Optical Fiber Case Cover Sealing Mold Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connection boxes face issues with incomplete sealing and aesthetics due to mold element penetration during manufacturing, leading to openings in the housing that need to be addressed for both functionality and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A cover part is introduced for the bottom of the box, which seals the openings and improves aesthetics by covering them, while also providing a means to secure the optical fibers with specific reliefs and coiling mechanisms that maintain a radius of curvature greater than a predetermined value to ensure signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mold elements pass through the wall during molding process, then internal parts of the casing can be molded, but openings remain in the wall after element removal
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom of the casing is divided into two parts: a first part that is molded with openings, and a second part (cover plate) that seals these openings. This segmentation allows the molding process to use penetrating elements while the final assembled product remains sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate is positioned within the recess formed by the first part of the bottom, creating a nested structure where the cover plate fits into the recess and seals the openings from the interior side of the casing.
2Ease of manufacture
If mold elements pass through the wall during molding process, then internal parts of the casing can be molded, but aesthetics are compromised due to visible openings
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom is segmented into a molded first part and a separate cover plate, allowing the cover plate to conceal the openings created by mold element penetration while maintaining the functional benefits of the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the molded first part with openings and the interior of the casing, providing both sealing functionality and aesthetic coverage of the openings.
3Ease of operation
If fiber coiling means are added to the casing, then excess fiber length can be managed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate serves multiple functions: it seals the openings in the bottom, provides mounting surfaces for fiber coiling means, and improves aesthetics. This multi-functionality adds fiber management capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber coiling means are integrated into the cover plate structure, which itself is nested within the recess of the first bottom part, creating a compact nested arrangement that manages fiber without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The case (10) for connecting optical fibres comprises external walls (16a-d) and two groups of inlets (22a, 22b) which individual optical fibres (FO1-4) pass. The two groups extend respectively over two opposed walls (16a, 16b) of the case (10) facing each other. The case (10) also includes means (40) separate from the external walls in order to keep at least one fibre (FO1-4) coiled in the case (10).