Fiber Optic Cable Strain Relief With Hooked Retention and Segmented Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fiber optic cable strain relief and sealing in harsh environments are complex, require manual dexterity, and are limited in accommodating a range of cable diameters, leading to potential water and debris ingress.
Innovation Solution
A cable port seal and strain relief assembly featuring a body with hooks to secure aramid yarn and a strain relief receiver that simplifies installation, reduces dexterity, and accommodates various cable diameters, using snap-fit components for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel or rubber compression seals are used, then sealing capability is improved, but installation complexity increases and they form gaps if cable is too large
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments that can independently adjust to accommodate different cable diameters. Each segment can be installed separately and will compress around the cable, eliminating gaps while simplifying installation as the segments self-adjust to the cable size.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal segments are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to expand or contract based on the cable diameter. This dynamic adaptation ensures proper sealing for various cable sizes without requiring complex installation procedures or manual adjustment.
2Reliability
If cable grommets or glands are used, then sealing is achieved, but they require cable to be pulled through which increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling the cable through the seal from one end, the seal segments are designed to be installed around the cable in reverse sequence. The segments can be slipped over the cable and assembled in place, eliminating the time-consuming process of pulling the cable through a confined space.
3Reliability
If vertical slit foam cube seals are used, then sealing capability is provided, but they are highly sensitive to misalignment resulting in improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into multiple independent sections that can accommodate cable movement and misalignment. Each segment can adjust independently, providing tolerance for alignment variations and ensuring proper sealing even if the cable is not perfectly centered during installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a given seal is used for fiber optic cables, then sealing is provided, but it has limited range of cable diameters that can be serviced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal segments are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to expand or contract to accommodate a wide range of cable diameters. This ensures that the same seal design can effectively service different cable sizes while maintaining reliable sealing effectiveness across the entire diameter range.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2B
AI summary
A cable strain relief for a fiber optic assembly is provided including a body defining a sidewall, a cable passthrough disposed in the body from a first end of the body to a second end of the body, and a cable slot disposed through sidewall enabling a fiber optic cable to be inserted into the cable passthrough. The cable strain relief also includes a plurality of hooks disposed on an exterior surface of the sidewall. The plurality of hooks are configured to resist movement of a strength member of the fiber optic cable, when the strength member is wrapped around the body.