Fiber Optic Cable Termination With Interior Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber connectors face challenges in securely terminating fiber optic cables with varying cross-sectional shapes, dimensions, and materials, as well as manufacturing variations, making them difficult to adapt for different cable designs, and often require modifications to the cable for compatibility with specific connectors.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly featuring a retention body with an interior seal component that can be configured to adapt various cable types and sizes, using a deformable seal component to center and secure the cable, preventing filler agent leakage and allowing for secure termination without altering the cable's profile, thereby accommodating different cable designs within a specific retention body or vice versa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fiber optic connector is designed for a specific cable design, then the termination is secure and reliable, but the connector cannot be easily adapted for other cable designs with different cross-sectional shapes, dimensions, or materials
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is designed with a standardized passage and sealing mechanism that can accommodate multiple cable types and designs. The interior seal component can be configured in different ways to adapt to various cable cross-sectional shapes, dimensions, and materials, allowing a single connector design to universally terminate different cable designs without requiring cable modifications
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the interior seal component prevents filler agent leakage, then the termination process is clean and controlled, but the seal component must precisely fit within the passage which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The interior seal component utilizes a flexible sealing structure that can deform to conform to the passage geometry. This flexible membrane approach creates an effective seal to prevent filler agent leakage while avoiding the need for precision-machined rigid seals, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the interior seal component centers and secures the cable in the retention body, then the cable positioning is accurate and stable, but the seal component structure becomes more complex to achieve both sealing and centering functions
Solution Approach 1:
The interior seal component combines multiple functions into a single element: it provides sealing to prevent filler agent leakage, centers the cable within the passage through its geometric configuration, and secures the cable in position. This integration of sealing, centering, and positioning functions into one component reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fiber optic cable assembly for terminating a cable using an interior seal component in a passage of a retention body and methods for making the same. The interior seal component inhibits a bonding material from passing through to unintended portions of the retention body, and also serves to position the cable within the retention body during termination. Embodiments may include an optional end seal for inhibiting the bonding agent from escaping the retention body.