Fiber Optic Holding Device With Elastic Clamping Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for fiber optic cables are inefficient in managing large quantities, leading to complexity and confusion during installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising a lower part attachable to a power distribution cabinet, with clamping plates made of soft elastic material and an upper part made of hard plastic, featuring a latching structure allowing multiple positional connections to manage matrices of fiber optic cables, and a fiber optic management device with a housing and deflection bodies for redirecting and securing cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional holding devices are used for fiber optic cables, then the device structure is simple, but the device can only handle small quantities of cables and becomes confusing and time-consuming for larger quantities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of fiber optic cablesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into a lower part and at least one upper part that can be operatively connected together. The upper part can be connected to the lower part in multiple alternative positions, allowing the device to handle different quantities of cables. This segmentation enables the device to manage large quantities of fiber optic cables systematically by organizing them into multiple rows and columns, resolving the confusion that occurs with traditional single-structure holders when dealing with large cable quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple rows of fiber optic cables are managed, then the cable management capacity increases, but the installation and sorting process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cable rowsVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The upper part of the holding device is designed to be dynamically positionable relative to the lower part, with multiple alternative connection positions along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic configuration allows installers to adjust the device to accommodate different numbers of cable rows (e.g., two, three, or four rows) without requiring completely different device structures. The locking mechanism enables easy switching between positions, maintaining ease of operation while increasing cable management capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the upper part and lower part are rigidly connected, then the structural stability increases, but the device cannot be disassembled or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with locking elements and corresponding locking recesses that can be engaged in multiple predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis. This preliminary arrangement of locking positions allows the device to be stably fixed in various configurations (different numbers of cable rows) while maintaining structural stability. The mechanism enables reconfiguration by simply disengaging and re-engaging the locking elements at different positions, providing both stability and adaptability without requiring rigid permanent connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables easy and efficient management of multiple fiber optic cables, providing strain relief and organized routing, reducing installation complexity and improving cable handling in high-density environments.

Implementation Method 1

The at least two clamping plates (4) serve to (gently) clamp the series of fiber optic cables (100) between the respective clamping plates (4). For this purpose, the clamping plates (4) are generally made of a soft, elastic material.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

For the operative connection of the at least one upper part to the lower part in a second direction perpendicular to the first, the holding device further comprises at least one locking mechanism. The locking structure(s) can connect the at least one upper part and the lower part in several alternative positions in the second direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4286908A1Holding device for holding glass fibre cables
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 KAISER AKTIENGES
  • EP4286908A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286908A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286908A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device (1) for holding at least one series of fiber optic cables passing through the holding device (1) in a first direction (x). The holding device (1) comprises a lower part (2) for attaching the holding device (1) to a network distribution cabinet and at least one upper part (3) that can be operatively connected to the lower part (2). Furthermore, the holding device (1) comprises at least one locking structure (5) for operatively connecting the upper part (3) to the lower part (2) in a second direction (z) perpendicular to the first direction (x) in several alternative positions, and at least two clamping plates (4) arranged in the second direction (z) between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3), each made of a soft elastic material, for clamping the series of fiber optic cables between the respective clamping plates (4).