Cable Slack Envelope Structure for Interference-Free Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in effectively storing and concealing excess length of pre-connectorized fiber optic cable slack, which can interfere with other contents in the storage enclosure, and there is a need for a solution that both stores and hides the cable slack efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage system comprising a base with a cover, mounting arms, and envelopes that contain coils of cable to prevent expansion and interference, using straps to secure the envelopes to the base and allow controlled access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-connectorized fiber optic cables are deployed in standard lengths, then field labor and installation costs are reduced, but excess cable slack is created that interferes with other contents in the storage enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage system is divided into multiple individual envelopes, each designed to contain a specific cable bundle. This segmentation allows each cable to be stored separately in its own envelope, preventing cables from interfering with each other while maintaining the benefits of pre-connectorized standard-length cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope structure nests the cable coil within a contained space, which is then nested within the larger cable storage enclosure. This nested arrangement allows excess cable slack to be contained within the envelope without interfering with other cables or contents in the storage enclosure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple cable bundles are stored in an enclosure, then cable storage capacity is increased, but cable coils expand and interfere with other contents
Solution Approach 1:
Each cable bundle is placed in a separate envelope, segmenting the storage space into individual compartments. This allows multiple cable bundles to be stored in the same enclosure without the cables expanding and interfering with each other, as each envelope provides its own containment boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Each envelope is designed with specific local properties (sealed or closed structure) that prevent cable expansion in that local area. This local containment quality ensures that while multiple cables are stored in the overall enclosure, each cable maintains its own defined space and cannot interfere with adjacent cables.
3Ease of manufacture
If cable slack is concealed from view, then aesthetic appearance and organization are improved, but access to cable ends may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope design segments the cable into two functional zones: the coiled slack portion contained within the envelope for concealment, and the cable ends extending through the envelope for access. This segmentation allows the body of the cable to be concealed while the functional ends remain accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope acts as an intermediary structure that simultaneously achieves concealment and access. It conceals the cable slack from view while providing openings or extensions that allow access to the cable ends when needed, mediating between the conflicting requirements of aesthetics and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable storage system that may include a mounting portion that is configured to extend from a wall portion of a cable storage enclosure, and an envelope portion. The envelope portion may be configured to contain a coil of cable. The envelope portion may include an envelope opening portion that may be located on an edge portion of the envelopment portion. The mounting portion may be configured to support the envelope portion though the envelope opening portion. The envelope portion may be configured to support the coil of cable in the envelope portion so as to restrict the coil of cable from expanding and interfering with contents of the cable storage enclosure.