Fiber Cable Terminal Sealing via Thermal Shrinkage and Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber distributors face challenges in maintaining effective sealing performance between the cable fixing portion and the protection layer, as well as between the fiber cable terminal and the supporting body, which can lead to reduced reliability and increased risk of damage during fiber communication operations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber cable terminal with a cable assembly including an inner sheath, a protection layer, and a cable fixing portion, where a thermal shrinkable tube wraps parts of the fixing portion and the protection layer, along with reinforcement strands, to create an interference fit and enhance sealing. Additionally, the fiber distributor features through holes with a step portion and ribs to ensure a tight fit with the thermal shrinkable tube, improving sealing between the terminal and the supporting body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods are used for fiber cable terminals, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sealing performance between the cable fixing portion and protection layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable fixing portion and protection layer into a pre-assembled sealed one-piece structure. The insertion portion is inserted between the protection layer and inner sheath, and the thermal shrinkable tube wraps both components together to form an integrated sealed unit, eliminating gaps and improving sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable fixing portion and protection layer are pre-assembled into a sealed structure before final installation. The thermal shrinkable tube is pre-positioned to wrap around both components, creating a sealed environment in advance that prevents contamination and maintains reliability during subsequent installation steps.
2Reliability
If simple through holes are used in the supporting body, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance between the fiber cable terminal and supporting body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The through holes in the supporting body are designed with asymmetric features including step portions at different depths and ribs on the inner walls. These asymmetric structural elements create interference fits with the thermal shrinkable tube, preventing radial movement and improving sealing performance while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If loose fit is used between cable components, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection strength and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs interference fit parameters between the insertion portion and the protection layer/inner sheath interface, as well as between the thermal shrinkable tube and the supporting body through holes. These parameter changes create strong connections that maintain sealing performance while allowing for practical assembly through the designed fit tolerances.
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 pre-assembled sealed fiber cable terminal and improved interference fit between the thermal shrinkable tube and the supporting body enhance sealing performance, reducing the likelihood of damage and ensuring reliable fiber communication by maintaining a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal shrinkable tube which wraps a part of the fixing portion and a part of the protection layer, and fixes the cable fixing portion and the cable assembly together
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fiber cable terminal which comprises a cable assembly, a cable fixing portion and a thermal shrinkable tube. The cable assembly includes: an inner sheath through 5 which the fiber can pass; and a protection layer provided outside of the inner sheath. The cable fixing portion includes: an insertion portion to be inserted between the protection layer and the inner sheath; and a fixing portion connected with the insertion portion and positioned outside of the protection layer. The thermal shrinkable tube wraps a part of the fixing portion and a part of the protection layer and fixes the cable fixing portion and the 10 cable assembly together. All the members of the fiber cable terminal are pre-assembled into a sealed one-piece, the sealing performance between the cable fixing portion and the protecting layer is thus improved. The fiber cable terminal is mated with the through hole of the supporting body to improve the sealing performance between the fiber cable terminal and the supporting body.