Fiber Optic Cable Clamp with Open-Top Base and Keeper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable clamps are not suitable for fiber optic cables due to their different bend characteristics and load strengths, often causing damage and data loss, and are over-engineered for the lower weight and tension requirements of fiber optic cables compared to electrical conductors.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp design featuring an elongate open-top base with a suspension arm, eyelet, and keeper, where the keeper has semi-oval clamping arms and the base has recesses for the keeper legs, allowing for secure cable retention while minimizing material usage and parts, and includes a mechanism to prevent excessive clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wire cable clamps are used for fiber optic cables, then the clamp structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the clamp causes damage to the cable and data loss due to excessive clamping force and inappropriate design for fiber optic characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design changes the clamping force parameters to be appropriate for fiber optic cables rather than wire cables. The open-top base with recesses and the keeper with semi-obround clamping arms create a gentler clamping mechanism that applies sufficient force to secure the cable without exceeding the damage threshold for fiber optic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp applies clamping force locally at specific points through the keeper's clamping arms engaging with the cable in the base recesses, rather than distributing force across the entire cable. This localized approach secures the cable while minimizing stress on vulnerable fiber optic sections.
2Strength
If traditional wire cable clamps are used for fiber optic cables, then the clamp body strength is high, but the clamp is over-engineered and uses excessive material for the lower weight and tension requirements of fiber optic cables
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts only the necessary strength requirements for fiber optic cable suspension, removing the excessive material and structural reinforcement needed for heavier wire cables. The open-top base and slender keeper arms are designed with minimal material while maintaining adequate strength for the lighter fiber optic application.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp uses minimal material in its construction, creating a lightweight structure appropriate for fiber optic cables. The design accepts reduced material usage and corresponding lower absolute strength, which is sufficient for the lighter weight and tension requirements of fiber optic cables compared to wire cables.
3Device complexity
If traditional wire cable clamps are used for fiber optic cables, then the clamp has a simple design, but the clamp does not meet the specific needs for reliable suspension of fiber optic cables with varying bend characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design incorporates the open-top base with recesses and the movable keeper that can engage and disengage from the cable. This dynamic structure allows the clamp to adapt to different cable positions and bend characteristics while maintaining secure suspension, rather than being a rigid fixed-structure clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: the open-top base for cable reception, the recesses for positioning, the suspension arm for attachment, and the keeper for clamping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide reliable suspension for various fiber optic cable types.
4Ease of operation
If traditional wire cable clamps are used for fiber optic cables, then the clamp installation is straightforward, but the clamp is difficult to use and install due to the need to accommodate different cable bend characteristics and load strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design creates a universal mounting structure with the open-top base and recesses that can accommodate different fiber optic cable types and bend characteristics. The keeper's semi-obround clamping arms can engage with various cable configurations, providing a single clamp design that works across multiple cable types without requiring adjustment or specialized variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable clamp includes an elongated, open-top base having a first end, a second end, and a central region. A suspension arm extends from the open-top base. An eyelet having an opening, a top portion, and a base portion is coupled to the suspension arm. The eyelet base portion has a first width and the top portion has a second width greater than the first width. A keeper is coupled to the base.