Fluid-Tight Distribution Box for Duct Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber distribution boxes face challenges in preventing the spread of hazardous gases and smoke during fires, as they are not designed to be universally compatible with different cable diameters, leading to cumbersome installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-tight distribution box assembly with a primary duct and secondary ducts, featuring a sealing mechanism that accommodates various duct diameters and includes a blocking structure to prevent gas exchange, allowing for efficient installation and reduced risk of gas spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distribution box is designed for a specific cable diameter, then it provides a stable and secure mounting, but it cannot be universally applied to different cable types, requiring multiple distribution boxes for different cable diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple cable diameters. The clamping structure includes adjustable elements that can adapt to different cable sizes, allowing a single distribution box design to serve multiple cable types without requiring separate specialized boxes for each diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates dynamic, adjustable components such as movable clamps or expandable structures that can change their configuration to match different cable diameters. This dynamic adaptability allows the same distribution box to securely mount various cable sizes through adjustment rather than requiring multiple fixed-design boxes.
2Reliability
If multiple fixation points are required for mounting a distribution box, then the mounting is more secure, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single integrated mounting mechanism. The clamping structure combines multiple securing actions into one operation, allowing the distribution box to be firmly attached to the cable through a single mounting action rather than requiring separate fixation steps at multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is pre-configured with predetermined fixation points and pre-positioned clamping elements that automatically engage with the cable. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments and multiple separate fixation operations during installation.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution box is open or poorly sealed, then installation and access are easier, but hazardous gases and smoke can spread between building levels through the duct system
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box incorporates sealing elements such as gaskets, seals, or flexible membranes that create a hermetic barrier between the interior and exterior environments. These flexible sealing components maintain the enclosed structure while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction, preventing the passage of hazardous gases and smoke through the duct system.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing elements act as intermediary barriers between the distribution box interior and the external environment. These intermediate sealing layers block the direct path for gas and smoke transmission while maintaining the structural integrity and accessibility of the distribution box for installation and maintenance operations.
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 effectively seals the distribution chamber from the environment, reducing the risk of gas and smoke spread between building levels and enables swift, efficient installation on different duct types.
Implementation Method 1
The distribution box being mounted on the primary duct, in fluid-tight engagement there-with, for enclosing a distribution chamber therewith
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An assembly comprising at least one duct (1) and at least one distribution box (2), the distribution box (2) being mounted on the duct (1), in fluid-tight engagement there-with, for enclosing a distribution chamber (4) therewith. Also, there is provided a method of mounting a distribution box to a duct, at a distribution point that is spaced-apart from duct ends, the method comprising: -positioning a distribution point duct section in the distribution box; -hermetically sealing a distribution chamber, defined within the distribution box, from an environment of the distribution box.