Reenterable Splice Closure for Sealed Fiber Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber communications systems face challenges in protecting and securing splice points and drop points, where optical fibers are exposed and require improved enclosures to enhance security and environmental sealing.
Innovation Solution
A splice closure that includes an inner framework with splice holders and a protective sheath, anchored to optical cables or strength members, featuring sealing arrangements and cable fixation regions to secure and protect optical splices, allowing for flexible and environmentally sealed cable routing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical fibers are exposed from the protective cable jacket for splicing, then splicing operations can be performed, but the fibers become vulnerable to breakage and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective arrangement is divided into modular components including a sheath, end caps, and sealing arrangements that can be assembled and disassembled. This allows the closure to be opened for splicing operations and then resealed to protect the fibers, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice closure acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the exposed optical fibers. It provides a controlled internal environment that protects fibers during splicing operations while maintaining accessibility when needed, eliminating the vulnerability of exposed fibers.
2Strength
If a rigid framework is used to anchor cables, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility for cable routing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is made of flexible material that can accommodate various cable routing configurations including coiled and butt-style arrangements. This flexible outer shell maintains structural integrity while allowing adaptability in cable routing, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework is designed with dynamic characteristics where the sheath can flex and adapt to different cable routing needs while the internal structure maintains strength. The system transitions between rigid support and flexible accommodation based on operational requirements.
3Ease of repair
If the protective arrangement is made reenterable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but environmental sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective arrangement is segmented into removable end caps and a main sheath body. This modular design allows the closure to be opened for maintenance operations and then resealed to restore environmental protection, resolving the contradiction between repair accessibility and sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing arrangements are pre-configured within the sheath structure, ready to be engaged when end caps are installed. This preliminary preparation ensures that environmental sealing is automatically restored after maintenance operations without requiring additional sealing steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple sealing arrangements are added to seal the through-passage, then environmental protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing arrangements are designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the through-passage, protecting cable entry points, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining environmental protection while limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for accommodating splicing between cables is disclosed. The enclosure can include a housing containing a frame (e.g., a tray) to which the cables can be affixed. The housing can have an elongate in-line configuration, a triangular configuration, or other configurations. Cable reversing configurations and moveable adapter configurations are also disclosed.