Self-Engaging Port Plug Elastic Retention for Fiber Optic Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic enclosure systems face challenges in securely adding and removing port plugs without them falling out or self-ejecting, especially in limited spaces, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The development of port plugs with a retention feature that moves between an expanded and radially compressed configuration, utilizing elastic construction to automatically expand after passing through cable ports, ensuring secure retention within the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If port plugs are used in fiber optic enclosures without retention features, then installation and removal are simple, but the plugs fall out or self-eject from the closures
Solution Approach 1:
The port plug incorporates a resilient retention feature that dynamically changes shape between an installed configuration (engaged with the cable port) and a removed configuration (disengaged from the cable port). This dynamic characteristic allows the plug to automatically retain itself in the installed position while enabling simple manual removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The port plug is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for sealing the cable port and a resilient retention feature for securing the plug in place. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the retention feature providing secure attachment while the body provides the seal.
2Reliability
If retention features are added to port plugs, then plug retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is merged with the port plug body as an integral component rather than a separate attachment. This integration maintains reliability by ensuring the retention feature and plug body move together as a unit while reducing device complexity by eliminating separate retention components and their associated assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature utilizes changes in physical parameters (elastic deformation) to achieve retention functionality. By selecting appropriate material properties and geometric parameters for the resilient portion, the plug achieves reliable retention through simple elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the enclosure space is limited, then the envelope size is reduced, but manipulation and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature engages with the cable port in a radial dimension rather than requiring axial space for retention mechanisms. This dimensional approach allows the plug to secure itself within the limited envelope of the closure by utilizing the radial walls of the cable port, enabling easy manipulation and installation even in compact enclosures.
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 solution allows for easy installation and removal of port plugs without the risk of them falling out, maintaining environmental seals and simplifying maintenance processes in fiber optic enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
The retention feature has an elastic construction that allows the retention feature to move to the radially compressed configuration as the retention feature passes through the cable port and causes the retention feature to automatically expand to the expanded configuration after the retention feature passes through the cable port
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure that includes an outer housing, a sealant assembly that defines a cable port for routing a cable into the outer housing and a port plug that passes through the cable port. The port plug includes a retention feature that is moveable between an expanded configuration and a radially compressed configuration. The retention feature has an elastic construction that allows the retention feature to move to the radially compressed configuration as the retention feature passes through the cable port and causes the retention feature to automatically expand to the expanded configuration after the retention feature passes through the cable port.