Fiber Optic Cable Seal With Hooked Strain Relief for Easy Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fiber optic cable strain relief and sealing in harsh environments are cumbersome, require significant manual dexterity, and often fail to provide a universal fit for a range of cable diameters, leading to potential water or debris ingress.
Innovation Solution
A cable seal and strain relief assembly that includes a cable port seal with deformable materials and compression elements, and a strain relief system with hooks and pins to secure aramid yarn, allowing for easy installation and a wide range of cable diameters, while providing a robust environmental seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable grommets or glands are used for sealing, then a seal is provided for the fiber optic cable, but the cable must be pulled through the seal which increases installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments that can be independently installed and adjusted. Each segment can be separately positioned and secured, allowing for easier installation compared to a monolithic seal while maintaining effective sealing around the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal segments are pre-configured with retention features and compression mechanisms that enable easy installation without requiring the cable to be pulled through a complex assembly. The preliminary preparation of the seal components allows for simplified installation procedures.
2Reliability
If gel or rubber compression seals are used, then a seal is formed around the cable, but gaps may form on either side of the cable if the cable is too large for the given seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal employs deformable materials that can dynamically adjust to different cable diameters. The compression elements can be compressed to accommodate varying cable sizes, ensuring a proper seal without gaps whether the cable is small or large relative to the seal opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design allows for parameter changes in the compression force and material deformation to accommodate different cable diameters. By adjusting the compression level and material properties, the seal can adapt to a wide range of cable sizes while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If vertical slit foam cube seals are used, then a seal is provided for the cable, but the seal is highly sensitive to misalignment in installation which may result in improper cable sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal incorporates asymmetric retention features and compression mechanisms that guide the cable and seal segments into proper alignment during installation. The asymmetric design provides inherent alignment cues that reduce sensitivity to misalignment and ensure correct positioning of the seal around the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal segments include self-aligning features and automatic retention mechanisms that ensure proper positioning without requiring precise manual alignment during installation. The self-service characteristics of the seal design allow it to automatically adjust and align itself around the cable, reducing installation precision requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a universal seal design is created to accommodate various cable diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised for specific cable sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The universal seal is achieved through segmentation into multiple adjustable segments that can be independently configured for different cable diameters. Each segment maintains sealing effectiveness for its designated cable size while the overall assembly provides universality across various cable types and diameters.
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 assembly offers a universal fit for various cable diameters, reduces installation complexity, and ensures effective protection against environmental factors, enhancing the reliability of fiber optic assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing component (204) formed of a deformable material
Implementation Method 2
a first compression element (206) and a second compression element (206) configured to compress the first sealing component (204) in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
configured to compress the first sealing component (204) in a first direction, a second sealing component (220), and a cap (222) configured to compress the first sealing component (204) and the second sealing component (220) in a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2B
AI summary
A fiber optic assembly is provided including a cable port seal including a first sealing component, a first and second compression element configured to compress the first sealing component in a first direction, a second sealing component, and a cap configured to compress the first and second sealing component in a second direction. The compression in the first direction and second direction provides a seal around a cable. The fiber optic assembly also includes a strain relief including a body defining a sidewall, a passthrough disposed in the body from a first end to a second end, and a slot enabling a fiber optic cable to be inserted into the passthrough. The strain relief also includes a plurality of hooks disposed on an exterior surface of the sidewall and configured to resist movement of a strength member of the cable, when the strength member is wrapped around the body.