Two-Part Cable Sealing Device for Telecommunications Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing the locations where fiber optic distribution cables enter and exit enclosures in outdoor networks is challenging, leading to potential leaks and moisture ingress, which affects the integrity of the network.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two parts that assemble around the cable, with a cavity for sealing and mounting locations for cable ports, using a resin to create a flowable adhesive seal without threading the cable through the ends, and optionally using foam tape for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threading methods are used to seal cables through enclosure ports, then the cable can pass through the enclosure, but effective sealing is difficult to achieve and moisture ingress occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of threading the cable through the enclosure port from one side to the other, the invention inverts the approach by assembling the sealing device around the cable from the outside, with the cavity receiving the cable after the sealing structure is already in place. This reversal allows the seal to be applied circumferentially around the cable rather than attempting to seal around a threaded cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a flexible sealing member that can conform to the cable surface and create an effective seal. The sealing device includes a cavity that receives the cable and a sealing member that flexes around the cable to prevent moisture ingress while accommodating the cable's presence without requiring it to be threaded through the enclosure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is looped through multiple enclosures, then the distribution cable can pass through multiple enclosures in the distribution network, but sealing the locations where the looped distribution cable enters and exits becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is designed with mounting locations that can accommodate different port types and configurations, making it suitable for various enclosure designs and cable routing scenarios. The device can seal cables entering or exiting enclosures at different locations, supporting the versatility needed for looped cable configurations through multiple enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is divided into multiple parts that can be assembled separately around the cable and then attached to the enclosure. This segmentation allows the sealing components to be pre-assembled and tested, then installed as a unit on the enclosure, simplifying the overall sealing process for complex cable routing applications.
3Reliability
If a resin is applied to seal the cable inside the cavity, then effective sealing is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is pre-assembled with the cavity and sealing members before installation on the enclosure. The resin or adhesive is applied in advance to secure the sealing member to the cavity structure, allowing the entire sealing assembly to be installed as a complete unit. This preliminary assembly simplifies the field installation process while maintaining effective sealing.
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
Effectively seals telecommunications cables and ports within enclosures, preventing gas and moisture ingress, and ensuring the integrity of pressurized cables and enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a resin to seal the portion of the cable inside a cavity defined between the first and second parts of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sealing a telecommunications cable is disclosed. The device includes a first part, and a second part having one or more attachment members that assemble onto the first part to assemble the first and second parts together. A cavity is defined between the first and second parts that extends along a central axis and between first and second ends of the device. The cavity is structured to seal the cable between the first and second parts without threading the cable through the first and second ends, and the first and second parts define at least one mounting location for a cable port in a telecommunications enclosure. The cavity may receive a resin to seal the cable between the first and second parts.