Conductive Deformable Element for Fiber Optic Cable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables pose a risk of electrical leakage current when connected between units with a high voltage difference, potentially damaging equipment if not properly terminated.
Innovation Solution
A clamping structure with a pair of opposed jaws and an electrically conductive deformable element that deforms around the fiber optic cable, providing enhanced surface contact and redirecting leakage current to a controlled potential, such as chassis ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid clamping structure is used to secure the fiber optic cable, then the mechanical holding strength is improved, but the electrical contact quality deteriorates due to poor surface conformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable element made of elastomeric or viscoelastic material that conforms to the outer surface of the fiber optic cable. This flexible material maintains continuous mechanical contact while ensuring intimate electrical contact with the leakage current path, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and electrical contact quality
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping structure combines rigid jaws for mechanical holding with a deformable conductive element for electrical contact. This composite approach integrates materials with different properties - the rigid portion provides structural strength while the deformable conductive portion ensures reliable electrical connection to terminate leakage current
2Reliability
If a deformable element is used to enhance electrical contact, then the electrical contact quality is improved, but the mechanical holding strength deteriorates due to reduced structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element is designed as a thin elastomeric or viscoelastic layer that can deform to conform to the cable surface, ensuring intimate electrical contact. Despite its flexibility, it is positioned within rigid jaws that provide the necessary mechanical holding strength, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical contact quality and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable conductive element acts as an intermediary between the rigid jaw and the fiber optic cable. It transfers both mechanical force from the jaw and electrical connection to the cable, mediating between the rigid structural component and the flexible cable surface to achieve both mechanical holding and electrical contact
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
Effectively terminates leakage current from fiber optic cables, reducing the risk of damage to connected units by ensuring a reliable electrical connection and safe redirection of the leakage current.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive deformable element of the above-described clamping structure may, when force is applied by/to the opposed jaws, deform around the fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
by providing an element that is both deformable and electrically conductive, the surface area of connection - and thus the quality of electrical connection - between said element and the fiber optic cable can be greatly enhanced
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
This disclosure presents a clamping structure, comprising a pair of opposed jaws having an open state and a clamped state, and an electrically conductive deformable element, arranged between the jaws. The electrically conductive deformable element is configured to receive a fiber optic cable when the jaws are in the open state and deform around and thereby sandwich a fiber optic cable when the jaws are in the clamped state, wherein the clamping structure is configured to be electrically connected to a controlled potential. A system comprising the clamping structure is also presented.