Fiber Optic Junction Box Strain Relief for Cable Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic connection boxes lack effective strain relief mechanisms for securing fiber optic cables and adaptability to different cable sizes and types, leading to potential mechanical damage and environmental exposure.

Innovation Solution

A connection box with a strain relief device featuring a clamping element and holding structure for fiber optic cable sheaths, combined with adaptable seals and cable ties for secure fixation and protection, allowing easy installation and flexibility for various cable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connection boxes without strain relief devices are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fiber optic connections deteriorates due to potential mechanical damage and environmental exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief device is divided into separate functional components: a clamping element for mechanical securing, a holding structure for positioning, and removable seals for environmental protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strain relief device is pre-installed within the connection box housing, with the clamping element and holding structure positioned in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when fiber optic cables are installed, they are immediately secured and protected, preventing mechanical damage and environmental exposure from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed strain relief device is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different cable sizes and types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element is designed with adjustable characteristics, allowing it to adapt its clamping force and positioning to accommodate different cable diameters and types. This dynamic adaptability enables a single device design to work effectively with various fiber optic cables while maintaining secure fixation through controlled manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding structure includes adjustable parameters such as clamp pressure, positioning depth, and seal engagement force. These parameters can be modified to match different cable specifications, enabling the same strain relief device to accommodate various cable sizes and types while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If removable seals are used, then the ease of operation is improved for maintenance, but the protection against environmental factors deteriorates during access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidenvironmental exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Seals are pre-installed in the strain relief device in a ready-to-use state, providing immediate environmental protection when the device is assembled. During maintenance, these pre-positioned seals can be quickly removed and reinstalled, minimizing the time the system is exposed to environmental factors while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The removable seal design enables rapid access to the fiber optic connections for maintenance operations. The seal can be quickly removed to allow access, and just as quickly reinstalled to restore protection, effectively skipping the exposure period to minimize environmental damage while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4617748A1Junction box with strain relief
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 HAUFF TECH GRIDCOM GMBH
  • EP4617748A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617748A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617748A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fiber optic connection box with a housing and a strain relief device for fixing a first sheath of at least one or for at least a first fiber optic cable, wherein the strain relief device has a clamping element (62) that is or can be detachably mounted in the housing, and a receptacle for the first sheath that is accessible after the clamping element (62) has been released and removed, wherein the strain relief device is designed such that the clamping element (62) contributes to clamping the first sheath relative to the housing after the first sheath has been inserted into the receptacle and after the clamping element (62) has been reassembled in the housing, wherein the clamping element (62) has a holding structure for at least one further second fiber optic cable on a side of the clamping element (62) facing away from the first sheath in its clamped state.