Helical strain relief for conductors, fiber optic cables, or other cables

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that includes a strain relief (100, 100a, 100b) formed in a helical shape and formed with a U-shaped channel (105).SOLUTION: The strain relief can be used around either a cable (200) of a component (205) or a spool extension (305) of a fiber tray (300). In some cases, the strain relief may be formed with multiple U-shaped channels (105). In some cases, the apparatus comprises a second strain relief (100, 100a, 100b) formed in a helical shape and including at least one channel (105). The second strain relief is interleaved with the strain relief. In some cases, the apparatus comprises a solid mandrel (110) connected to an end of the strain relief.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates generally to strain relief for cables, and more particularly to helical strain relief for conductors, fiber optic cables, or other cables. [Background technology]

[0002] When terminating a conductor or fiber optic cable that must mate to another cable or circuit card assembly (CCA), excess length is used to ensure the connection is secure and has adequate strain relief to prevent damage during handling in place. This excess length must be routed and secured to prevent damage from shock / vibration / handling after the connection is made and the part is put into service. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present application, a helical strain relief for a conductor, fiber optic cable, or other cable is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first embodiment, a strain relief device is provided, the device having a strain relief formed in a spiral and having a U-shaped channel.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a strain relief system is provided. The system includes a member and a strain relief. The member includes a cable. The strain relief is spirally formed around the cable and has a U-shaped channel.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a strain relief stem is provided. The system includes a fiber tray and a strain relief. The member includes a spool extension. The strain relief is spirally formed around the spool extension and has a U-shaped channel.

[0007] Other technical features will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0008] For a better understanding of the present disclosure and its features, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a strain relief having multiple channels according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates multiple strain reliefs interleaved with multiple conductors according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a solid mandrel of excess wire with strain reliefs 100a and 100b connected to each side in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a strain relief with multiple exits according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a strain relief having multiple partitions according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a strain relief having multiple partitions according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a strain relief with a transition applied to a cable 200 connected to a member. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates multiple strain reliefs connected to a fiber tray according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 to 7 shown below and the various embodiments used to explain the principles of the present invention are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0011] For conductors, one technique is to use clamps or zip ties to ensure a suitable service loop to prevent strain on the cable. For fiber optic cables, excess fiber lengths are wound and secured in a tray, and a splice or connector is secured to the tray. When the fiber is terminated with a connector on a CCA, a tray is typically used to wind up the fiber length, and the fiber exits the tray to make the splice.

[0012] The strain relief uses a helical spring in a U-shaped channel to hold, protect, and relieve strain on the conductor or fiber. The conductor or fiber is wound into the U-shaped channel and can be manipulated in any direction without additional strain. This invention is particularly advantageous when used with blind mates, providing adequate strain relief and preventing pinching of the conductor or fiber. The U-shaped channel spring can be hard-mounted or mated to an existing cable. It can be modified to fit any conductor diameter or number, or any minimum bend radius specification. This design lends itself to additive manufacturing, allowing new geometries, including variable pitch or pre-defined bends, to be easily fabricated, simplifying any design routine.

[0013] 1-7 illustrate examples of U-channel helical spring strain reliefs 100 according to the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a strain relief 100 having multiple channels 105, FIG. 2 illustrates multiple interleaved strain reliefs 100a and 100b for multiple conductors, FIG. 3 illustrates a solid mandrel 110 of excess wire 115 with strain reliefs 100a and 100b connected to each side, FIG. 4 illustrates a strain relief 100 having multiple exit ports 120, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a strain relief 100 having multiple partitions 125, FIG. 6 illustrates a strain relief 100 having a transition section 130 applied to a cable 200 connected to a member 205, and FIG. 7 illustrates multiple strain reliefs 100 connected to a fiber tray 300. The embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 are merely examples, and the strain relief 100 may be used in any suitable device or system.

[0014] Proper strain relief for conductors and fiber optic cables is important during routing and termination. Proper strain relief is difficult when routing occurs in tight spaces, requires blind mating, or is subject to conditions where movement of the assembly could cause excessive stress or strain on the cable. The strain relief 100 is structured as a helical spring in a U-shaped channel to hold, protect, and strain-relieve the conductor or fiber. The helical spring configuration reduces material for wire guides and reduces the area required to store any excess wire.

[0015] The strain relief 100 can relax conductors and fiber conductors during routing and termination. The structure of the strain relief 100 is itself amenable to additive manufacturing, allowing different geometries, including variable pitch or predetermined bends, to be easily fabricated, simplifying routing in any design. For ease of description, the term "wire" will be used to refer to optical cables, fibers, or other wires with which the strain relief 100 can be used.

[0016] 1, the strain relief 100 can include multiple channels 105a and 105b. The number of the multiple U-shaped channels 105 can be designed based on the amount of wire, the amount of wire destinations, etc. The amount of channels 105 can be two or more depending on the design constraints of the system to which the strain relief 100 is applied.

[0017] The strain relief 100 may have an average diameter 135 based on the diameter of the cable or spool extension that the strain relief 100 is designed to surround. The average diameter 135 may be larger than the outer diameter of the cable or spool extension.

[0018] The strain relief 100 may have a pitch or coil gap 140 based on its placement around the cable or spool extension. For example, a spool extension may not have much flexibility, and therefore the strain relief 100 may be designed with a narrow coil gap.

[0019] The first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may have different body lengths 145 depending on the beginning 150 and ending 155 of each channel 105. The beginning 150 may be part of the strain relief 100, from which the channel 105 is routed to the wire 115. The ending 155 may be where the wire is connected to or fed into a member.

[0020] Additionally, the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may have different dimensions relative to the U-shape. For example, the first channel 105a may be wider than the second channel 105b. The first channel 105a may be deeper than the second channel 105b.

[0021] For convenience, the strain relief 100 is described as having one U-shaped channel 105. However, any amount of U-shaped channels 105 may be implemented, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 2-7 below.

[0022] 2, multiple strain reliefs 100 are interleaved together for multiple wires 115. For example, a first strain relief 100a can be designed for one or more first wires 115a, and a second strain relief 100b can be designed for one or more second wires 115b. The first strain relief 100a and the second strain relief 100b can be designed with different amounts of wires 115.

[0023] The first strain relief 100a and the second strain relief 100b may be designed to have a coil gap 140 that is slightly larger than the width of the coil. This ensures that the first strain relief 100a and the second strain relief 100b are preferably interleaved. In embodiments in which the first strain relief 100a and the second strain relief 100b are designed for different numbers of wires 115, the coil gap 140 of the first strain relief 100a may be based on the coil width of the second strain relief 100b, and the coil gap 140 of the second strain relief 100b may be based on the coil width of the first strain relief 100a.

[0024] The body length 145 of the first strain relief 100a may be different from the body length 145 of the second strain relief 100b. The body length 145 may be based on the application of the strain relief 100.

[0025] In embodiments having multiple U-shaped channels 105, strain reliefs 100a and 100b may have a first channel 105a and a second channel 105b, with one of first strain relief 100a and second strain relief 100b having multiple channels 105 and the other of first strain relief 100a and second strain relief 100b having a single channel 105.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, a solid mandrel 110 has a strain relief 100 connected to each side. In certain embodiments, the solid mandrel 110 may only have a strain relief 100 connected to one side. In applications where the strain relief 100 provides sufficient strain and stress relief for the wire, the solid mandrel 110 may be applied to any additional excess wire 115. The diameter of the solid mandrel 110 should be smaller than the average diameter 135 of the strain reliefs 100.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the strain relief 100 may have multiple exits 120. The multiple exits 120 are designed based on the number of wires the strain relief 100 is designed to accommodate. The multiple exits 120 may be branched channels that begin as a single channel and branch into multiple channels. Wires 115 within channels 105 of the strain relief 100 may be directed to separate branch channels of the multiple exits 120. In some embodiments, multiple wires 115 may share a single branched channel of the multiple exits 120.

[0028] In embodiments having multiple U-shaped channels 105, the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may include different numbers of outlets within the multi-outlet 120. This may involve having one of the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b include the multi-outlet 120, while the other of the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b does not have the multi-outlet 120.

[0029] 5A and 5B, the strain relief 100 has multiple dividers 125. Each divider 125 can be long enough to secure the wires 115 to different portions of the channels 105. The dividers 125 can provide separation between each wire 115 without requiring excess channels 105. Although excess channels 105 are not required, certain embodiments may include dividers 125 and multiple channels 105.

[0030] In embodiments having multiple U-shaped channels 105, the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may have different numbers of dividers 125. This means that one of the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may include one or more dividers 125, while the other of the first channel 105a and the second channel 105b may not have any dividers 125.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , the strain relief 100 has a transition section 130 located on a cable 200 connected to a member 205. The strain relief 100 is secured to the cable 200 by designing an average diameter 135 according to the diameter of the cable 200. The wire 115 secured within the strain relief 100 is attached to the member 205 at a connection 210, which is typically not located near the cable 200. The transition section 130 of the strain relief 100 can be designed based on the distance from the outside of the cable 200 to the connection 210. The average diameter 135 of the transition section 130 can be changed based on the stress and strain constraints of the wire 115. The transition section 130 can be constant or variable.

[0032] 7, multiple strain reliefs 100 are connected to a fiber tray 300. The fiber tray 300 may have one or more spool extensions 305. Each spool extension 305 may be designed to secure a strain relief 100.

[0033] Although Figures 1-7 illustrate an example of a U-channel spiral spring strain relief 100, various modifications can be made to Figures 1-7. For example, the strain relief 100 can have transition sections 130 on either side and can be used with any suitable number and type of components and systems. As previously mentioned, the example strain relief 100 in Figures 1-7 is for illustrative purposes only.

[0034] It is useful to provide definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent application. The terms "include," "comprise," and their derivatives mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" includes both and / or. The term "relate to" and its derivatives can mean including, contained within, interconnected, containing, encompassed, connected, coupled, communicated with, cooperating with, substituting for, juxtaposed, adjacent, bounded, having, possessing, possessing a characteristic, having a relationship, and the like. The term "at least one," when used in conjunction with a list of items, means that one or more different combinations of the listed items may be used, and that only one item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any combination of A, B, and C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A and B and C and C.

[0035] Nothing in this application should be construed to imply that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element required for inclusion in the scope of a claim. The scope of patented subject matter is defined solely by the allowed claims. Furthermore, no claim shall invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) with respect to any appended claim or claim element, unless in a particular claim the words "means" or "step" are expressly used, followed by a participial phrase identifying the function. Without limitation, the use of terms such as "mechanism," "module," "apparatus," "unit," "member," "element," "component," "instrument," "machine," "system," "processor," or "controller" in the claims is understood and intended to represent structures known to those skilled in the art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

[0036] While this disclosure describes certain embodiments and generally associated methods, variations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A device having strain relief, comprising: the strain relief is formed as a spirally extending U-shaped channel; The U-shaped channel has two straight portions facing each other to form a U shape, and one curved portion connecting the two straight portions; the U-shaped channel has a first partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a first of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel, and a second partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a second of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel; the first partition does not extend to the second linear portion of the U-shaped channel, and the second partition does not extend to the first linear portion of the U-shaped channel; The device, wherein the first partition is formed at a position offset from the second partition so as not to face each other.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the strain relief is a helical spring.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the strain relief is formed with a plurality of U-shaped channels.

4. further comprising a second strain relief formed in a spiral and including at least one channel; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second strain relief is interleaved with the strain relief.

5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a solid mandrel connected to an end of the strain relief.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the strain relief has multiple outlets.

7. 1. A wire relief system comprising: a member including a cable; a strain relief coupled to the member, the strain relief being formed as a U-shaped channel that extends helically around the cable; and The U-shaped channel has two straight portions facing each other to form a U shape, and one curved portion connecting the two straight portions; the U-shaped channel has a first partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a first of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel, and a second partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a second of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel; the first partition does not extend to the second linear portion of the U-shaped channel, and the second partition does not extend to the first linear portion of the U-shaped channel; A wire relief system, wherein the first partition is offset from the second partition so as not to face each other.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the strain relief is a helical spring.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the strain relief is formed with a plurality of U-shaped channels.

10. a second strain relief formed in a spiral and having at least one channel; The system of claim 7 , wherein the second strain relief is interleaved with the strain relief.

11. The system of claim 7 further comprising a solid mandrel connected to an end of the strain relief.

12. The system of claim 7 , wherein the strain relief has multiple outlets.

13. 1. A wire relief system comprising: a fiber tray having a spool extension; Distortion relief and and the strain relief is formed as a spirally extending U-shaped channel; The U-shaped channel has two straight portions facing each other to form a U shape, and one curved portion connecting the two straight portions; the U-shaped channel has a first partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a first of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel, and a second partition extending from an interior of the U-shaped channel toward a second of the two linear portions of the U-shaped channel; the first partition does not extend to the second linear portion of the U-shaped channel, and the second partition does not extend to the first linear portion of the U-shaped channel; A wire relief system, wherein the first partition is offset from the second partition so as not to face each other.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the strain relief is a helical spring formed with a plurality of U-shaped channels.

15. a second strain relief formed in a spiral and having at least one channel; The system of claim 13 , wherein the second strain relief is interleaved with the strain relief.

16. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a solid mandrel connected to an end of the strain relief.

17. The system of claim 13 , wherein the strain relief has multiple outlets.

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