Fiber Optic End Coupling with Helical Sealing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing end connectors for fiber optic circuits are difficult to replace without damaging the optical cable, as they require disconnection and reconnection of the fibers, which is error-prone and requires skilled labor, and the sealing mechanisms are not durable or adaptable to different diameters.
Innovation Solution
The end connector features a tubular body with a longitudinal opening that separates into two shells, allowing the optical cable to be inserted longitudinally, and a helical sealing element that can be mounted without disconnecting the cable, using a helical thread with a sharp edge for secure attachment, enabling reliable sealing without sharp tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional end connector with a sealed tubular body is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but replacement requires cutting and disconnection of the optical cable which increases complexity and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body is divided into two separable half-shells that can be assembled around the optical cable without disconnecting it. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed by simply opening the half-shells, passing the cable through, and closing them together, eliminating the need for cutting or complex disconnection procedures while maintaining sealing integrity through the combined half-shell structure.
2Ease of operation
If tubular seals with longitudinal slots are used to facilitate cable passage, then installation ease is improved, but sealing durability and adaptability to different diameters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a longitudinal slot in a single tubular seal, the invention divides the tubular body into two separate half-shells. This segmentation provides the same installation advantage of easy cable passage while improving sealing durability because the complete circumferential contact is restored when the half-shells are assembled together, eliminating the inherent weakness of longitudinal slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shell structure allows the connector to adapt dynamically to different optical cable diameters. The half-shells can be opened wide to accommodate various cable sizes during installation, then closed to provide a secure fit. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for specific joints for each diameter while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Ease of operation
If the tubular body is separated into half-shells for easy cable installation, then installation ease is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body is segmented into two half-shells that can be easily assembled and disassembled. While this increases structural complexity compared to a single-piece design, the complexity is manageable through simple joining mechanisms and provides significant operational advantages for cable installation and connector replacement without requiring specialized tools or procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an end coupling (1) for a fibre optic circuit comprising at least one tube (100) in which an optical cable (200) extends, the coupling (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having a section (3.1) for receiving the tube (100) and an outlet end for the optical cable (200), the receiving section (3.1) being provided with means (4) for anchoring the tube (100), and a sealing element (5) which is arranged so as to ensure a sealing contact between the optical cable (200) and a wall of an end recess (3.12) of the receiving section (3.1) and between the tube (100) and the tubular body (2), the tubular body (2) being arranged so as to be able to have at least one longitudinal opening through which the optical cable (200) passes, and in that the sealing element (5) extends helically about the longitudinal axis (X). The invention also relates to a method for connecting to such an end coupling (1), and a corresponding sealing element.