Fiber Optic Clip With Keyhole Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic equipment designs are hindered by the inability to support sufficient furcation assemblies, and existing securing techniques for fiber optic cables are not secure, affecting stability and strength, especially under lateral and rotational forces.
Innovation Solution
A clip system with a keyhole member, catch, cover, and arm is used to securely mount fiber optic cable assemblies, featuring anti-rotation and attachment features that inhibit lateral movement and rotation, allowing for higher density installations and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple fasteners such as tape, Ty-Wraps, or Velcro are used to secure the furcation assembly, then the ease of installation is improved, but the stability and strength of the attachment under lateral and rotational forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a clip body for mounting, an arm for engagement, and a catch for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both ease of installation and strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is designed to be movable relative to the clip body, allowing it to flex during installation and then lock into place. This dynamic element enables simple snap-in installation while providing robust mechanical retention under lateral and rotational forces through the catch mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If furcation assemblies are mounted on the outside of the housing, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase, limiting high-density configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed to be integrated within the housing structure, with the arm and catch mechanisms nested within the housing interior. This nesting approach allows the securing mechanism to be contained within the existing equipment footprint, enabling high-density configurations without adding external bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip design serves multiple functions: it secures the furcation assembly, provides strain relief, and integrates with the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining ease of installation.
3Device complexity
If traditional securing techniques are used, then the device complexity is kept low, but the reliability of the connection under lateral and rotational forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is pre-positioned and biased toward the engaged position, so that when the furcation assembly is inserted, the catch automatically locks into place without requiring additional fastening steps. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable connection while keeping the mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the arm in place during installation, providing self-securing functionality. This self-service feature ensures reliable connection without requiring complex external fastening systems or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip, configured to support a furcation body, includes a keyhole member, a catch, a cover, and an arm. The keyhole member may be received in a keyhole of a mounting surface, and is offset from a bottom of the clip via a slot guide such that when the bottom of the clip slides along the mounting surface, a top of the keyhole member engages an underside of the mounting surface to lock the clip to the mounting surface. The catch extends from the bottom of the clip in a direction that the keyhole member is offset from the bottom of the clip. The cover is coupled to a wall of the clip extending from the bottom of the clip in a direction away from the catch. The arm extends from the clip in a direction away from the catch and provides a handling point above the clip.