Cable Input Device Integrated Locking Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiport terminals for optical fiber connections are bulky, difficult to manufacture, and require time-consuming processes like adhesives and heat shrinks for securing cables, making them costly and inefficient for quick deployment in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A cable input device with an integrated locking feature on its housing that securely attaches to a terminal without the need for additional structures like clips or adhesives, allowing for quick and easy assembly and reducing the terminal's footprint by eliminating the need for threaded coupling nuts or bayonets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiport terminals use separate receptacles mounted through the housing wall with additional securing structures (clips, adhesives, heat shrinks), then the cable input device can be securely attached to the terminal, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is integrated directly into the housing wall as a unified structure, combining the housing and securing mechanism into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate receptacles, clips, adhesives, and heat shrinks, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure attachment of the cable input device to the terminal.
2Reliability
If traditional multiport terminals include additional structures for securing and sealing cable inputs (clips, adhesives, heat shrinks), then the cable input can be securely sealed to the housing, but the overall terminal size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is formed as an integrated part of the housing wall, merging the sealing and securing functions into the existing housing structure. This eliminates the need for additional external securing structures, thereby maintaining reliable sealing and attachment while reducing the overall terminal footprint and enabling high-density connector arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional multiport terminals use separate receptacles and additional securing components, then the cable input device can be attached to the housing, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is integrated into the housing wall as a unified structure, combining multiple functions (housing, securing, sealing) into a single component. This reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to securely attach cable input devices.
4Reliability
If traditional multiport terminals require threaded coupling nuts or bayonets for securing, then the connection can be robust, but the terminal requires more routing space and has a larger form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is integrated directly into the housing wall, merging the connection and securing functions into the existing housing structure. This eliminates the need for external threaded coupling nuts or bayonets, thereby maintaining robust connections while reducing the routing space required and enabling a more compact terminal form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
Cable input devices having an integrated locking feature for securing the cable input device in a port of another device such as useful for quickly attaching a tether cable to a terminal or the like. The cable input devices comprise a housing having an integrated locking feature that can be secured in a port by cooperating with a securing member of the terminal.