Array Cable Assemblies With Flexible Enclosure And Translatable Radius Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array cables with rigid housings and static slack collecting means are difficult to pull through constricted spaces like drop ceilings and lack flexibility, making it hard to manage varying lengths of optical and electrical conductors.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a translatable radius guide and flexible enclosure at the tap point, allowing for adjustable optical and electrical connections and accommodating varying conductor lengths, along with a double-ended zipper for easy access and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid housings are used for tap points, then structural strength and protection are improved, but the cable becomes difficult to pull through constricted spaces and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the enclosure flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and adapt during installation. The flexible enclosure can be compressed and bent to navigate through constricted spaces like drop ceilings, then maintains its shape to protect connections when installed. This resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of installation (through flexibility) and structural protection (when needed).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies this principle by using a flexible enclosure made of materials that can bend and deform during installation but still provide protection for the connections. The flexible shell allows the cable assembly to be pulled through tight spaces while maintaining structural integrity and protection of internal components.
2Device complexity
If static slack collecting means are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility to accommodate varying conductor lengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a translatable radius guide that can move along the cable to accommodate varying lengths of optical and electrical conductors. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same simple structure to adapt to different installation scenarios and conductor lengths, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The translatable radius guide serves multiple functions: it collects slack, accommodates varying conductor lengths, and maintains structural simplicity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability to varying conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid housings with static slack collecting means are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible enclosure replaces rigid housings, maintaining ease of manufacture through simpler forming processes while dramatically improving installation flexibility. The flexible material can be easily shaped and adapted to various installation scenarios without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The translatable radius guide provides dynamic adaptability during installation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The ability to translate along the cable to accommodate varying conductor lengths adds installation flexibility without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An array cable includes radius guides at a tap point of the cable to take up slack for loose fibers at the tap point. The tap point is enclosed in a flexible enclosure that allows the assembly to be pulled through constricted space such as air handling spaces.