Replaceable Cable Entry Module for Fluid-Sealed Cabinet Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabinets for enclosing fiber optic equipment face difficulties in repairing or replacing parts without replacing large portions or the entire cabinet, and the entry point of cables is difficult to modify without disconnecting cables from connection points.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable entry module for cables that allows access and repair/replacement without disconnecting cables, featuring modular plates that can be removed or repositioned via enclosure panels, with seals providing fluid resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cabinet is constructed to provide a fluid-resistant barrier, then protection against elements is improved, but ease of repair and replacement of cable entry components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid resistanceVSAvoidease of repair and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into modular components including removable panel sections and separate cable entry modules. This segmentation allows the fluid-resistant barrier to be maintained in the main cabinet structure while enabling easy replacement of specific cable entry components by removing and reattaching panels, without requiring complete cabinet disassembly or replacement of large portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the cabinet provides a fluid-resistant barrier, then protection against elements is improved, but time required for repair and replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid resistanceVSAvoidtime required for repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable entry modules and panel sections are pre-configured with integrated sealing mechanisms and attachment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of sealing components ensures that when panels are removed and reattached during maintenance, the fluid-resistant barrier is automatically restored without requiring time-consuming manual sealing operations, thus reducing repair time while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cable entry portion is integrated into the cabinet structure, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability for modifications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadaptability for modifications
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable entry system incorporates removable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically adjusted or replaced. Panel sections with integrated cable management features can be removed and replaced with different configurations to accommodate changing cable requirements, while the main cabinet structure remains intact and structurally sound, providing both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy and time-efficient repair and replacement of cable entry modules within enclosures, maintaining fluid resistance and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

an example seal configured to provide a fluid-resistant seal between the cable and the entry module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP4145203B1Replaceable entry module for cables and method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CORNING RES & DEV CORP
  • EP4145203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4145203B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4145203B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An entry module for facilitating passage of one or more cables into an enclosure may include first and second module plates. The first module plate may include a first edge defining a first edge profile, and the second module plate may include a second edge defining a second edge profile. The first and second module plates may be configured to approach one another, such that the first edge profile and the second edge profile define one or more apertures for receiving a cable passing from exterior the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure. The first edge profile may define first aperture portions and first edge segments between at least some of the first aperture portions, and the second edge profile may define second aperture portions and second edge segments between at least some of the second aperture portions. The first and second aperture portions may define the apertures.