Fiber Optic End Cap Assembly Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic enclosures face challenges in providing efficient sealing and strain relief for optical cables, as traditional methods like heat shrink tubing are time-consuming and difficult to repair, and require additional equipment, while traditional strain relief methods complicate access to components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an end cap assembly with input and output fiber sealing assemblies that use gel inserts and compression members to create seals and provide strain relief, allowing for easier installation and repair without the need for additional framing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat shrink tubing is used to seal optical fibers, then sealing is provided, but installation time increases and additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat shrink tubing and heating equipment from the sealing process, replacing them with a mechanical compression system using compression members that directly compress sealing members against the enclosure body, eliminating the need for thermal processing equipment and reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat shrink tubing requiring heat source) with a mechanical field (compression members applying direct mechanical force), substituting a simpler mechanical compression system for the more complex thermal processing system
2Reliability
If heat shrink tubing is used to seal optical fibers, then sealing is provided, but repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, adjustable sealing system where compression members can be loosened or removed to access optical fibers for repair, and re-tightened afterward, transforming the static permanent seal of heat shrink tubing into a reversible mechanical seal that accommodates maintenance needs
3Reliability
If traditional strain relief methods are used, then strain relief is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain relief function with the existing sealing structure by integrating strain relief members into the sealing assembly, allowing the same structural elements to provide both sealing and strain relief functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional components where sealing members and compression members serve dual purposes: providing environmental sealing while simultaneously offering strain relief for optical cables, eliminating the need for separate dedicated strain relief mechanisms
4Reliability
If additional framing components are added for strain relief, then strain relief is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing and strain relief functions into independent but integrated modules within the sealing assembly, allowing each component to be manufactured separately and then assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional effectiveness
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
This solution simplifies the sealing and strain relief process for fiber optic enclosures, reducing installation complexity and enabling easier maintenance by using gel inserts and compression members to create effective seals and relieve strain on optical cables.
Implementation Method 1
an input fiber compression member. The input fiber compression member passes through the input fiber plate, the input fiber gel insert, and the input fiber compression plate
Implementation Method 2
The input fiber compression member passes through the input fiber plate, the input fiber gel insert, and the input fiber compression plate
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic enclosures, terminal assemblies, end cap assemblies, and methods of sealing fiber optic enclosures are disclosed. The terminal assembly of a fiber optic enclosure may include an input fiber sealing assembly and an output fiber sealing assembly. The input fiber sealing assembly may include an input fiber insert positioned in an input fiber channel of the cap body, an input fiber compression plate positioned in the input fiber channel, and an input fiber compression member for compressing the insert between the fiber compression plate and the base plate. The output fiber sealing assembly may include an output fiber insert positioned in the output fiber channel of the cap body, an output fiber compression plate positioned in the output fiber channel, and an output fiber compression member for compressing the insert between the fiber compression plate and the base plate.