Fiber Routing Systems with Mesh Sleeve Anchoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for higher data speeds in data centers requires effective management and protection of multi-fiber fiber optic cables, which is challenging due to the need for cable management and protection against abrasion, dirt, and dust penetration.

Innovation Solution

A fiber routing system that includes anchoring devices and configurations for securing optical fibers using mesh sleeves, cable breakout assemblies with insert and fixing arrangements, and reinforcing inserts to protect and route optical fibers through conduits, ensuring secure anchoring and protection against wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If greater numbers of fiber optic cables are used to accommodate higher data speeds, then data transmission capacity is improved, but cable management complexity and protection difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cable management system into modular components including individual mesh sleeves for each fiber, separate anchoring devices for each cable bundle, and organized routing paths. This segmentation allows each component to be managed independently, reducing overall complexity while supporting high-density fiber deployments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical routing dimensions by mounting cable management components on racks and walls, transitioning from horizontal floor-based cable management to vertical space utilization. This dimensional change increases capacity without proportionally increasing management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If fiber optic cables are routed through more protective conduits, then protection against abrasion and dust is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against abrasion and dustVSAvoidprotective conduit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible mesh sleeves that provide protective coverage for fiber optic cables. These thin-film-like structures offer abrasion and dust protection without the bulk and complexity of rigid conduits, maintaining reliability while reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested protection where mesh sleeves are inserted into larger conduit structures, and multiple layers of protection are combined. This nesting approach provides comprehensive protection while organizing the protective elements in a compact, manageable configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If anchoring devices are added to secure cable ends to fixtures, then cable stability and protection are improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring devices are designed with self-adjusting features that allow installers to secure cables without specialized tools or complex procedures. The devices automatically adapt to different cable configurations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring devices are designed as universal components that can secure various types of cable endings to multiple types of fixtures including racks, walls, and panels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different components needed, simplifying installation while ensuring cable stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3612881B1Fiber routing systems
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3612881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3612881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3612881B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to structures and configurations for breaking out fibers from cables and/or securing the ends of protective mesh sleeves to other structures such as brackets, cables and trays/cassettes. The mesh sleeves can be adapted to protect optical fibers that pass therethrough. In one example, a mesh sleeve can be secured to another structure by an anchor including a reinforcing insert that fits in the mesh sleeve and a clamping housing that mounts over the mesh sleeve.