Rib-Based Fiber Optic Sealing for Uniform Foam Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic enclosure designs, such as MDU terminals, face ineffective sealing at cable entry points due to uneven compression forces on foam sealing components, leading to potential water and dust ingress.
Innovation Solution
The design employs a mechanism where the force from closing a cover compresses foam members perpendicular to the direction of the closing force, using fingers and ribs to create uniform compression around cables, ensuring effective sealing and protection against water and dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam is compressed parallel to the closing force direction, then sealing is achieved, but compression forces become uneven causing ineffective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of force application by using ribs that extend perpendicular to the closing force direction. When the cover closes, the ribs transmit the force laterally to compress the foam uniformly around the cable in a direction perpendicular to the closing force, rather than compressing it parallel to the closing force direction. This dimensional transformation of force transmission resolves the uneven compression problem.
2Reliability
If multiple foam pieces are used to seal around cables, then sealing coverage is improved, but foam exposure increases making it prone to wear and seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple foam pieces into a single continuous foam structure that wraps around the cable. This unified foam configuration maintains comprehensive sealing coverage while reducing the number of exposed foam surfaces. The foam is positioned within a channel formed by ribs, which protects it from direct exposure to external wear and seepage hazards.
3Productivity
If enclosure design accommodates high cable density, then productivity is improved, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sealing mechanism using ribs and channels that can accommodate multiple cables of varying sizes within a single sealing structure. The ribbed channel configuration provides a multi-functional solution that seals around bundles of cables simultaneously, maintaining high cable density without requiring separate sealing mechanisms for each cable, thus avoiding increased complexity.
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 approach provides a more uniform and effective sealing mechanism, enhancing protection for the internal contents of enclosures by ensuring consistent compression forces and increased foam protection, even at high cable densities.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one foam member is compressible and configured to seal around the cable when compressed by the first element and the second element in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the closing force acting on the cover
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An enclosure is provided comprising a base, a cover coupled to the base, a first and second element, and foam member(s). The cover has an open position and a closed position. The first element comprises a first base portion and fingers attached thereto. The second element comprises a second base portion and a ribs attached thereto. The ribs are positioned in rib pairs. Gaps are defined between two ribs of a respective rib pair. The second element defines slots between adjacent rib pairs. The foam member(s) each have a slit defined therein and are configured to receive a cable in the slit. The second element is configured to receive the foam member(s) in slots. Transitioning the cover from the open position to the closed position causes each finger to be received in a respective gap so as to cause compression of the foam member(s) in the slot about the cable.