Adjustable Fixation Assembly for Telecommunications Cable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved fixation methods for telecommunications cable components, particularly optical fiber sheaths and strength members, at distribution or management equipment to prevent interference with optical fibers and redirect external loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fixation assembly comprising a holder with gripper arms and a receptacle with ramped walls, allowing for secure anchoring of fiber optic sheaths and strength members, such as aramid yarn, to manage and route cables without damaging the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable components (protective tubes and strength members) are fixed to management equipment surfaces, then cable routing is facilitated and external loads are absorbed, but the fixation structures may interfere with fiber routing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate modular components: a holder that anchors to the management equipment surface, and a cable support portion that holds the cable. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently without interfering with fiber routing operations, while collectively providing the needed fixation and load absorption capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cable support structure that mediates between the management equipment surface and the cable components. This intermediary element provides the fixation function while being positioned and designed to avoid interference with fiber routing, acting as a bridge that separates the anchoring function from the fiber management space
2Ease of operation
If strength members are truncated at management equipment, then fiber management is simplified, but external loads must be redirected through anchoring structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the truncated strength members and transfers it to the holder component that anchors to the management equipment surface. By taking out the force redirection requirement from the cable end and placing it at the base structure, the fiber management portion remains simple while the anchoring structure handles all external loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redirects external loads from the horizontal plane (where they would affect fiber management) to the vertical plane by anchoring the holder to the management equipment surface. This dimensional change allows loads to be absorbed through the mounting structure rather than interfering with fiber routing operations in the horizontal workspace
3Reliability
If protective tubes are anchored to direct external loads away from fibers, then fiber performance is preserved, but the anchoring mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective tube anchoring function with the holder structure that already provides cable support. By combining these functions into a single integrated anchoring mechanism, the device achieves reliable load redirection while minimizing structural complexity compared to separate anchoring and support systems
Solution Approach 2:
The holder component is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an anchoring mechanism for protective tubes and as a cable support structure. This universal design achieves the required fiber protection from external loads while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized anchoring devices
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, assemblies, and methods for anchoring portions of telecommunications cables, including protective sheaths and strength members. In some examples, the devices and assemblies are adjustable to accommodate different sized cables and cable components. According to one embodiment, an assembly includes two members that cooperate via a ratcheting mechanism to adjust to different cable diameters, the assembly further including features adapted to anchor strength member yarn of a cable.