Optical Cable Fastening Structure Sealing and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber to the home (FTTH) systems face challenges in sealing and fastening optical cables at fiber access terminals, requiring a solution that maintains ingress protection (IP) rating when service is not activated and allows easy connection when activated.
Innovation Solution
An optical cable fastening structure comprising a first and second clamping member, a fastener, a tearing member, and a protective cover, which forms an interference fit optical cable through hole, sealing it when not in use and allowing easy passage of the cable when activated, with components made of plastic for an integrated structure to reduce component loss during installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fiber outlet is sealed to maintain IP rating, then ingress protection is improved, but the ability to fasten optical cable when service is activated deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into two states: a sealed state with the protective cover in place to maintain IP rating, and an unsealed state where the cover can be removed to allow cable fastening. This segmentation allows the same structure to serve both protective and functional purposes at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic unsealed state when service is activated. The protective cover can be removed or opened, transforming the structure from a closed protective enclosure to an open fastening mechanism, allowing adaptation between protection and functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for sealing and fastening, then functionality is improved, but the probability of component loss during construction and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing to maintain IP rating, incorporates a tearing member for easy removal, and includes cable fastening structures. By merging sealing, protection, and fastening functions into one integrated component, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing component loss during installation and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If the protective cover is made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing effectiveness when installed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover has different structural properties in different locations: the main body maintains strong sealing engagement with the housing, while specific localized areas incorporate tearing members or weakened sections that allow easy removal. This local differentiation enables both strong sealing when installed and easy removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tearing member is pre-positioned on the protective cover during manufacturing, creating a predetermined removal path. This preliminary preparation allows the cover to maintain full sealing effectiveness during installation while enabling easy removal later through the pre-designed tearing feature, without compromising the sealing structure's integrity during the installed state.
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 optical cable through hole when not in use, maintaining IP rating and simplifies the connection process when service is activated, reducing the likelihood of component loss and improving sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical cable through hole is in interference fit with the optical cable
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an optical cable fastening structure and an optical cable connection apparatus, to make a fiber access terminal has an IP rating and support and fasten a subscriber cable passing through a fiber outlet, based on whether a subscriber has a requirement for service subscription activation. A first cable-through structure is provided on a first fitting surface of a first clamping member in the optical cable fastening structure. A second cable-through structure is provided on a second fitting surface of a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are joined and detachably connected by using a fastener. When the first clamping member and the second clamping member are joined, the first cable-through structure and the second cable-through structure are docked, to form an optical cable through hole for an optical cable to pass through. A tearing member is connected to a first end face that is of the first clamping member and that is configured to lead out the optical cable. One part of a protection cover is connected to the tearing member, the other part of the protection cover protrudes from the first end face, and the protective cover covers an opening of the optical cable through hole when the first clamping member and the second clamping member are joined. The tearing member and the protective cover seal the optical cable through hole.