Optical Fiber Storage Guide With Adjustable Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in cabling aircraft is managing excess length of optical fibers, which is fragile and prone to damage when coiled tightly, and existing methods like helical paths around electrical harnesses hinder access and increase risk of damage during cable replacement.
Innovation Solution
A device with two adjustable guide members featuring grooves for the optical fibers, allowing excess length to be stored in a loop, with adjustable longitudinal parts and fastener elements for secure positioning, enabling easy adaptation and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fibers are installed in a helical path around the periphery of an electrical harness to compensate for excess length, then the excess fiber length can be accommodated, but the optical fiber impedes access to cables for replacement and increases the risk of damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the optical fiber storage function from the electrical harness structure by providing a dedicated guide member with a groove. This segmentation allows the fiber to be stored in a designated area away from the harness, eliminating the interference between fiber management and cable replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the excess fiber and the installation environment. By providing a structured groove and guide surfaces, it mediates the storage of excess fiber in a controlled manner that prevents damage and does not interfere with harness operations.
2Quantity of substance
If optical fibers are located on the outside of the harness to accommodate excess length, then the excess fiber can be stored, but the risk of involuntary handling and damage to the optical fiber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member provides a protective structural envelope (groove) that confines and protects the optical fiber. This protective structure reduces the risk of damage by preventing involuntary handling and maintaining proper fiber geometry throughout the storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides protective guidance and structural support for the fiber before any potential damage can occur. The groove and guide surfaces prepare the fiber path in advance, ensuring that even if handling occurs, the fiber is protected by the structured guidance system.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed structure is used to store excess fiber, then the installation is simple, but the device cannot be easily adapted to differing amounts of excess length
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable guide members that can be repositioned along the longitudinal part to accommodate varying amounts of excess fiber. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device structure to adapt to different installation requirements while maintaining simple operation through straightforward positioning and securing of the guide members.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for storing an excess length of a cable, the device includes two separate guide members configured to guide the cable, each guide member presenting a groove for receiving the cable, the relative position of the guide members being adjustable with a longitudinal part extending having a first end and a free second end, the first end being secured to one of the guide members, the longitudinal part being suitable for being fastened to the other guide member from the free second end and being capable of being moved relative to the other guide member while remaining fastened thereto.