Fiber Optic Cable Clamp With T-Leg Retention Against Axial Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber clamping systems face challenges in securely attaching fiber optic cables to substrates, particularly when accessing internal fibers for splicing, as they require mechanical clamping of both cable jackets and strength members, which can be cumbersome and prone to displacement.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a housing and retention members featuring 'T' shaped legs and a cable gripper system that securely connects cables to a strain relief member, allowing for easy attachment and preventing axial displacement, while accommodating different cable types and sizes through modular design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical clamping of both cable jackets and strength members is used to securely attach fiber optic cables to substrates, then the cable attachment security is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the cumbersome nature of the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable attachment securityVSAvoidclamping system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system is divided into separate modular components: a clamp body, a retention member with T-shaped legs, and a cable gripper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly and installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member with T-shaped legs acts as an intermediary between the clamp body and the strain relief member. It provides a simplified connection mechanism that eliminates the need for complex mechanical clamping of both cable jackets and strength members separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical clamping of both cable jackets and strength members is used to securely attach fiber optic cables to substrates, then the cable attachment security is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to the cumbersome process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable attachment securityVSAvoidcable attachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical clamping mechanism for securing both cable jackets and strength members is extracted and replaced with a simplified retention member that engages with the strain relief member through T-shaped legs, significantly easing the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable gripper automatically secures the cable when the retention member is inserted into the strain relief member, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or additional clamping steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a robust clamping solution is implemented to prevent axial displacement of cables, then the cable stability is improved, but the adaptability to different cable types and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidcable type adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp body with the retention member and cable gripper is designed as a universal device that can accommodate different cable types and sizes. The cable gripper can adjust to various cable diameters while maintaining secure attachment and preventing axial displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3543756B1Cable strain relief clamping devices and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2023.09.20 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A clamping device for connecting a cable to a strain relief member includes a housing having a retention member extending therefrom. The retention member is configured to be inserted in a mating opening in the strain relief member and to be secured thereto. A connector is configured to connect the cable to the housing.