Fiber-Optic Connection Box With Transverse Cable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connection boxes lack efficient and flexible sealing mechanisms for fiber optic cables, particularly in junction boxes, which are prone to mechanical interference, unauthorized access, dust, and moisture, and require cumbersome cable threading during installation.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connection box with a one-piece elastomer seal featuring multiple sealing elements connected by a web, allowing transverse insertion of cables into receptacles, and adaptable feedthrough types for different cable diameters, enhancing sealing efficiency and installation ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sealing mechanisms are used in fiber optic connection boxes, then protection against mechanical interference and environmental factors is provided, but cable installation becomes cumbersome and complex threading is required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple sealing elements (first sealing element, second sealing element, etc.) that can independently accommodate different cables. Each sealing element has its own cable passage and sealing surface, allowing cables to be installed separately without complex threading through a single unified seal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring cables to thread through the seal from one side to the other (traditional approach), the invention allows cables to be inserted from the front side through individually designed passages in each sealing element. The sealing action occurs at the interface between the sealing element and housing, eliminating the need for complex rear-side threading and adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unified seal structure is used for multiple cables, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different cable diameters and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal comprises multiple independent sealing elements, each with its own cable passage and sealing surface. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific cable types and diameters while maintaining overall seal integrity. Different sealing elements can accommodate different cable configurations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sealing element has locally optimized features including varying passage dimensions, different sealing surface geometries, and specific material properties tailored to the particular cable types it accommodates. This local customization within the unified seal structure enables high adaptability without requiring a completely different seal for each cable type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate seals are used for different cables, then adaptability to different cable types is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing elements that would traditionally be separate components are merged into a single integrated seal structure made from one piece of elastomer material. This combining maintains the adaptability benefits of multiple specialized sealing elements while eliminating the manufacturing and assembly complexities of producing and installing separate seal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified seal structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing for different cable types, maintains environmental protection, and facilitates easy cable installation. The single elastomer body performs the roles of multiple separate seals while adding the benefit of integrated manufacturing and simplified assembly.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cable threading through housing walls is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but protection against dust and moisture is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements act as intermediary components between the cables and the housing wall. Each sealing element creates a sealed interface around the cable passage, preventing dust and moisture ingress while allowing the cable to pass through. The elastomer material deforms to maintain sealing contact without requiring complex threading mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made from elastomer material that forms flexible sealing elements capable of deforming around cables of different sizes and shapes. This flexibility allows the sealing surfaces to maintain intimate contact with the housing and cables, creating effective barriers against dust and moisture while accommodating various cable configurations during installation.
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 solution provides robust protection against mechanical interference, dust, and moisture while simplifying the cable installation process by allowing transverse insertion and accommodating various cable diameters, ensuring secure and efficient sealing without complex threading.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (5) in one of the housing walls for leading fiber optic cables through the housing wall, which seal is a one-piece elastomer body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fiber optic connection box with a housing with housing walls and a seal in one of the housing walls for leading fiber optic cables through the housing wall, which seal is a one-piece elastomer body and has a plurality of sealing elements for at least one cable each and a web, which web connects the sealing elements to one another, wherein the housing wall has receptacles which are adapted to the sealing elements for introducing the sealing elements into the housing wall and into which the cables inserted into the sealing elements are or can be introduced in a direction transverse to a local line direction of the cables to be led through.