Cable Connection Sealing Assembly for Watertight Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic and electronic cable connections in outdoor environments are prone to wear and tear, leading to reduced lifespan and performance due to exposure, and existing solutions are inefficient in terms of space usage and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of connection enclosure assemblies that create a watertight seal around cable ends using ducts, sealing portions, and latching mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maximizing the number of cable connections within a given space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable connections are made accessible for simple connection and disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against environmental exposure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cable connection protection into separate modular components: a duct for cable routing, first sealing portions at duct ends, and second sealing portions at cable ends. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the duct provides structural protection while the sealing portions provide environmental sealing, and all components can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct acts as an intermediary element between the cable and the external environment. It provides a protected pathway that isolates the cable connection from direct environmental exposure while maintaining accessibility for connection and disconnection operations. The sealing portions serve as intermediaries that create watertight barriers at the interface between the duct and external environment.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple cable connections are arranged in a compact terminal, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility of cable ends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system arranges multiple cable connections in a three-dimensional configuration within the terminal housing. Cable enclosures are stacked or arranged vertically and horizontally to maximize space utilization. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows compact packaging while maintaining accessibility through strategically positioned access points and openable enclosure designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs nested arrangements where smaller cable enclosures are positioned within or alongside larger terminal housing structures. Multiple ducts and sealing portions are nested within the terminal volume, with cable ends accessible through the housing structure. This nesting approach maximizes the number of connections within limited space while preserving operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If sealing components are made robust for watertight protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs flexible sealing portions made from elastomeric or polymer materials that can deform to create watertight seals. These flexible membranes and grommets provide reliable sealing through their ability to conform to the duct and cable surfaces, achieving robust protection without complex mechanical sealing mechanisms such as multiple gaskets or threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing portions are designed to automatically create watertight seals through their material properties and geometric configuration. The elastomeric materials self-adjust to fill gaps and conform to surfaces when the duct and cable are inserted, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple sealing components. The sealing action occurs automatically upon assembly.
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 enhanced protection against environmental exposure, improves the durability of cable connections, and optimizes space usage in cable networks by ensuring easy access and secure sealing of cable ends, thereby extending the lifespan and performance of cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first sealing portion may be engageable to the first end of the duct such that when the first sealing portion is engaged to the first end of the duct a watertight seal is created between the first sealing portion and the first end of the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sealing a cable connection against external elements includes a duct, a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The duct has first and second ends and is configured to internally accommodate at least one cable connection element and an end of a cable. The first sealing portion is engageable to the first end of the duct such that when the first sealing portion is engaged to the first end of the duct, a watertight seal is created. The second sealing portion is engageable to the second end of the duct such that when the second sealing portion is engaged to the second end of the duct and the end of the cable is engaged to the second sealing portion, a watertight seal is created between the second sealing portion and the second end of the duct and between the second sealing portion and the end of the cable.