Adjustable Optical Cable Securing Mechanism for Corner Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical cables face issues when bent at sharp angles, leading to reduced transmissivity or breakage, and existing securing methods are cumbersome and inefficient for installation around corner junctions between surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with an adjustable securing portion and housing that allows the optical cable unit, including adhesive tape and cable, to be securely fastened to surfaces by adjusting the angle of the securing mechanism to match the surface angle, using cylindrical rollers and a spring mechanism for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical cable is bent at sharp ninety degree angles to fit corner junctions, then the cable can be installed around corners, but the transmissivity is reduced or the cable breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable installation adaptability to corner junctionsVSAvoidcable transmissivity and integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing sharp ninety-degree angles with rounded corner profiles. The corner junction is formed with a radius of curvature that allows the optical cable to bend smoothly without exceeding its minimum bend radius, thereby maintaining transmissivity and preventing cable breakage while still accommodating the corner geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If adhesive tape and separate securing means are used to secure optical cable to walls, then the cable can be attached to surfaces, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable attachment securityVSAvoidinstallation process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adhesive tape and securing means into a single integrated unit. The optical cable, adhesive tape, and securing mechanism are pre-assembled as one component, eliminating the need for separate application steps and reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment to surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If fixed-angle securing mechanisms are used for cable installation, then the securing process is simple, but the mechanism cannot adapt to different surface angles and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring mechanism simplicityVSAvoidsurface angle adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the securing mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The mechanism can change its angle and configuration to match different surface geometries, allowing it to adapt to various installation scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through a user-adjustable design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure and efficient installation of optical cables around corners and intersections without compromising their integrity or performance, allowing for flexible angle adjustments and secure adhesion to various surface configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustable securing portion may include a spring mechanism to bias the first and second surface portions to assume the first position in a resting state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The optical cable unit including a length of adhesive tape and a length of optical cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8839837B2Device and method for optical cable installation
Publication Date: 2014.09.23 GO FOTON HOLDINGS INC
  • US8839837B2 patent drawing
  • US8839837B2 patent drawing
  • US8839837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for securing an optical cable unit to one or more surfaces. The optical cable unit includes a length of adhesive tape and a length of optical cable. The apparatus includes a housing having an outlet and an adjustable securing portion disposed adjacent the outlet. The adjustable securing portion has first and second surface portions configured to adjust between first and second positions. The surface portions form a first angle therebetween in the first position and a second angle therebetween in the second position. The adjustable securing portion may be selectively attachable to the housing. A system is provided and can include a housing and at least two adjustable securing portions. Also provided is a separate adjustable securing portion adapted for use with an apparatus, and a method of applying an optical cable unit to one or more surfaces.