Fiber Optic Cable Sealing Structure With Deformable Pass-Through Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic closures are large, require significant material and sealant usage, and lack adequate anchoring or fixation for fiber optic cables, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic apparatus with deformable cable pass-through portions in its cover members, integrated internal walls, and a sealing channel, reducing material and sealant needs while providing secure cable fixation and moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fiber optic closures use rigid structures with fixed cable passages, then cable anchoring is provided, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage walls are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to flex and adapt when cables are inserted. This dynamic structure provides cable anchoring through deformation while reducing overall structural complexity and material usage compared to fixed rigid passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall thickness of the cable passage is reduced from traditional thick rigid walls to thinner deformable walls. This parameter change allows the walls to deform under cable insertion forces, providing anchoring while using less material and simplifying the overall structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large amounts of sealant material are used to seal fiber optic closures, then moisture protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage walls are pre-formed with deformable characteristics during manufacturing, creating a sealant-containing cavity structure before final assembly. This preliminary action prepares the structure to receive and contain sealant material that will be displaced outward during cable insertion, reducing the need for large initial sealant quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable cable passage walls automatically displace sealant material outward during cable insertion, creating a self-sealing mechanism. The cable itself drives the sealant displacement process, eliminating the need for external sealing mechanisms or excessive sealant material.
3Strength
If thick cable passage walls are used, then structural strength is improved, but sealant displacement and cable anchoring effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passage walls have non-uniform thickness distribution, being thinner in regions where deformation is needed for cable anchoring and sealant displacement, while maintaining sufficient strength in other areas. This local quality variation optimizes both structural integrity and cable anchoring effectiveness.
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
Reduces material and sealant usage, enhances cable security, and prevents damage by minimizing sealant displacement and ensuring effective moisture sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The internal walls defining the cable pass through portions are shaped to deform away from the cable pass through portion when a cable is received therein
Data Source
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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.