Segmented Elastomeric Sealing Body for Telecommunication Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing technologies for telecommunication cables require multiple parts and struggle to effectively seal a wide range of cable diameters, leading to inefficiencies and potential moisture ingress in port entry devices.

Innovation Solution

A sealing body with a segmented, elastically deformable tubular wall and base, made from elastomeric materials, that can compress radially to accommodate various cable diameters, reducing the number of parts needed and enhancing sealing performance by conforming to different cable sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional non-segmented sealing body is used, then the structure is simple, but it can only seal a limited range of cable diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of cable diametersVSAvoidsealing body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing body is divided into multiple axially arranged segments that can independently deform radially. Each segment can conform to different cable diameters, enabling the sealing body to adapt to a wide range of cable sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing body transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The segments are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their radial dimensions to match different cable diameters during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple parts are used for sealing, then sealing performance can be optimized, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated sealing body structure. The segmented design allows one component to perform the sealing work that would traditionally require multiple separate elements, reducing part count while maintaining effective sealing across different cable diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing body is designed as a universal component that can seal various cable diameters within a specified range. The segmented structure enables this multi-functionality by allowing each segment to independently adapt to different cable sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sealing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid sealing body is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot effectively seal different cable diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable diameter accommodationVSAvoidsealing body fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing body employs flexible segmented shells instead of rigid structures. Each segment is designed as a thin-walled elastic component that can deform radially to accommodate different cable diameters. This flexible shell approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing body utilizes materials and designs that allow parameter changes in radial dimensions while maintaining axial structural integrity. The segments are engineered to change their radial parameters (inner and outer diameters) through elastic deformation, enabling adaptation to different cable sizes without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides efficient sealing for a wide range of cable diameters with fewer parts, improving moisture resistance and ease of use, while being reusable and adaptable for different applications.

Implementation Method 1

a segmented tubular wall, elastically deformable and radially compressible, forming the second axial portion of the passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The sealing body, the segmented wall and/or the base may be made from, or comprise, one or more elastomeric materials, e.g. a polymeric elastomeric material, such as rubber or nitrile butadiene rubber ('NBR'). An elastically deformable sealing body may generally provide better sealing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11300744B2Sealing body for telecommunication cables

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

AI summary

This disclosure describes a sealing body (2) for sealing a telecommunication cable in a port entry device. The sealing body hasa) a passageway for receiving a section of the cable,b) a base (31) forming a first axial portion of the passageway, andc) a segmented tubular wall (40, 41), elastically deformable and radially compressible, forming an adjacent second axial portion of the passageway.