Drop Wire Clamp Wedge Structure for Secure Cable Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop wire clamps often damage cables, fail to securely hold smaller cables, and loosen over time due to direct compressive forces and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A drop wire clamp design featuring an outer shell and inner wedge that form a containment structure with a length dimension greater than the width, allowing secure cable placement and minimizing direct compressive forces, along with a bail wire for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct compressive forces are applied on both flat sides of a fiber optic cable, then the cable is secured firmly, but the cables are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp applies compression force only to the top surface of the cable through the wedge member, while the bottom surface remains uncompressed. This localized compression approach secures the cable without damaging the insulation or conductors, resolving the contradiction between firm clamping and cable protection
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of compressing both top and bottom surfaces of the cable, the invention inverts the approach by compressing only the top surface and leaving the bottom surface free. This inverted compression strategy achieves secure clamping while preventing cable damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger clamps are used to accommodate smaller cables, then the cables can be inserted, but the cables move laterally and pull through with little force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp provides localized compression at the top surface of the cable, creating a secure grip that prevents lateral movement and pull-through. This focused compression approach ensures reliable clamping even when accommodating smaller cables in larger clamp structures
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge member is designed to apply compression force to the cable before any lateral movement or pull-through can occur. This preliminary compression action secures the cable in position, preventing subsequent movement that would compromise clamping stability
3Device complexity
If clamps secure cables from only top and bottom sides, then the structure is simple, but the cable shifts and is easily cut by the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the compression function from a traditional top-bottom clamping structure and concentrates it on the top surface only. By removing the bottom compression element, the design simplifies the structure while eliminating the cable shifting and cutting problems associated with conventional clamps
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used in the clamp, then the functionality is enhanced, but the assembly becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body and wedge member are designed as two simple, distinct components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The bail wire provides a straightforward attachment mechanism, making the overall assembly process intuitive and non-confusing despite the functional versatility of the clamp system
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 clamp effectively secures cables without damaging them, maintains stability over time, and simplifies assembly, ensuring secure cable attachment and protection.
Implementation Method 1
The friction surfaces can include a plurality of holes with raised edges surrounding the holes... The raised edges can impart frictional engagement with the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A drop wire clamp to secure a cable that comprise an outer shell and an inner wedge. The outer shell having a first wall, a second wall, and a shell base to couple the first wall with the second wall. The shell base further defines a shell channel. An inner wedge is receivable in the outer shell and movable between a first position and a second position within the outer shell. The inner wedge has a wedge base defining a wedge channel, wherein the shell channel aligns with the wedge channel in the second position to form a containment structure to house a cable therein. The containment structure includes a length dimension and a width dimension, wherein the length dimension is greater than the width dimension and the length dimension extends in a same direction as the shell base of the outer shell.