Fiber Optic Cable Sealing Insert for Wide Diameter Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved sealed and re-enterable enclosures and seals for fiber optic networks that can accommodate a wide range of cable diameters without requiring grease and provide effective sealing.
Innovation Solution
The development of cable sealing devices with specific materials and configurations, including Shore 000 hardness in the range of 30-60 and a compression set less than or equal to 10%, which accommodate various cable diameters and provide sealing through features like volume compensation, resilient materials, and integrated pressurization systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sealing methods are used for fiber optic cables, then sealing can be achieved, but grease is required and cable diameter range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the sealing device by specifying a Shore 000 hardness range of 30-60 and compression set ≤10%, creating a resilient material that can adapt to different cable diameters without requiring grease. This material parameter change enables the sealing device to accommodate a wide range of cable sizes while eliminating the need for lubricating substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sealing structures combining resilient materials with specific geometric features (protrusions, recesses, and integrated pressurization systems). This composite approach creates a sealing device that integrates multiple functions: adaptation to cable diameter variations, self-pressurization capability, and grease-free operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and harmful factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resilient materials with specific hardness are used, then cable diameter range is accommodated, but material selection becomes more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for the resilient material (Shore 000 hardness of 30-60 and compression set ≤10%) that balance adaptability and manufacturability. These parameter specifications provide a clear design guideline that enables manufacturers to select from multiple materials within the defined range, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the required cable diameter accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material with specified properties serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary compliance to accommodate different cable diameters, maintains sealing pressure through its elastic recovery, and enables grease-free operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If integrated pressurization systems are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressurization function directly into the sealing device structure by integrating pressurization mechanisms within the resilient material body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external pressurization systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective sealing pressure application across the sealing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pressurization system is designed to automatically generate and maintain sealing pressure through the inherent elastic properties of the resilient material. The material's compression set characteristics enable it to self-pressurize when installed, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
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 cable sealing devices effectively seal fiber optic cables across a wide diameter range, providing reliable sealing without the need for grease and accommodating various cable sizes through integrated volume compensation and pressurization mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a cable sealing insert made of a material having a Shore 000 hardness in the range of 30-60 and a compression set less than or equal to 10 percent
Implementation Method 2
a compression set less than or equal to 10 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.