of lead screws (115), a plurality of support rods (105a, 105b), a metal plate (135), side plates (125), fiber cables (110), and lens assembly (400). The plurality of micro-motors (130) is configured to drive the movable block (120) and move the lens assembly (400) along the x-axis and the y-axis. The lens assembly (400) is further explained in conjunction with FIGURE 4.
[0032] In one embodiment, the opto-mechanical cross-connect apparatus (100) includes an input side (101) and an output side (102) as illustrated in FIGURE 1A and FIGURE 1B. The apparatus (100) includes a plurality of input fiber optic cables configured at the input side (101) and a plurality of output fiber optic cables configured at the output side (102). The apparatus (100) includes the metal plate (135) disposed in between the input side (101) and the output side (102). The metal plate (135) includes an array of through holes (106a, 106b, 106c). The though holes (106) extend from the top surface through the bottom surface of the metal plate (135). The through holes (106a, 106b, 106c) are arranged as an array of holes and can be arranged in a n x n array. In one embodiment, the metal plate (135) has an 8 × 8 matrix of through holes through which the light from the input side passes through to the output side lenses and also offers rigidity to the structure.
[0033] The apparatus (100) includes a plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) disposed at a top surface of the metal plate (135) and coupled to a plurality of support rods (105a), as illustrated in FIGURE 1A. The first movable guide blocks (120) are depicted as blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H in FIGURE 1A. The apparatus includes a plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) disposed at a bottom surface of the metal plate (135) and coupled to a plurality of support rods (105b), as illustrated in FIGURE 1B. The second movable guide blocks (121) are depicted as blocks a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h in FIGURE 1B.
[0034] Each of the first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121) comprises one or more slots (122a, 122b, 122c). The slot (122a) is meant for the fiber optic cable. The slot (122b) is meant for the support rod. The slot (122c) is meant for the threaded screw or lead screw (115). The movable block (120) along with the slots (122a, 122b, 122c) is illustrated in FIGURE 5. The slots in the movable block (121) is identical to the slots in the movable block (121).
[0035] The apparatus (100) includes a plurality of lens (410) disposed in the one or more slots (122A) of each of the first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121). A lens (410) is coupled to a fiber optic cable within a movable guide block, for example block (120, H). The lens (410) is partially exposed to a through hole (106) in the metal plate (135).
[0036] The apparatus (100) includes a plurality of micro-motors (130) disposed at the input side (101) and the output side (102). The plurality of micro-motors (130) are coupled to the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) and the plurality of second movable guide blocks (121). The plurality of micro-motors (130) are configured to drive the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) in an X-axis direction on the top surface of the metal plate (135), and the plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) in a Y-axis direction on the bottom surface of the metal plate (135). The plurality of micro-motors (130) provide the apparatus (100) with dynamic adjustments for real-time adaptability. The micro-motors (130) empower the apparatus (100) with the capability for dynamic adjustments. This feature allows the device to adapt in real-time to changing network conditions, providing a level of flexibility not achievable with static alternatives.
[0037] The movable guide block, for example, block (120, H) at the top surface has a lens (410a) and a movable guide block, for example, block (121, d) at the bottom surface of the metal plate (135) has a lens (410b). When the block (120, H) and the block (121, d) are aligned and facing each other at a pre-determined through hole (106), the lens (410a) and the lens (410b) are aligned and facing each other. When the lens (410a) and the lens (410b) are aligned and facing each other through a pre-determined through hole (106) among the array of through holes, light collimates through the lenses (410a, 410b) from the movable guide block, block (120, H) to the top surface and the movable guide block, block (121, d) at the bottom surface. Further collimating the light through corresponding lenses (410a, 410b) of the movable guide block at the top surface and the movable guide block at the bottom surface enables cross-connection of an input fiber optic cable (110b) at the input side (101) to an output fiber optic cable (110a) at the output side (102).
[0038] It is to be noted that support rods (105a) and support rods (105b) are horizontally placed with respect to the metal plate (135). The support rods (105a) are arranged in a first plane, the support rods (105b) are arranged in a second plane, and the first and second planes are substantially parallel to the plane of the metal plate (135).
[0039] The plurality of threaded screws or lead screws (11) are configured and coupled to the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121). The plurality of lead screws (115) along with the support rods (105a) and the support rods (105b) hold the movable blocks (120, 121), the lens assemblies (400) and enable movement along the X-axis and the Y-axis.
[0040] The opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) illustrated in FIGURE 1A and FIGURE 1B is an 8 x 8 opto-mechanical cross-connect. It includes 8 input ports and 8 output ports. The opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) includes an input side (i/p side) and an output side (o/p side). There are 8 micro-motors on the i/p side and 8 micro-motors on the o/p side to drive the lens assembly (400).
[0041] The light from the fiber optic cable at the i/p side is coupled to the fiber optic cable at the o/p side. Each lens assembly (400) is moved along the y-axis on the input side and each lens assembly (400) is moved along the x-axis on the output side. The position of the lens assembly (400) in various examples is illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 3A, 3B.
[0042] In one example, the lens assembly (400) is at an input “d” as illustrated in FIGURE 1B. The plurality of micro-motors (130) drives the movable block (120) and moves the lens assembly (400) to an output “H” as illustrated in FIGURE 1A.
[0043] In one example, the lens assembly (400) is at an input “f” as illustrated in FIGURE 2B. The plurality of micro-motors (130) drives the movable block (120) and moves the lens assembly (400) to an output “H” as illustrated in FIGURE 2A.
[0044] In one example, the lens assembly (400) is at an input “h” as illustrated in FIGURE 3B. The plurality of micro-motors (130) drives the movable block (120) and moves the lens assembly (400) to an output “H” as illustrated in FIGURE 3A.
[0045] FIGURE. 4 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the lens assembly (400) attached to a fiber optic cable (440). The Gaussian beam light rays (405) fall on the optical lens (410) and is directed to the fiber core (430). The lens assembly (400) includes a ceramic outer sleeve (415) covering a ceramic tube (420). The fiber core (430) is insulated with fiber cladding (425), the fiber cladding (425) is encapsulated in the ceramic tube (420). The lens assembly (400) includes a back post (435) having an outer surface overlaid and in direct contact with the fiber optic cable (440).
[0046] The customizable optical configurations with specialized lenses offer the ability to customize optical configurations. This includes fine-tuning light dispersion and focusing, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing adaptability to diverse optical setups.
[0047] The lens assembly (400) includes the lens (410), and the lens is (410) coupled to a fiber optic cable (110a, 110b) through a cylindrical outer barrel (415), which is the ceramic outer sleeve (415). The cylindrical outer barrel (415) includes grooves (415a) to hold the lens (410). The cylindrical outer barrel (415) and the grooves (415a) is illustrated in FIGURE 6.
[0048] It is to be noted that each movable block (120) in the top surface of the metal plate (135) as well as each movable block (121) in the bottom surface of the metal plate (135) has a slot (122A) to house a lens, for example, lens (410a) or lens (410b). Further, it is to be noted that the lens assembly (400) including the lens (410) is housed in the slot (122A) of a movable guide block (120).
[0049] In one embodiment, the lens assembly (400) includes a single mode 9/125 micrometer (µm) fiber pigtail precisely aligned to the lens assembly (400). The fiber core (430) diameter of the optical fiber (440) has a significant effect on the far field divergence angle of the collimator output beam. In an exemplary setup, the primary core (62.5 µm) is placed at 9 µm focal point of the lens (410).
[0050] The present disclosure discloses a method for optical switching. The method includes moving, by a plurality of micro-motors (130), a plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) in an X-axis direction at a top surface of a metal plate (135). The method includes moving, by a plurality of micro-motors (130), a plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) in a Y-axis direction at a bottom surface of the metal plate (130). The movement of the guide blocks collimate light through corresponding lenses of the guide blocks. Collimating the light through the corresponding lenses of the guide blocks enable cross-connection of an input fiber optic cable at an input side to an output fiber optic cable at an output side of the metal plate. It is to be noted that there are N number of micro-motors (130), for example 8 micro-motors, at the output side and N number of micro-motors, for example, 8 micro-motors, at the input side.
[0051] There are various advantages of the opto-mechanical cross-connect (100). Firstly, the opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) enables controlled and precise cable management. The opto-mechanical cross-connect ensures that fiber optic cables are routed with accuracy, optimizing signal integrity and network performance. The motorized components empower the switch with the capability for dynamic adjustments. This allows the device to adapt in real-time to changing network conditions. The opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) includes specialized lenses integrated into the switch offering the ability to customize optical configurations. This includes fine-tuning light dispersion and focusing, thereby providing adaptability to diverse optical setups. The opto-mechanical switch is configured with a robust construction to mitigate wear and tear concerns associated with traditional switches. This ensures long-term reliability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing the risk of disruptions in network functionality.
[0052] Further, the opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) can be used alongside existing light interface units (LIU). Integrating the opto-mechanical cross-connect (100) to an existing passive LIU will convert the passive LIU into an active LIU.
[0053] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0054] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus (100) comprising:
an input side (101) and an output side (102);
a plurality of input fiber optic cables (110b) configured at the input side (101) and a plurality of output fiber optic cables (110a) configured at the output side (102);
a metal plate (135) disposed in between the input side (101) and the output side (102), wherein the metal plate (135) comprises an array of through holes (106a, 106b, 106c);
a plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) disposed at a top surface of the metal plate (135) and coupled to a plurality of support rods (105a);
a plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) disposed at a bottom surface of the metal plate (135) and coupled to a plurality of support rods (105b), wherein each of the first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121) comprises one or more slots (122a, 122b, 122c);
a plurality of lens (410) disposed in the one or more slots (122a) of each of the first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121), wherein a lens is coupled to a fiber optic cable within a movable guide block and is partially exposed to a through hole (106) in the metal plate (135); and
a plurality of micro-motors (130) disposed at the input side (101) and the output side (102), wherein the plurality of micro-motors (130) are coupled to the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) and the plurality of second movable guide blocks (121).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of micro-motors
(130) are configured to drive:
the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) in an X-axis direction at the top surface of the metal plate (135), and
the plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) in a Y-axis direction at the bottom surface of the metal plate (135).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a movable guide block at the top
surface and a movable guide block at the bottom surface of the metal plate (135) when aligned and facing each other at a pre-determined through hole (106) collimates light through corresponding lenses of the movable guide block at the top surface and the movable guide block at the bottom surface.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein collimating the light through
corresponding lenses of the movable guide block at the top surface and the movable guide block at the bottom surface enables cross-connection of an input fiber optic cable at the input side (101) to an output fiber optic cable at the output side (102).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) is an opto-
mechanical cross-connect switching device.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of threaded screws
configured and coupled to the plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) and the second movable guide blocks (121).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lens assembly (400) ,
wherein the lens assembly (400) comprises a lens coupled to a fiber optic cable through a cylindrical barrel (415).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cylindrical barrel (415)
comprises grooves (415a) to hold the lens (410).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lens assembly (4100) is
housed in a slot of a movable guide block.

10. A method for optical switching, the method comprising:
moving, by a plurality of micro-motors (130), a plurality of first movable guide blocks (120) in an X-axis direction at a top surface of a metal plate (135); and
moving, by a plurality of micro-motors (130), a plurality of second movable guide blocks (121) in a Y-axis direction at a bottom surface of the metal plate (135), wherein movement of the guide blocks collimate light through corresponding lenses of the guide blocks, wherein collimating the light through the corresponding lenses of the guide blocks enable cross-connection of an input fiber optic cable at an input side (101) to an output fiber optic cable at an output side (102) of the metal plate (135).