Fiber Splice Closure Tray Interlock and Gel Cable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved designs in optical fiber splice closures to manage excess fiber length and provide secure, intuitive connections for optical components in telecommunications systems, addressing issues of fiber damage and signal loss due to improper bending and complex latching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications enclosure with a management unit featuring a pivotable rear tray and a pivot interlock system that securely stores excess fiber length, includes a detent and guide pivot arrangement for reliable tray positioning, and a mechanical connection interface with flexible cantilever latches for easy coupling and decoupling of structural elements, along with a cable sealing arrangement using gel sections to seal cable pass-through locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pivotable rear tray is used to store excess fiber length, then fiber management reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the pivot interlock system
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot interlock system integrates multiple functions into nested components: the detent pivot pin fits within the detent receptacle, while the guide pivot pin fits within the guide receptacle. This nesting approach allows the tray to be securely held in multiple positions while maintaining a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot interlock system is segmented into distinct functional components: a detent mechanism for positional locking and a guide mechanism for movement control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving reliability while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.
2Reliability
If a detent and guide pivot arrangement is used for tray positioning, then positioning reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The detent and guide pivot arrangement is designed to self-latch into position automatically when the tray is moved. The detent pivot pin automatically engages with the detent receptacle at predetermined positions, and the guide pivot pin follows the curved path of the guide receptacle, providing reliable positioning without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If flexible cantilever latches are used for coupling structural elements, then ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cantilever latch utilizes material flexibility as a key parameter, allowing it to deflect and engage with the structural element. This flexibility compensates for minor variations in manufacturing tolerances, enabling easy operation while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid locking mechanisms.
4Reliability
If gel sections are used to seal cable pass-through locations, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the cable sealing arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The gel sections function as flexible sealing elements that conform to the cable pass-through locations. These gel sections can deform to accommodate cable movement while maintaining the seal, providing effective sealing without requiring complex mechanical sealing structures or multiple components.
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 a robust and reliable system for managing excess fiber length, preventing damage and signal loss, while simplifying the connection and disconnection of optical components and ensuring effective cable sealing, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of telecommunications equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The cable sealing arrangement includes first, second and third gel sections 826, 828, 830 which define the block of gel 824. The first and second gel sections 826, 828 are configured to form seals about cables routed axially through the cable pass-through location.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sealed closure having modular components, enhanced cable sealing, modular connection interfaces, enhanced cable anchoring and enhanced fiber management.