Multi-purpose Sealing Device for Fiber Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing devices for optical fiber terminals do not provide an adequate environmental seal for non-ruggedized optical fiber connectors, which are needed for cost-effective and flexible deployment of fiber networks closer to end-users, as they lack the necessary sealing capabilities for above-ground or aerial applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use sealing device with a removable portion and a resilient material that forms an environmental seal around standard format optical fiber connectors, allowing for easy insertion and protection against dust and moisture, and can be used with port adapters to fit various port structures, enabling a plug-and-play solution for fiber connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing devices are used for optical fiber terminals, then the port structure is protected from environmental factors, but non-ruggedized optical fiber connectors cannot be adequately sealed for above-ground or aerial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into two functional segments: a dust cap portion that seals the port structure and a boot portion that seals around the optical fiber connector. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive sealing for both ruggedized and non-ruggedized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it seals the port structure from environmental factors, accommodates both ruggedized and non-ruggedized connectors, and provides an environmental seal around the connector interface. The boot portion's resilient material and configuration enable it to adapt to different connector types while maintaining the environmental seal.
2Reliability
If ruggedized optical connectors are used to provide environmental seal, then the connection is protected from dust and moisture, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device acts as an intermediary component between the port structure and the optical fiber connector. It provides the environmental seal that would otherwise require the connector itself to be ruggedized, thereby allowing the use of simpler, less expensive non-ruggedized connectors while maintaining protection from environmental factors.
3Device complexity
If non-ruggedized optical fiber connectors are used to reduce cost, then the deployment flexibility improves, but the environmental seal is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The boot portion of the sealing device is made from a resilient material that forms a flexible seal around the optical fiber connector. This flexible shell conforms to the connector's shape and provides an effective barrier against dust and moisture, protecting the connector interface without requiring the connector itself to be ruggedized.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable portion is added to allow insertion of non-ruggedized connectors, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A portion of the dust cap is removed to create an opening that allows the optical fiber connector to be inserted through the sealing device. This extraction of a portion of the structure enables the sealing device to accommodate connectors that pass through it, providing adaptability for non-ruggedized connectors while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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 sealing device provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for environmentally protecting optical fiber connections, allowing for efficient deployment of high-speed data connections to end-users by ensuring a reliable seal around standard format optical fiber connectors, reducing upfront costs for service providers and maintaining network integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The external dimensions of the body is formed so that it engages with the port structure to prevent ingress of dust and moisture into the optical fiber terminal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A multi-purpose sealing device is described herein for use in a port structure of fiber terminal, telecommunication enclosure; or a bulkhead. The exemplary sealing device has a body having an open end and a closed end, wherein the closed end includes a removable portion and a pulling device to facilitate removal of the exemplary sealing device from a port structure. In one aspect, the exemplary sealing device is a single part made of a resilient material, while an alternative aspect, the exemplary sealing device includes a rigid connection portion disposed within the open end of the body. The exemplary device can be used as a dust cap or plug prior to making a service connection and/or it can be used as a port/cable sealing device after the service connection is made.