Adjustable Cable Kink Protection Using Segmented Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable kink protections are complex and unstable, failing to reliably fix the direction of cable exit both along and transverse to the plug connector, especially during handling of patch panels.
Innovation Solution
A kink protection system comprising two simple, rectilinear sleeves with octagonal and elongate extension features that securely engage in specific angular positions, allowing stable configuration in 90° and 45° increments, and optionally using closure caps for additional stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex structures with multiple locking mechanisms are used, then the stability of cable exit direction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kink protection is divided into two separate sleeves: a first sleeve that fits around the cable and a second sleeve that fits around the plug connector. Each sleeve has simplified engagement features (projections and recesses) that collectively provide stable positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms in either component individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sleeves are designed to be assembled in different relative positions around the same cable assembly, with the first sleeve surrounding the cable and the second sleeve surrounding the plug connector. The sleeves engage with each other through simple projections and recesses, creating a nested configuration that provides stable cable routing without complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable angular positions are implemented, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sleeve has two projections arranged asymmetrically at specific angular positions, while the second sleeve has two recesses positioned to receive these projections. This asymmetric arrangement allows the sleeves to be assembled in multiple stable angular configurations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the projections naturally guide the sleeves into these discrete positions during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a kink protection for prefabricated cables having first and second sleeves which fit around part of the cable or a plug connector adapted to be assembled in different relative positions. Each of the two sleeves is designed in general as a rectilinear tube section with a longitudinal axis. One end of the first sleeve has two integrally formed projections in the form of two regular octagons having the same spanner width, which are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis and the rotational axes of symmetry of which coincide and perpendicularly intersect the longitudinal axis. One end of the second sleeve has four elongated extensions which are distributed in a rotationally symmetrical manner about the longitudinal axis, each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Two mutually adjacent extensions form a spanner jaw having a jaw width corresponding to the spanner width of the octagon.