Fiber Optic Adapter Assembly for Hermetic Enclosure Pressure Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connection systems face challenges in maintaining pressure within telecommunications enclosures during the connection and disconnection of fiber optic cables, leading to potential air leaks and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic adapter assembly that mounts to a telecommunications enclosure, sealingly coupling two fiber optic connectors while maintaining pressure within the enclosure by using a ruggedized design with sealing elements and a secure mounting mechanism to prevent air leaks and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fiber optic connectors are connected and disconnected in the field without splicing, then ease of operation is improved, but pressure maintenance within the enclosure deteriorates due to potential air leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization channel is provided in the adapter assembly that allows pressure equalization between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior environment. This intermediary channel prevents pressure differentials that would cause air leaks while maintaining the sealed enclosure structure, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of connector operation and pressure maintenance reliability
2Reliability
If the enclosure is hermetically sealed to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but adaptability for field connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a sealed adapter housing, a pressure equalization channel, and connector receptacles. This segmentation allows the enclosure to remain hermetically sealed while providing dedicated interfaces for field connections, thus maintaining both contamination prevention and field connection adaptability
3Reliability
If sealing elements are added to maintain pressure, then pressure maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization channel is integrated into the adapter assembly structure itself, merging the sealing function with the connector housing. This combines multiple functions (sealing, pressure equalization, and connector support) into a single integrated component, improving pressure maintenance without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic adapter assembly is provided that sealingly mounts to a telecommunications enclosure. The adapter assembly mounts to a communications enclosure such that one of two fiber optic connectors is received into the adapter assembly outside of the enclosure and the other fiber optic connector is engaged into the adapter assembly inside of the enclosure. The enclosure is pressurized at a predetermined level, and the adapter assembly is configured to maintain the pressure within the enclosure when the adapter assembly mounts to the enclosure.