Fiber Optic Cable Pressure Fitting Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables face challenges in maintaining a pressure and chemical seal in caustic, high-pressure, or low-pressure environments, particularly when exposed to corrosive fluids or gases, which can lead to damage and degradation, and existing methods struggle to randomize optic fibers within a pressure fitting while providing a seal.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable design featuring a pressure fitting with a pressure ferrule, plugs, and a bushing, where optic fibers are randomized and coated with a binder material to create a hermetic seal, preventing fluid migration and improving light output uniformity, suitable for various harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure fitting is used to seal the fiber optic cable, then protection against environmental elements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure fitting employs a nested structure where the pressure ferrule contains multiple pressure plugs (first and second pressure plugs) that are inserted into counterbores within the ferrule. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing functions to be integrated within a single compact component, providing robust environmental protection while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure fitting is segmented into distinct functional components: the pressure ferrule as the main body, first and second pressure plugs for dual-sided sealing, and a bushing for additional structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while assembling into a unified sealing system that protects the fiber optic cable.
2Illumination intensity
If optic fibers are randomized within the pressure fitting, then light output uniformity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the binder material during assembly. The binder is applied in a manageable state, allows the fibers to be randomized to the desired extent, and then undergoes a state change (curing/hardening) to lock the randomized fiber arrangement in place. This enables achieving uniform light output while managing manufacturing precision through controlled parameter changes.
3Reliability
If binder material is applied to randomized optic fibers, then hermetic seal is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process employs preliminary action by first randomizing the optic fibers within the pressure fitting to the desired extent, then applying the binder material to secure this arrangement. This sequence ensures the fibers are properly positioned before binding, achieving hermetic sealing while managing manufacturing complexity through a logical, step-by-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder material serves as an intermediary substance that facilitates the connection between the randomized optic fibers and the pressure fitting structure. It mediates between the mechanical randomization process and the final hermetic seal, allowing fibers to be secured in their randomized positions while creating the necessary sealing barrier.
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 solution effectively seals the fiber optic cable against environmental elements, ensuring its integrity in hostile conditions and enhancing light output quality by randomizing the optic fibers within the pressure fitting, thus preventing damage and maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
coating each of the randomized optic fibers with a binder material to create a hermetic seal, preventing fluid migration
Implementation Method 2
The pressure fitting creates at least one of a pressure or chemical barrier at the first end of the fiber optic cable that prevents migration of fluids into or out of the fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cable is presented having a pressure fitting at an end of the cable. The pressure fitting can create a pressure and/or chemical seal to prevent migration of environmental elements into or out of the cable. The fiber optic cable can advantageously be configured for use in varied environments including, for example, one or more of caustic, high-pressure, or low-pressure environments.