Clamshell Pulling Bullet for Fiber Connector Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fiber optic cables is challenging due to their fragility and the difficulty in pulling them through enclosed spaces without damaging the distal end, which often includes a critical connector.
Innovation Solution
A cable pulling device featuring a clamshell housing with a locking ring and a cord forming a loop around a bifurcate aperture, designed to securely engage and protect the distal end of the fiber optic cable during pulling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable pulling methods are used, then the cable can be pulled through conduits, but the distal end of the cable including connectors is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching a protective device to the distal end of the cable before pulling operations. This protective device includes a housing with a cavity that receives and secures the connector, along with a pulling cord attached in advance. The pulling cord is threaded through the conduit path beforehand, and the protective housing is positioned on the cable end prior to the pulling force being applied, ensuring the connector is already protected when tension is applied during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a protective housing that acts as a cushioning barrier between the pulling force and the fragile connector. The housing absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress during cable pulling, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the connector. The design includes features like a cord groove and locking mechanisms that distribute stress evenly, cushioning the impact on the distal end components during the pulling process
2Reliability
If protective devices are added to protect the cable distal end, then connector protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective device into distinct functional segments: a housing component, a pulling cord, and a locking mechanism. The housing itself is segmented with separate features for cord attachment (cord groove), cord retention (locking mechanism with engagement features), and connector reception (cavity). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity - the housing protects, the cord transmits force, and the locking mechanism secures the cord
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protective function from complex multi-component systems by isolating only the essential elements needed for protection: a simple housing structure, a pulling cord, and basic locking features. Rather than using complex active protection systems, the invention extracts and implements only the necessary passive protective elements, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining effective connector protection
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to hold the protective device, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of operation for removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs. The mechanism includes movable engagement features (such as tabs or clips) that can be easily actuated to lock the pulling cord in place during installation, providing secure retention. For removal, the same features can be easily disengaged by simple manual manipulation, allowing quick release. This dynamic design allows the system to be both secure during use and easy to operate for removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the inversion principle by designing the locking mechanism to work in reverse for removal compared to engagement. The same structural features that provide secure locking (interlocking tabs, engagement grooves) are designed to be easily disengaged by reversing the action - rather than requiring complex tools or procedures for removal, the mechanism allows the cord to be quickly released by simply pulling or manipulating the housing in the opposite direction of engagement, making removal as easy as installation
Data Source
AI summary
A cable pulling device including a clamshell housing including a first elongate clamshell and a second elongate clamshell configured to engage the first elongate clamshell such that the clamshell housing can house a distal end piece disposed at a distal end of a cable. The device can include a cord extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end and the second end being configured to extend through a bifurcate aperture disposed at a distal end of the distal end piece to form a loop. The cable pulling device can include a locking ring configured to surround and hold together the first elongate clamshell and the second elongate clamshell.