Fiber Optic Mounting Bracket With Slide-Snap Coupling and Cable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting bracket systems for fiber optic drop terminals are not adaptable to various terminal sizes, lack adjustable mounting options for overhead cables, and do not provide adequate storage for excess fiber optic cables, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic system with a telecommunications enclosure and a mounting bracket arrangement featuring a slide interface and snap-fit interface for adjustable mounting, including aerial strand mount units and cable storage units to accommodate different terminal sizes and store excess cables efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fasteners are used to mount drop terminals, then mounting is simple, but the terminal housing may be damaged and water may enter
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the drop terminal and the mounting surface. The bracket includes a mounting plate with fastener holes that receives fasteners, while the drop terminal mounts to the bracket rather than directly to the surface. This mediator protects the terminal housing from direct fastener penetration while maintaining secure mounting.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed mounting bracket is used, then installation is straightforward, but it cannot accommodate various drop terminal sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable elements including a positioner with multiple positioning holes that allow adjustment of the drop terminal position relative to the mounting plate. The bracket can be configured in different orientations (horizontal/vertical) and the positioner can be positioned at different locations to accommodate various terminal sizes and mounting surface configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different drop terminal sizes and types. The mounting plate with multiple fastener holes, combined with the adjustable positioner, creates a multi-functional system that can adapt to various terminal configurations while maintaining a single standardized bracket design.
3Area of stationary object
If the drop terminal is mounted close to the overhead cable, then space is saved, but access and ventilation are poor causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner component allows dynamic adjustment of the drop terminal's position relative to the mounting plate and overhead cable. The positioner can be moved to different positioning holes to increase or decrease the distance between the terminal and cable based on ventilation requirements, while still maintaining secure mounting when space is constrained.
4Device complexity
If no cable storage is provided at the drop terminal location, then the mounting structure is simple, but excess cable cannot be stored safely
Solution Approach 1:
A cable storage compartment is integrated into the mounting bracket structure, nesting the cable storage function within the existing bracket. The compartment provides a protected space for coiling and storing excess drop cable, preventing damage from environmental exposure while adding minimal complexity to the overall mounting system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic system includes an enclosure and a mounting bracket that cooperate to define a mechanical coupling interface including a slide interface and a snap-fit interface. The slide interface allows the enclosure to mount to the bracket along a first dimension and retains the enclosure at the bracket along second and third dimensions that are transverse to the first dimension and transverse to each other. The snap-fit interface, once triggered, retains the enclosure at the bracket along the first dimension.