Spring-Locked Cable Trough Coupler for Tool-Free Rearrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable routing systems for optical fibers and other cables in telecommunications facilities are cumbersome due to the need for multiple hardware components for joining trough members, making them difficult to modify and reconfigure.
Innovation Solution
A locking element for couplers that includes a rotatable shaft with a handle and spring mechanism, allowing for tool-less connection and disconnection of trough members, enabling easy rearrangement and adaptation of cable routing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hardware is used for joining trough members, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the shaft provides rotational movement, the handle member provides user interface, the spring provides locking force, and the pawl member provides engagement. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate tools and multiple hardware components, directly reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages the pawl member with the slot to secure the trough member connection without requiring external tools or manual fastening operations. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to automatically lock and unlock the connection, eliminating the need for additional hardware and simplifying operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware components are used for joining trough members, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of rearrangement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed as a modular component that can be independently connected to multiple trough members through multiple locking elements. Each locking element operates independently, allowing the system to be segmented into reusable modules that can be easily rearranged and reconfigured without requiring disassembly of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element incorporates a rotatable shaft that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism allows for quick connection and disconnection operations, enabling easy rearrangement of trough members while maintaining reliable connections when locked. The rotational degree of freedom provides adaptability for different configuration needs.
3Productivity
If traditional coupling methods are used, then the connection strength is adequate, but the time for connection and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to store mechanical energy that is automatically released during the locking process. The pawl member is positioned to automatically engage with the slot upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps. This preliminary preparation of the spring and pawl mechanism enables rapid connection without time-consuming manual fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional multi-step mechanical fastening process is replaced with a single rotational action of the shaft that triggers the spring-loaded pawl member to automatically engage or disengage. This substitution of the complex multi-component mechanical system with a simplified spring-based automatic mechanism dramatically reduces the time required for connection and disconnection operations.
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
The solution provides a flexible and adaptable cable routing system that can be easily modified without requiring separate tools, enhancing the modularity and efficiency of cable management in telecommunications facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the main body, the spring rotating the shaft and the member into a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system can include a main body with an aperture, a shaft extending through the aperture of the main body, the shaft being rotatable with respect to the main body, and a handle member coupled to a first end of the shaft. The locking element also includes a member coupled to a second end of the shaft, and a spring coupled to the main body, the spring rotating the shaft and the member into a locked position.