Fiber Optic Enclosure Sealing for Triple Points and Low Clamp Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed, re-enterable enclosures in fiber optic distribution networks face challenges in achieving effective sealing, particularly at triple points and perimeter seals, which can lead to leakage and reduced network reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric cable seals with tapered sealing tabs and chamfered peripheral surfaces for enhanced sealing at triple points, combined with a perimeter sealing gasket featuring an elongated web with radial ribs and open spaces for reduced compression forces, addresses the sealing challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing configurations are used at triple points and perimeters, then sealing effectiveness is insufficient leading to leakage, but increasing compression forces or number of clamps increases device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket incorporates radial sealing ribs that project laterally outwardly from the web, creating localized high-compression zones at critical sealing points (triple points and perimeter interfaces) while maintaining lower overall compression forces. This localized enhancement of sealing quality at specific locations resolves the contradiction by providing effective sealing without requiring excessive compression throughout the entire gasket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket features an elongated web with rounded, curved cross-sectional profile rather than flat or angular geometry. This curved configuration allows the gasket to deform more effectively under compression, distributing stress evenly and enhancing sealing contact at triple points and perimeters. The curvature enables effective sealing with reduced compression forces compared to rigid flat gaskets.
2Reliability
If excessive clamping pressures are applied to achieve effective perimeter sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the risk of damaging enclosure components and increasing manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is designed with specific geometric parameters including an elongated web with optimized length, width, and thickness ratios, along with radially projecting sealing ribs. These parameter optimizations allow the gasket to achieve effective sealing at lower compression pressures by concentrating sealing force at critical locations through the rib structures, thereby reducing the risk of component damage during assembly and simplifying manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket functions as a composite sealing system combining the elongated web structure with radially projecting sealing ribs, creating a multi-functional composite component that provides both structural support and enhanced sealing capability. This composite design enables effective perimeter sealing at reduced compression forces, avoiding damage to enclosure components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If traditional cable seals without tapered tabs or chamfered surfaces are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but sealing effectiveness at triple points is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cable seal incorporates tapered sealing tabs and chamfered peripheral surfaces that concentrate sealing force at the triple point interface between the cable seal body and enclosure housing. These localized geometric modifications enhance sealing effectiveness at the critical triple point location without requiring complex overall cable seal architecture, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable seal features chamfered peripheral surfaces with angled, curved geometry rather than sharp edges or flat surfaces. These chamfered surfaces facilitate gradual compression and enhanced contact at the triple point interface, improving sealing effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple cable seal construction that does not significantly increase device 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
These sealing configurations provide effective sealing at triple points and perimeter seals with lower compression forces, enhancing the reliability and integrity of fiber optic distribution networks while reducing the number of parts and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric cable seal having a main body and sealing tabs adapted for enhancing effective sealing at triple points formed at an interface between the main body and a housing of the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric sealing member having a chamfered peripheral surface that provides an enhanced sealing at a triple point between the sealing member and a housing of the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
a perimeter sealing gasket having a transverse cross-sectional profile including an elongated web that is compressed along its length and that includes radial sealing ribs that project laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the web
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a re-enterable enclosure for a fiber optic network. The enclosure can include features such as a low compression-force perimeter gasket, cable seals constructed to seal effectively seal triple points, multi-function port size reducer plugs and multi-function blind plugs.