Fiber Optic Cable Seal Inserts for Grease-Free Diameter Range-Taking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved sealed and re-enterable enclosures, as well as improved seals, for fiber optic distribution networks to effectively manage and access optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an enclosure with a housing that includes a base and a removable cover, featuring a perimeter seal and cable sealing devices with specific insert perimeter profiles and materials that provide effective sealing across a wide range of cable diameters without the need for grease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used for fiber optic cables, then sealing can be achieved, but grease is required which reduces reliability and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes grease entirely from the sealing system by extracting the harmful substance and replacing it with a grease-free mechanical sealing mechanism using elastomeric material and compression force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/adhesive-based grease sealing mechanism with a mechanical compression sealing system using elastomeric material that deforms under compression to create the seal
2Manufacturing precision
If seals are designed for specific cable diameters, then sealing precision can be achieved, but adaptability to varying cable diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric material with dynamic deformation properties that allows the seal to adapt its shape and size to match different cable diameters while maintaining sealing precision through compression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the sealing material to an elastomeric form that can dynamically adjust its dimensions through compression, enabling the same seal design to work with varying cable diameters
3Ease of manufacture
If enclosure designs are simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible elastomeric sealing material that can be molded into simple geometric shapes (rectangular blocks) while maintaining high sealing performance through material deformation under compression
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 effectively seals cables of varying diameters, providing a high level of sealing performance and flexibility, while also eliminating the need for grease, thus enhancing the reliability and accessibility of fiber optic networks.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising a cable sealing insert made of a material having a Shore 000 hardness in the range of 20-80 or 30-60 and a compression set less than or equal to 10 percent, less than or equal to 15 percent, or less than or equal to 20 percent
Implementation Method 2
a compression set less than or equal to 10 percent, less than or equal to 15 percent, or less than or equal to 20 percent
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are cable sealing devices having features for enhancing effective sealing, volume compensation, seal pressurization, cable size range-taking, cable installation and insert installation. Also disclosed herein is an enclosure including at least one cable sealing device.