Microduct Coupling System With Tool-Free Retention And Weather-Tight Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microduct termination systems require significant user input and often lead to issues such as over- or under-tightening and incorrect insertion, as they typically rely on tools for operation and do not allow for quick and tool-free insertion or removal of microducts.
Innovation Solution
A microduct coupling system featuring a support structure with couplers that include retention and sealing members, allowing for tool-free insertion and removal of microducts, with a design that provides a secure and weather-tight seal, and includes a microduct port adapter and coupling panel for efficient termination at distribution points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hose clamps or end clamps are used to secure microducts to terminal enclosures, then the microducts are securely retained and cannot be unintentionally removed, but significant user input and tools are required to operate the clamps, leading to over- or under-tightening and time-consuming installation
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is designed to automatically engage with the microduct upon insertion and can be released by simple manual manipulation without tools. The member features a resilient body with protrusions that snap into engagement with the microduct, providing secure retention while allowing easy tool-free installation and removal by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical clamp system requiring multiple fastening operations is replaced with a simple resilient retention member that uses elastic deformation and snap-fit engagement. This substitution eliminates the need for tools and complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining secure retention
2Reliability
If traditional clamp mechanisms are used, then secure retention is achieved, but the process requires significant time and potential for error in tightening and insertion depth
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member automatically adjusts to the microduct diameter through elastic deformation and self-secures upon insertion. The user simply inserts the microduct and the retention member engages automatically, eliminating time-consuming adjustment and tightening operations while ensuring reliable termination
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is pre-configured with resilient properties and geometric features (protrusions, cavities) that automatically engage with the microduct in the correct position upon insertion. This preliminary design ensures proper insertion depth and secure retention without requiring user judgment or adjustment during installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable coupling is implemented, then easy removal and reconfiguration is enabled, but ensuring weather-tight seal and secure retention simultaneously becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: the retention member for secure mechanical engagement, the sealing member for weather-tight protection, and the support structure for overall support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide both removability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the retention member and the microduct. This sealing member fills the gap created by the removable connection, providing weather-tight protection while allowing the coupling to remain easily removable and reconfigurable
Data Source
AI summary
Microduct coupling and termination devices are provided. One coupling system includes a support structure with first and second sides. Multiple couplers are configured to receive corresponding microducts on the first side. Each coupler includes a wall connected to the support structure, which defines a cavity for receiving a microduct on the support structure first side. Each coupler removably retains the microduct within the cavity and provides a seal between the wall and microduct. A port adapter has a base unit, a hinged cover, at least one cable port, and support structure with multiple couplers that receive and removably retain microducts. A microduct coupling panel has multiple couplers connected to a planar frame in a grid arrangement. A perimeter of the panel can removably couple with a corresponding coupling portion of at least one of a terminal enclosure and a port adaptor.