Adjustable V-Shaped Jaw Cable Entry Tool for Fiber Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic cable access tools are limited by their inability to accommodate a wide range of tube diameters without requiring specialized inserts or tools, leading to inaccurate cuts and potential damage to optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A tube and cable entry tool with movable, V-shaped channels and adjustable cutting elements that can accommodate various tube diameters, allowing for both axial and radial cuts without damaging the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size die or insert is used in the tool, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate tubes of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable jaw mechanism that allows the tool to dynamically adjust its opening width to accommodate tubes of different diameters. The jaw can be positioned at multiple discrete locations, enabling the same tool to adapt to various tube sizes without requiring multiple specialized tools or interchangeable inserts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable dies or wheels are used to match different tube diameters, then various tube sizes can be accommodated, but the tool requires multiple components and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with a universal jaw mechanism that can accommodate multiple tube diameters through a single adjustable component. Instead of requiring separate inserts or rollers for different tube sizes, the universal jaw can be repositioned to match various diameters, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the die or insert is too large for a small tube, then the tool can accommodate larger tubes, but the small tube cannot fit properly and will move within the tool die
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable jaw mechanism allows the tool to dynamically resize its clamping area to match the specific tube diameter being worked on. For small tubes, the jaw is positioned closer together, providing a snug fit that prevents movement during cutting. For larger tubes, the jaw is positioned farther apart, maintaining cutting accuracy across the full range of tube sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tube moves within the tool die, then larger tubes can be accommodated, but the cut will not be accurate enough to ensure proper blade depth
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a dynamic jaw positioning system that adjusts the clamping width to match the tube diameter. This ensures that tubes of any size are securely held in the correct position during cutting, maintaining precise blade depth control and cut accuracy whether working with small or large diameter tubes.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are disclosed for gaining access to optical fibers contained within a fiber optic cable. Specifically, a cable entry tool can include a first jaw that can have a substantially V-shaped first channel formed therein, a first cutting element extending into the first channel and movable to any of a variety of depths, a second jaw positioned opposing the first jaw and that can have a substantially V-shaped second channel formed therein, and a second cutting element extending into the second channel and movable to any of a variety of depths. The first channel and the second channel can be movable with respect to each other for receiving therebetween a buffer tube having any of a variety of tube diameters.