Fiber Optic Cable Sealing Structure With Deformable Pass-Throughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic closures are large, require excessive materials for manufacturing, and often lack adequate anchoring or fixation for fiber optic cables, leading to potential damage and inefficient use of sealant material.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic apparatus with deformable cable pass through portions in its cover members, integrated with internal walls that shape to accommodate cables, reducing material and sealant needs, and featuring anti-rotation mechanisms for secure cable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If traditional fiber optic closures use rigid housing structures with fixed cable passages, then cable anchoring is provided, but excessive material is required and the structure is large
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage walls are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to flex and conform to the cable shape. This dynamic structure provides effective cable anchoring through deformation while using significantly less material compared to traditional rigid housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing walls and cable passages are constructed as flexible thin-walled structures that can deform to accommodate cables. This flexibility enables the walls to grip and anchor cables effectively while minimizing the amount of material required for the overall housing structure.
2Reliability
If large amounts of sealant material are used to seal fiber optic closures, then adequate sealing is achieved, but material waste increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable cable passage walls dynamically adjust their shape to conform to the inserted cable, creating an effective seal with minimal sealant material. The walls deform to match the cable's contours, eliminating the need for excessive sealant while maintaining adequate sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable passage walls perform the sealing function themselves through their deformation, reducing or eliminating the need for separate sealant material. The walls' ability to conform to the cable creates the seal directly, making the sealing process self-service rather than requiring additional sealing materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed cable passages are used in fiber optic closures, then cable positioning is provided, but the structure is complex and material-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage walls are designed as simple deformable structures rather than complex fixed passages. This dynamic design simplifies manufacturing while reducing material quantity, as the walls can be formed in standard manufacturing processes and will automatically adapt to the cable shape upon insertion.
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 apparatus minimizes material and sealant usage while providing effective cable anchoring and protection, ensuring secure sealing and reduced damage to optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The cable pass through portions are shaped to deform away from the cable pass through portion when a cable is received therein
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic apparatus is provided. The fiber optic apparatus comprises a first cover member comprising a recessed base and a second cover member comprising a recessed base. The first cover member and the second cover member are configured to engage with each other to form a housing defining a storage cavity and at least two openings for receiving fiber optic cables upon first installation. Each of the first and second cover members comprise internal walls proximate to each of the at least two openings, the internal walls defining a cable pass through portion corresponding to each of the at least two openings, and for receiving fiber optic cables. The cable pass through portions are suitable for receiving a sealant material. The internal walls defining the cable pass through portions are shaped to deform away from the cable pass through portion when a cable when a cable is received therein.