Fiber Optic Cable Mounting Adapter Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables experience bending strain near interconnection points, which can cause optical attenuation and damage to optical fibers, necessitating effective strain relief solutions to secure the cables and prevent bending forces from being transmitted to connector ports.
Innovation Solution
The development of fiber optic cable mounting adapters with extension members and a mounting body that can be secured to the cable and external mounting structures, providing strain relief by distributing forces and reducing the risk of bending-induced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cables are routed with bends to reach equipment, then cable flexibility and routing adaptability are improved, but bending strain causes optical attenuation and fiber damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting adapter as an intermediary device between the fiber optic cable and equipment. The adapter includes a mounting body with a cable receiving chamber that accommodates the cable, extension members that attach to the cable, and a mounting interface that secures to equipment. This intermediary structure absorbs and distributes bending forces, preventing direct transmission of strain to the optical fibers while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting body for structural support, extension members for cable attachment, and a mounting interface for equipment securing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function - the mounting body provides strain relief, extension members ensure secure cable attachment, and the mounting interface enables flexible equipment mounting.
2Reliability
If strain relief devices are added to secure fiber optic cables, then bending strain on cables is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated mounting adapter structure. The mounting body simultaneously provides cable support, strain relief, and mounting capabilities. Extension members are integrated with the mounting body to provide both cable attachment and structural reinforcement. This consolidation achieves effective strain relief while minimizing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting adapter is designed with universal functionality to handle various cable types and equipment interfaces. The cable receiving chamber accommodates different cable diameters, extension members can attach to various cable configurations, and the mounting interface provides versatile equipment securing options. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic cable mounting adapters and related fiber optic cable assemblies and methods for attaching an external mounting device to the fiber optic cable are disclosed. The fiber optic mounting adapters can be configured to be secured to a portion of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic mounting adapters can also be configured to be secured to external mounting devices compatible to be secured to fiber optic equipment, to secure the fiber optic mounting adapter, and in turn the fiber optic cable, to the fiber optic equipment. Securing a portion of a fiber optic cable can reduce or prevent bending strain from being propagated along the fiber optic cable. Undesired bending strain of a fiber optic cable can cause undesired optical attenuation. Bending strain can also risk damaging optical fibers, such as furcated legs, exposed from the end portion of the fiber optic cable.