Optical Termination Enclosure Sealing with Resilient Grommets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fiber optic cable networks face challenges in maintaining environmental sealing and protection of Optical Termination Enclosures (OTEs) from outdoor elements, which can damage the splicing and termination capabilities if environmental elements access the interior.
Innovation Solution
The use of resilient grommets to anchor protective tubes to a fiber management tray and cable anchoring units, providing a secure and sealed environment within the OTEs, while also allowing for electrical grounding of shielded cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable anchoring systems are used in OTEs, then cable securing is achieved, but environmental sealing is compromised allowing moisture and contaminants to enter
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable anchoring system and the enclosure interior. This barrier element seals around the cable and anchoring components, preventing moisture and contaminants from entering the enclosure while still allowing the anchoring system to secure the cable effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture barrier element is constructed as a flexible membrane or film that can conform to the cable and anchoring components. This flexible barrier provides environmental sealing while accommodating the mechanical movements and configurations of the cable management system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cable anchoring units are added to provide secure cable management, then cable securing is improved, but the complexity of the enclosure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable anchoring unit and moisture barrier function are merged into a single integrated assembly. The anchoring unit includes built-in sealing features that combine cable securing and environmental protection functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall enclosure structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable anchoring unit is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides cable securing, positioning, and environmental sealing. This universal component eliminates the need for separate anchoring and sealing systems, reducing complexity while maintaining both cable stability and environmental protection.
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
Ensures the integrity of fiber optic connections by preventing environmental damage and maintaining a sealed environment within the OTEs, while allowing for secure anchoring and grounding of cables, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the network.
Implementation Method 1
resilient grommets to anchor protective tubes
Implementation Method 2
cable grounding port configured to receive a grounding cable
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical termination enclosure having an enclosure housing containing a fiber management assembly. The enclosure housing can define sealed cable ports and can include cable anchor mounting locations in alignment with the cable ports. Cable anchoring and grounding units can be attached at the cable anchor mounting locations. The fiber management assembly can include a fiber break-out arrangement including a resilient grommet used to anchor a protective tube that carries optical fibers from the cable anchor mounting location to the fiber management assembly.