Sealable Fiber Optic Cable Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection assemblies fail to provide an adequate seal against fluids and solid contaminants, leading to performance degradation and potential disconnection in fiber optic network segments due to the ingress of unwanted materials.
Innovation Solution
A sealable connection assembly featuring an inner body with a threaded end, a sealing element, a compression element, and a retainer body that compresses the sealing element against the communication cable, forming a secure seal and gripping force to prevent contamination and external forces from affecting the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection assemblies are used, then the connection can be established between cable segments and network equipment, but the connection is vulnerable to fluid and solid contaminant ingress leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealing element in the form of a flexible ring (O-ring or similar elastomeric seal) that deforms under compression to create a fluid-tight and contaminant-tight barrier between the adapter and cable assembly, preventing harmful factors from reaching the fiber optic connection
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element is pre-configured to apply continuous compressive force on the sealing element, establishing the seal before any contaminant ingress can occur. The threaded element and retainer body are designed to maintain this preliminary sealing action throughout operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealable connection assembly with compression mechanism is implemented, then contaminant ingress is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element serves multiple functions: it applies compressive force to the sealing element, provides structural support, and transmits the threading action from the threaded element to the retainer body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing mechanism, compression mechanism, and cable retention features into a single integrated assembly where the retainer body simultaneously grips the cable and houses the compression element, reducing overall component count and assembly complexity
3Reliability
If the retainer body compresses the sealing element against the cable, then a secure seal is formed, but the cable may be damaged by excessive compression forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is selected from materials with specific durometer ratings (e.g., 50-90 Shore A) that provide sufficient compliance to seal effectively while limiting the maximum compressive stress transmitted to the cable, optimizing the balance between seal integrity and cable protection
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element acts as a cushioning layer between the rigid compression element and the cable, absorbing and distributing compression forces to prevent damage to the cable while maintaining seal integrity under varying compression conditions
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 prevents the ingress of fluids and solid contaminants, maintaining a secure connection and reducing the impact of external forces on the seal, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of fiber optic network connections.
Implementation Method 1
engagement of the retainer body by the threaded element forces a compression end of the retainer body to engage and compress at least a portion of the compression element around the sealing element, thereby compressing the sealing element against the at least one communication cable
Implementation Method 2
configured to sealably engage an adapter and a communication cable extending there through to prevent fluids, solid contaminants, and/or other materials from entering the connection assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication device connection assemblies are described. The sealable connection assemblies are configured to provide water-tight connections for various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. The connection assemblies may be used for various data transmission protocols, such as fiber optic connections. A compression element of the connection assembly may be configured to engage and compress a sealing element against a communication cable extending through the sealable connection assembly when a tension element is coupled to the inner body, thereby forming a seal between the sealable element and the communication cable. The connection assemblies may include a retainer body configured to form a grip or retention force with a communication cable sufficient to reduce and/or eliminate any forces on the communication cable (i.e., bending and/or straight pull forces) from being transferred to and/or otherwise effecting other components of the connection assembly, such as sealing elements thereof.