Adjustable Cable Clamp Assembly for Fiber Optic Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunications enclosures face challenges in maintaining a seal around fiber optic cables, particularly when cables are misaligned with the seal block, which can lead to leaks and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cable clamp assembly that includes a jacket clamp and a strength member clamp, allowing the cable to move centrally relative to the seal block, accommodating various cable sizes and strength members, and can be mounted before insertion into the enclosure to ensure proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed cable clamp is used to seal the enclosure, then the seal is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cable cannot be centrally positioned relative to the seal block, leading to misalignment and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp assembly incorporates a movable cable positioning mechanism that allows the cable to shift laterally within the clamp body. This dynamic adjustment enables the cable to be centrally positioned relative to the seal block, ensuring proper alignment and seal integrity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: a clamp body, a movable positioning mechanism, and a sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the positioning mechanism adjusting cable alignment without complicating the sealing function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single clamp assembly design is used for all cable sizes, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate various cable sizes and strength members effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various cable sizes and strength members through adjustable components. The clamp body includes adjustable clamping arms and a movable positioning mechanism that can adapt to different cable diameters and strength member configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamp designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable parameters including clamping force, positioning distance, and engagement depth. These parameters can be modified to suit different cable sizes and strength members, providing versatility without requiring fundamentally different designs for each cable type.
3Reliability
If the cable is restricted in position during installation, then the installation process is faster and more controlled, but the cable cannot be centrally positioned relative to the seal block, increasing the likelihood of leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow the cable to be centrally positioned relative to the seal block before final sealing. This preliminary positioning action ensures proper alignment is achieved during installation without requiring complex restriction or adjustment steps later in the process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable clamp assembly (60, 160) for a cable having a jacket (48) and inner optical fibers (52), comprising a main body (62, 162) with a jacket clamp assembly (64, 164), the jacket clamp assembly (64, 164) including a first body (66) which is moveably mounted relative to the main body (62, 162), and a wrap (68) which is extendable around the jacket (48); wherein the wrap (68) is adjustable in length to accommodate different diameters for the jacket (48); wherein the first body (66) moves linearly perpendicular to the cable; wherein the wrap (68) includes a loop (98) and a coextensive portion (100); wherein the wrap mounts to the first body with a first fastener (70) engaging with the wrap; and wherein the jacket clamp assembly includes a second fastener (72) for mounting the first body to the main body and for moving the first body in a direction away from the main body.