Fiber Optic Connection Assembly With Hermetic Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber optic connection boxes are too large for narrow workspaces and have high costs, with limited practical application due to fixed adapter positions requiring sufficient single-fiber cable length for coupling.

Innovation Solution

A compact fiber optic connection assembly featuring a fan-out member with a multi-fiber optical cable and single-fiber optical cables, where the single-fiber optic connectors and adapters are hermetically sealed within outer shields to prevent moisture and water ingress, allowing flexible cable lengths and arrangement for efficient coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a conventional fiber optic connection box is used to house all fiber optic adapters and connectors, then the connection function is achieved, but the device occupies a large volume and cannot be used in narrow workspaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of connection deviceVSAvoidease of fiber coupling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into two parts: a compact fan-out module containing only the multi-fiber to single-fiber splitting function, and separate adapter/connector components that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the main connection box to be very small while operators can handle adapters and connectors separately during coupling operations, resolving the contradiction between small volume and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a three-dimensional box structure to a more linear, extended arrangement where the fan-out module serves as a compact central point and cables extend outward in multiple directions. This dimensional reorganization allows the connection function to be achieved with a much smaller central component while maintaining operational accessibility through the extended cable arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fiber optic adapters are fixed on the body of the connection box, then the structure is stable, but the single-fiber optical cable must have enough length to reach the adapter, complicating the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of adapter mountingVSAvoidease of cable coupling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the adapter mounting position adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the adapter to be repositioned along the cable path as needed. This dynamic positioning capability enables operators to place adapters at optimal locations for cable coupling, reducing the required cable length and simplifying operations while maintaining structural stability through secure but movable mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional fiber optic connection box with multiple adapters is used, then the connection function is achieved, but the cost of the device is very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a universal fan-out module design that can accommodate different numbers and types of fiber connections through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic module to serve various connection configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining connection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs standardized, mass-producible adapter and connector components that can be replicated and assembled in various configurations. By using copied, standardized parts rather than custom-designed components for each connection point, the system achieves versatility through modular assembly while significantly reducing manufacturing costs through economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 enables the use of the fiber optic connection assembly in narrow spaces while maintaining a sealed and waterproof environment, reducing operational complexity and costs by allowing flexible cable management and arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2984513B1Fiber optic connection assembly
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 COMMSCOPE TELECOMM (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP2984513B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2984513B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2984513B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home, comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end introduced into the fan-out member and spliced with a respective one of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable and a second end extending out of the fan-out member; and a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables, respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.