Half-Shell Microduct Coupling Sleeve for Fast In-Service Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microducts used for fiber optic cables are susceptible to damage from mechanical stress, environmental conditions, and improper handling, leading to signal loss and complex, time-consuming repairs that disrupt network operations.
Innovation Solution
A microduct insert with an elongated body featuring predetermined breaking points, a sealing agent, and a connecting sleeve assembly with housing halves and push-fit clamps, allowing for quick and secure connection and repair of microduct end pieces during ongoing network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-based connection devices are used to repair microducts, then the connection can be secure, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate housing halves that can be independently positioned and assembled. Each housing half can be separately attached to microduct ends, and then joined together through a simple locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex screw assembly while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The housing halves are pre-configured with integrated locking elements and sealing components during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the field assembly to proceed quickly by simply engaging the pre-built halves together without requiring additional fastening operations
2Reliability
If traditional multi-component connection devices are used, then the connection can be secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the housing halves: structural support, locking mechanism, and sealing are all integrated into the half-shell structure itself. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components from traditional multi-part devices to just two main housing halves, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The housing halves are designed as universal components that can accommodate different microduct sizes and configurations. The same basic half-shell structure serves multiple purposes: providing mechanical strength, enabling easy attachment, ensuring sealing, and facilitating quick assembly, thereby reducing device complexity across various application scenarios
3Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used for microduct repair, then the connection can be secure, but network operations must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The housing halves are pre-assembled with all necessary locking and sealing components factory-installed. This preliminary preparation allows field technicians to simply attach the pre-configured halves to microduct ends and lock them together in minutes, maintaining network operations throughout the repair process without requiring complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The repair process is segmented into simple, independent steps: positioning housing half A, positioning housing half B, and locking them together. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-step procedures, enabling rapid repair that maintains network productivity while ensuring secure connection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connecting sleeve (300), in particular a half-shell connecting sleeve, for a microduct, in particular a defective one, in particular for connecting microduct end pieces of a defective, in particular interrupted, microduct or of two different microducts, comprising: two housing halves (300A, 300B), in particular half-shell sleeves, which are configured to receive a sealing element (200) and/or a microduct insert (100), wherein the housing halves (300A, 300B) can be clamped against each other by means of one or more connecting clamps (400), in particular shear clamp sleeves, in particular via dovetail guides, wherein at least one of the housing halves (300A, 300B) comprises at least one locking element (350) which is configured to engage the, in particular defective, microduct, in particular to wedge it, in particular to grip it, in particular to lock it in place, in particular to secure a position of the connecting sleeve (300) on the, in particular defectiveMicroduct. Furthermore, a corresponding sealant (200) and/or a microduct insert (100) is described.