Fiber Optic Enclosure With Modular Sealed Access Ports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications enclosures lack flexibility in customization and upgradeability, and existing cable seals are not optimally effective in maintaining a sealed environment.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications enclosure design featuring a main housing with detachable access ports for add-on components, including cable pass-through sleeves with pressurized gel seals and visual identifiers, allowing for customization and upgrade in the field, and providing various functionalities such as cable sealing, storage, and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure is designed with fixed, non-detachable access ports, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the ability to customize and upgrade components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access ports are segmented into detachable modules that can be independently removed and replaced. Each access port includes a removable cover or interface that allows add-on components to be attached and detached without compromising the overall enclosure structure or sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable access ports are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of add-on components (cable seals, power supplies, cooling devices, etc.). The same basic interface structure supports different functionalities through interchangeable modules, enabling both customization and maintenance of sealed environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If add-on components are integrated into the main housing, then functionality is enhanced, but the space required and complexity of the enclosure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Add-on components are nested within the detachable access port modules rather than being integrated into the main housing. This allows components to be contained within removable sections, maintaining functional versatility while avoiding permanent structural complexity in the main enclosure body.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic system where access ports and add-on components can be added, removed, or reconfigured. This dynamic design enables functional versatility without permanently increasing the base enclosure's structural complexity.
3Reliability
If cable seals are designed as permanent fixed components, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ability to access and maintain internal components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Cable sealing components are segmented into detachable access port modules that can be independently accessed and maintained. The sealing system is divided into functional sections that can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire enclosure or requiring destruction of the main housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable access port design enables self-service maintenance where cable seals and other components can be accessed, inspected, and replaced by technicians without requiring destruction or complex disassembly of the enclosure. The sealing system maintains effectiveness while being serviceable through simple module removal and replacement.
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
Enhances the ability to customize and upgrade enclosures to meet customer specifications while maintaining a sealed environment, supporting diverse functionalities without occupying additional space, and facilitating easy access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Pressurized gel-type seals have been used to effectively seal the locations where telecommunications cables enter and exit telecommunications enclosures
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a telecommunication enclosure having a configuration that can be readily customized in the factory to satisfy customer specifications and can also be readily upgraded in the field. In certain examples, the telecommunication enclosure includes a main housing defining a plurality access ports. A plurality of different add-on components can selectively be coupled to the main housing at the access ports in sealed relation to the main housing. The add-on components can include visual indicators which are visible from outside the main housing when the add-on components are mounted to the main housing.