Cable Sealing Arrangement for Re-Enterable Telecom Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications enclosures face challenges in maintaining effective perimeter sealing, especially when re-entered for maintenance or upgrades, which can lead to moisture and contaminant intrusion.
Innovation Solution
The enclosure features a perimeter sealing arrangement with a molded plastic housing and elastomeric cups positioned in cable pass-through pockets, along with sealant gel in sealing channels and cups, ensuring effective sealing and re-enterability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sealing methods are used for telecommunications enclosures, then the enclosure can be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion, but the enclosure cannot be easily re-entered for maintenance without compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separable pieces (first housing piece and second housing piece) that can be detached from each other. The sealant-receiving region is defined by specific portions of these housing pieces, allowing the enclosure to be opened for maintenance while maintaining the sealing capability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant gel is pre-positioned within the sealant-receiving region during manufacturing, and the elastomeric cup is pre-installed in the cable pass-through pocket portion. This preliminary preparation allows for quick re-entry and maintenance operations without requiring complex sealing procedures at the time of opening.
2Ease of repair
If the enclosure is designed to be re-enterable with separable housing pieces, then maintenance access is improved, but the sealing between housing pieces becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A sealant gel is introduced as an intermediary substance between the first and second housing pieces to create the seal. The sealant-receiving region is specifically designed to contain and position this sealant, simplifying the sealing structure while maintaining effective sealing between the separable housing pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric cup is used to provide flexible sealing at the cable pass-through location. The elastomeric material can deform to accommodate cables while maintaining the seal, and the cup is positioned within the sealant-receiving region to work in conjunction with the sealant gel.
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
This solution provides enhanced sealing capabilities, preventing moisture and contaminant intrusion while allowing for easy re-entry and maintenance of the enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric cup positioned in the cable pass-through pocket portion of the sealant-receiving region. The elastomeric cup includes a cup wall defining a cup upper boundary that is higher than the channel upper sealant boundary
Implementation Method 2
sealant gel positioned within the sealing channel portion and the elastomeric cup
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an enclosure having a perimeter sealing arrangement. The enclosure includes a containment structure such as an elastomeric cup that assists in positioning sealant of the perimeter sealing arrangement at different levels.