Fiber Optic Connector Sealing With Superabsorbent Gaskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connectors and connectorized cable assemblies lack robust sealing integrity, particularly in outdoor deployments, necessitating improved sealing solutions to ensure reliable and trouble-free operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a seal component with superabsorbent properties, such as a superabsorbent polymer, to enhance sealing in fiber optic connectors and connectorized cable assemblies, utilizing a collapsing cantilevered gasket that forms omnidirectional compression interfaces to securely seal the fiber optic cable without the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used in fiber optic connectors, then the device complexity remains low, but the sealing integrity deteriorates in outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the sealing material from solid to gel through superabsorbent properties. The sealing material absorbs moisture and transforms into a gel state, creating an adaptive seal that expands to fill gaps and conform to mating surfaces, thereby improving sealing integrity without requiring complex mechanical sealing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sealing structures combining superabsorbent polymer materials with traditional connector components. The sealing material comprises superabsorbent particles embedded in a matrix material, creating a composite that provides both structural support and adaptive sealing capabilities, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable sealing
2Reliability
If robust sealing solutions are implemented to protect against environmental factors, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing material is pre-loaded into the connector body in a dry, compact state before final assembly. This preliminary positioning allows for simple manufacturing and assembly processes, while the material's superabsorbent properties activate during operation to provide robust sealing, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable environmental protection
Solution Approach 2:
The superabsorbent sealing material automatically activates upon exposure to moisture, transforming from a dry powder or granular state to a gel state that provides sealing. This self-activating property eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures or additional sealing steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable outdoor performance
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 provides enhanced sealing integrity, ensuring reliable operation of fiber optic connectors in outdoor environments by effectively sealing against moisture and environmental factors, thereby maintaining signal transmission quality.
Implementation Method 1
a seal component with superabsorbent properties, such as a superabsorbent polymer, to enhance sealing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a collapsing cantilevered gasket that forms omnidirectional compression interfaces to securely seal the fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector that includes a connector body comprising a ferrule retaining portion, a pusher engagement portion and a body cable passage extending through the pusher engagement portion and the ferrule retaining portion. The connector includes a ferrule assembly structurally configured to be retained by the ferrule retaining portion with an optical fiber bore of the ferrule assembly in alignment with the body cable passage. The connector includes a pusher structurally configured to axially engage the pusher engagement portion with a pusher cable passage in alignment with the body cable passage, and a seal component with superabsorbent properties.