Fiber Optic Connection Module with Sealant Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic communication systems lack enhanced connectivity options within enclosures, which limits the flexibility and robustness of fiber optic network connections, particularly in outdoor environments where conventional indoor connectors are not sufficient.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a modular enclosure design with a sealant arrangement that accommodates fiber optic connection modules, providing sealed ports for routing cables and modules, and anchoring structures for securing these modules within the enclosure, enabling compatibility with hardened connectors and various fiber optic configurations, including passive power splitters and wavelength division multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional indoor connectors are used in fiber optic communication systems, then the system is simpler to implement, but the connectivity options and robustness are insufficient for outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is designed with multiple types of connectors (SC, LC, hardened connectors) and connection modules that can accommodate different fiber optic configurations. The sealant arrangement with multiple ports and the modular design enable the system to support various connector types and fiber arrangements, making it universally applicable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure provides multiple connectivity options and hardened connector support, then the adaptability and robustness improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular components including the base, dome, sealant arrangement, and multiple connection modules. Each module can be independently configured and installed, allowing the system to provide complex functionality while maintaining ease of assembly and maintenance through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection modules are nested within the enclosure structure, with each module containing connectors, adapters, and mounting structures. The modular design allows smaller functional units to be integrated within the larger enclosure system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If the sealant arrangement is pressurized to seal cable ports, then the environmental sealing improves, but the manufacturing and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant arrangement incorporates a pressurization mechanism that allows the sealant to be dynamically adjusted to different pressure levels. This dynamic pressurization capability enables the seal to adapt to variations in assembly tolerances and environmental conditions, achieving reliable sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
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 enhances connectivity options by providing sealed, robust, and adaptable fiber optic connections within the enclosure, supporting both single and multi-fiber connectors, and enabling secure anchoring, thus improving the reliability and flexibility of fiber optic network installations.
Implementation Method 1
a sealant arrangement 54 adapted to prevent water and other contaminants from entering an interior of the enclosure through cable access ports
Implementation Method 2
an actuation arrangement 67 for pressurizing the volume of sealant 66 within the base 18
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an enclosure (10) including a housing, a volume of sealant (66) that defines a port (28) in communication with an interior of the housing, and a fiber optic connection module (32) including a sleeve that mounts within the port with the volume of sealant forming a seal about an exterior of the sleeve. The sleeve includes an inner end (34) adjacent the interior of the housing and an outer end (36) outside the housing. The fiber optic connection module also includes a demateable fiber optic connection interface adjacent the outer end of the sleeve. The demateable fiber optic connection interface includes a fiber optic connector. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber optic connection modules having features that make such modules suitable to be mounted within a port defined by a volume of sealant.