Separable Gel and Retention Block for Cable Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical cable organizers lack a efficient and flexible mechanism for adding, rearranging, or replacing cables without subjecting installed cables to axial pull loads, as they require disconnecting the retention block from the closure for modifications.
Innovation Solution
A separable sealing and retention arrangement that includes a gel block for sealing and a retention block with open-ended slots, allowing the gel block to be removed and reattached without disconnecting the retention block from the closure, enabling cable additions or replacements without axial loads on installed cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retention block is permanently connected to the closure base, then cable retention stability is improved, but cable addition and replacement operations become complex requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and retention arrangement is divided into two separable components: a retention block that remains permanently mounted to the closure base for stable cable retention, and a removable gel block that can be easily detached for cable modifications. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel block is extracted as a separate, removable component from the retention block assembly. This extraction enables the gel block to be easily removed and reinstalled for cable additions or replacements without disturbing the retention block's permanent connection to the closure base, thereby simplifying maintenance operations while preserving retention stability.
2Reliability
If the gel block is permanently attached to the retention block, then sealing reliability is improved, but cable modifications require complete disassembly of the retention arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The arrangement is segmented into a permanent retention block and a removable gel block. The gel block maintains its sealing function when attached but can be quickly removed for cable modifications and reattached afterward, minimizing downtime while preserving sealing reliability when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel block transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable component. This dynamic design allows the gel block to be easily detached and reattached, enabling rapid cable modifications without compromising the sealing reliability when the gel block is properly reinstalled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retention block is disconnected from the closure base for cable modifications, then cable addition becomes possible, but axial pull loads are applied to installed cables
Solution Approach 1:
The gel block is extracted as a separate removable component that can be easily detached and reinstalled. This allows cable modifications to proceed by removing only the gel block while the retention block remains firmly connected to the closure base, preventing axial pull loads from being transmitted to the installed cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel block serves as an intermediary component between the closure base and the cables. By removing only the gel block for cable modifications, the retention block acts as a stable intermediary that maintains the structural connection, thereby preventing harmful axial pull loads from reaching the cables during maintenance operations.
4Device complexity
If a single integrated block is used for both retention and sealing, then device complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility for cable management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated block is segmented into two functional components: a retention block for cable support and a gel block for sealing. This segmentation increases operational flexibility by allowing independent manipulation of the gel block for cable additions, rearrangements, or replacements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Enables the addition, rearrangement, or replacement of cables at optical cable ports without subjecting installed cables to axial pull loads, improving flexibility and maintenance efficiency in cable management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a gel block for sealing the drop cables at the ports
Implementation Method 2
Various spring clips for retaining the cables are disclosed
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing and retention arrangement (110) secures cables (170) at one or more ports (104) of a cable closure (100). The sealing and retention arrangement (100) includes a retention block (130) inhibiting axial pull-out of the drop cables (170) from the closure (100). The sealing and retention arrangement (110) also includes a gel block (120) sealing the port (104) around the cables (170). The gel block (120) is separable from the retention block (130) to enable the addition, movement, and/or replacement of one or more cables (170) at the port (104) without disconnecting the retention block (130) from the closure (100). A strength member fixation arrangement (360) can be provided for additional cable fixation.