Pass-through Assembly Anchor Member and Cover Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sealing and anchoring fiber optic cables relative to fiber access terminals lack security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in fiber optic distribution systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a shape-recoverable sheath and anchor member configuration, where the sheath is shrunk over the cable, an adhesive is injected into a potting region, and a cover is mounted to secure the anchor member, providing a secure and sealed pass-through assembly for the optical fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sealing and anchoring methods are used for fiber optic cables, then the installation process is simpler, but the security and reliability of cable anchoring is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable anchoring securityVSAvoidanchoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring system is divided into distinct functional components: the anchor member with engagement features for securing the cable, the seal member for environmental protection, and the cover for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the seal member is positioned within the anchor member, and the cover encloses both components. This nested arrangement provides secure cable anchoring and sealing functionality within a compact integrated structure, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional anchoring configurations are used, then the structure is simpler, but water and contaminant ingress prevention is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater and contaminant ingressVSAvoidsealing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that conformally seals around the cable and anchor member interface. This flexible sealing approach effectively prevents water and contaminant ingress while maintaining a relatively simple sealing system structure without requiring complex multi-layer barriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the sealing function with the anchoring structure by integrating the seal member within the anchor member assembly. This merging of sealing and anchoring functions provides protection against harmful factors without requiring a separate complex sealing system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for anchoring and sealing, then the functionality is more complete, but the assembly and installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and anchoring effectivenessVSAvoidassembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical anchoring through engagement features, houses the seal member for environmental protection, and offers structural support for the cover. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining complete sealing and anchoring effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the anchoring and sealing functions into a single integrated assembly where the seal member is positioned within the anchor member. This combined configuration ensures both anchoring and sealing effectiveness while reducing assembly complexity compared to completely separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration ensures secure anchoring and sealing of fiber optic cables, preventing water and contaminant ingress while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability in fiber optic distribution systems.

Implementation Method 1

sliding a shape-recoverable (e.g., heat shrink) sheath over a cable; sealing the anchor member relative to the cable jacket using the shape-recoverable sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat shrink: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11506856B2Pass-through assembly having an anchor member and a cover

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA

AI summary

Anchoring an input cable (190) at an input port (123, 223) of an enclosure (110) includes inserting the input cable (190) through an anchor member (151, 251) so that a cable jacket (191) terminates within the anchor member (151, 251) and at least one optical fiber (195) extends outwardly from the anchor member (151, 251). The anchor member (151, 251) is secured to the cable jacket (191) using the sheath (175). A cover (162, 260) is mounted to the anchor member (151, 251) to form a pass-through assembly (150, 250) defining an enclosed region. Material is injected into the enclosed region to fix strength members (197) and/or optical fibers (195) of the input cable (190) to the pass-through assembly (150, 250). The ruggedized pass-through assembly (150, 250) is disposed at a base (120, 220) of the enclosure (110).