Optical Fiber Junction Box Retaining Stopper Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection boxes for optical fiber cables are too tall, leading to increased costs due to the need for multiple cabinets, and current fixing methods are cumbersome and prone to deformation, causing connectors to be dislodged.
Innovation Solution
A connection box design with a retaining stopper on the cover that sandwiches the main projection of the connector between the strip and the cover, eliminating the need for screws and reducing the box's height, while also providing enhanced rigidity and easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw fixing is used to secure connectors to the strip, then reliable retention of connectors is achieved, but the height of the housing increases due to the need for ears serving as screwing support
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw fixing mechanism from the connector assembly and relocates it to the housing structure. The retaining stoppers are integrated into the housing walls, eliminating the need for separate screw ears on the connectors themselves. This allows the connectors to be secured reliably while maintaining a compact height, as the fixing function is separated from the connector body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces retaining stoppers as intermediary elements between the housing and the connectors. These stoppers act as mediators that provide the necessary retention function without requiring the connectors to have extended ears. The stoppers are positioned within the housing to engage with the connectors, providing reliable fixation while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If the main projection of the connector has significant height to form an ear for screw support, then reliable fixing is achieved, but the overall height of the connection box increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the connector upward to form an ear for screw support, the invention inverts the approach by providing retaining stoppers on the housing walls that extend toward the connector. The fixing function is moved from the connector to the housing, allowing the connector to maintain its compact form while still achieving reliable fixation through the inverted retaining mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw support function is extracted from the connector and relocated to the housing structure. The retaining stoppers are integrated into the housing walls, eliminating the need for separate screw ears on the connectors themselves. This allows the connectors to be secured reliably while maintaining a compact height, as the fixing function is separated from the connector body.
3Reliability
If connectors are screwed onto the strip, then connectors are securely held, but removal requires unscrewing which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic retaining mechanism where the stoppers can be easily disengaged and reengaged. The retaining stoppers are designed to allow quick release and reattachment of connectors, transitioning from a static screw-fixed state to a dynamic system that enables rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining stoppers are pre-positioned in the housing walls to facilitate easy engagement. The design allows connectors to be quickly inserted and retained without requiring the operator to perform complex unscrewing operations. The preliminary positioning of the stoppers enables simple snap-in or clip-in actions for both installation and removal.
4Length of stationary object
If the connection box is made compact to reduce stacking height, then cabinet space is optimized, but the strip may deform under impact or pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention strengthens the strip structure through strategic curvature and reinforcement elements. The retaining stoppers are positioned to provide support at critical points along the strip, creating a structured reinforcement pattern that enhances rigidity without increasing overall height. The curved or angled positioning of stoppers provides mechanical advantage for distributing forces across the strip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure combines the strip with integrated retaining stoppers to create a composite assembly with enhanced rigidity. The stoppers act as reinforcing elements that work together with the strip to resist deformation under impact or pulling forces. This composite structure provides the necessary strength and stability while maintaining the compact dimensions required for efficient stacking.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The case (1) has a main projection e.g. shoulder, that extends transversally at longitudinal direction of connections (5). A hood (3) includes a part forming retention stop (13) that retains the connections. The stop extends parallel to an upper crosspiece of a band at closed state of the case. The stop and the crosspiece delimit housing between each other. The projection is inserted inside the housing at a state in which the connections are introduced in an opening of the band for maintaining each connection in the band.