Elastomeric Microtube Sealing for Fluid-Tight Distribution Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic distribution systems face challenges in providing a fluid-tight connection for microtubes accommodating fiber optic cables, particularly in preventing moisture ingress and adapting to different pipe diameters, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring an elastically deformable rubber support body with through-channels that accommodate microtubes of varying diameters, providing a fluid-tight seal and strain relief without the need for adhesive materials, and allowing for easy installation and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid mounting block with form-complementary insertion channels is used to connect protective conduits, then the connection structure is stable and precise, but the device cannot be easily adapted to different conduit diameters and requires replacement of the entire mounting block
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two functional parts: a mounting block for structural support and a separate sealing element that can be exchanged. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be adapted to different conduit diameters while keeping the mounting block stationary, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block is designed with universal insertion channels that can accommodate different conduit sizes, while the sealing element provides the adaptive sealing function. This multi-functionality approach allows one mounting block to serve multiple conduit diameter requirements through interchangeable sealing elements.
2Reliability
If pipe-specific connection head pieces are added to the end of protective tubes to achieve fluid-tight connection, then the sealing performance is improved, but the production effort and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and the connection head function are merged into a single integrated sealing element that is attached to the protective tube. This eliminates the need for separate pipe-specific connection head pieces while maintaining fluid-tight sealing performance, thereby reducing manufacturing effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to be attached to or integrated with the protective tube in a nested configuration, where the sealing element contains or surrounds the tube end. This nesting approach simplifies the overall structure and reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps required.
3Strength
If a clamp is used to secure the distribution cable and provide sealing, then the cable connection is secured, but the clamp does not offer adequate protection against moisture ingress and cannot withstand high tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is made from elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility for sealing with sufficient strength for mechanical support. This composite material approach replaces the inadequate metal clamp while providing both tensile strength and moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element acts as a flexible shell that conforms to the protective tube and cable surfaces, creating a reliable seal against moisture ingress while maintaining the mechanical strength needed to withstand tensile forces. The flexibility of the elastomeric material allows it to deform and seal effectively.
4Manufacturing precision
If the entire mounting block is replaced to accommodate conduits of different dimensions, then the connection precision is maintained, but the productivity and installation time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection device into a permanent mounting block and interchangeable sealing elements, the system allows quick replacement of only the sealing element rather than the entire mounting block. This maintains connection precision through the stable mounting block while improving productivity through faster exchanges.
5Strength
If adhesive materials are used to secure microtubes in the connection device, then the connection strength is increased, but the ease of installation and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives is replaced with a mechanical retention system using the elastomeric sealing element that secures microtubes through friction and elastic deformation. This mechanical system provides sufficient connection strength while allowing easy installation and disassembly without adhesive removal processes.
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 ensures a flexible and cost-effective connection that meets spray seal requirements, secures microtubes against mechanical pressures, and simplifies the connection process, even for inexperienced personnel, while maintaining fluid tightness across various microtube dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A connection device (1) featuring an elastically deformable rubber support body (3) with through-channels that accommodate microtubes of varying diameters
Implementation Method 2
secures microtubes against mechanical pressures
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Device for connecting several microducts to a fiber optic distribution box, in a particularly fluid-tight manner, comprising a support body made of an elastically deformable rubber material, such as natural rubber, an elastomer material or the like, with several through-channels for receiving one microduct each; wherein the through-channels each have a pipe sealing device for sealing an outer surface of the microduct against an inner surface of the through-channel for receiving the pipe; wherein the through-channels each have a fiber optic cable sealing device for sealing a fiber optic cable guided within and protruding from a microduct against an inner surface of the through-channel for receiving the cable; and wherein the support body, the pipe sealing devices and the cable sealing devices are manufactured in one piece, in particular by vulcanization.