Gel-Filled Butt Closure Base for Variable Cable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing butt closures for fiber optic cables face challenges in providing reliable sealing for a wide range of cable diameters and are difficult to utilize efficiently, especially under significant exterior pressures.
Innovation Solution
A butt closure base with a base housing featuring cavities filled with gels and wedge assemblies that include movable pressure plates and latch assemblies, allowing for secure sealing and easy installation of cables, even under water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through-holes in bases with seals are used, then sealing is provided, but reliability is poor and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) that can be independently sealed. Each cavity can accommodate cables of different diameters and be sealed separately, rather than using a single through-hole seal system. This segmentation improves both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses movable sealing members (first sealing member, second sealing member) that can move independently within their respective cavities. The sealing members can be positioned and adjusted separately, allowing flexible sealing of different cable configurations without requiring simultaneous sealing of all ports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single sealing system is used for all ports, then structure is simplified, but adaptability to different cable diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base housing is segmented into multiple independent cavities (first cavity for first cable, second cavity for second cable, third cavity for third cable). Each cavity can be sealed independently with its own sealing member, allowing the system to adapt to different cable diameters and configurations without requiring a completely different sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The base housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines multiple cable entry points, and contains separate cavities for different cable types. The sealing members are designed to work universally across different cavity configurations while maintaining independent operation.
3Productivity
If seals must be sealed and unsealed together, then structure is simplified, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into independent sealing members for each cavity. The first sealing member seals the first cavity, the second sealing member seals the second cavity, and the third sealing member seals the third cavity. These can be sealed and unsealed independently, dramatically improving installation and maintenance productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables can be pre-positioned in their respective cavities before final sealing. The cavities are prepared in advance with appropriate sealing members, allowing cables to be inserted and then sealed individually rather than requiring simultaneous sealing of all ports.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved sealing for various cable diameters and ensures efficient, secure sealing even under water pressure, preventing leakage and facilitating easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities
Implementation Method 2
The main pressure plate is movable along the longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel
Data Source
AI summary
A butt closure base includes a base housing defining a plurality of cavities. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable along a longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies further includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes an adjustable tab and a stop member movable between a first position which limits movement of the adjustable tab and a second position in which movement of the adjustable tab is not limited by the stop member.