Flat Fiber Optic Cable Clamp With Localized Compression Shim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable clamp assemblies are unable to securely grip flat fiber optic cables without damaging the optical fibers, as they apply insufficient compressive force, which is necessary to hold the cables under maximum tension.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp assembly featuring a wedge-shaped outer shell with a friction inner surface and a shim with protrusions that apply compressive force to the cable, aligned with dielectric strength members, to securely hold the flat fiber optic cable without compressing the optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable clamp assemblies are used on flat fiber optic cables, then the cable can be secured, but the optical fibers are damaged due to excessive compressive force
Solution Approach 1:
The shim features protrusions concentrated at specific locations that align with dielectric strength members, creating localized compression zones. This concentrates the compressive force only at the strongest points of the cable (where dielectric members are located) rather than distributing it uniformly, thereby securing the cable without damaging the optical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim acts as an intermediary element between the wedge insert and the flat fiber optic cable. It translates the wedge-shaped compressive force into localized pressure points through its protrusions, mediating the interaction to achieve secure gripping without direct uniform compression on the cable body.
2Force
If sufficient compressive force is applied to grip flat fiber optic cables, then the cable can be held under tension, but the optical fibers are compressed to the point of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The compressive force is applied locally at protrusion locations aligned with dielectric strength members rather than uniformly across the cable. This creates high force at specific points where the cable structure can withstand it, while leaving the optical fiber regions uncompressed and intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the distribution pattern of compressive force from uniform to localized, and changes the location parameter to align with dielectric members. This parameter transformation allows sufficient overall gripping force while protecting critical fiber regions from damaging compression.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wedge-shaped inserts are used, then cable clamp assembly can be assembled, but insufficient grip is provided on flat fiber optic cables
Solution Approach 1:
The shim introduces localized protrusions that create concentrated contact points with the flat cable, enhancing grip strength at critical locations. This maintains the simple wedge insert design for ease of manufacture while adding localized features to improve gripping reliability on flat cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is segmented into two components: the wedge insert provides overall compression and the shim provides localized gripping points. This segmentation allows each component to be simple to manufacture while collectively achieving superior grip on flat fiber optic cables.
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 assembly effectively secures flat fiber optic cables under high tension without damaging the optical fibers, passing industry standard tests, including elevated temperature conditions, by distributing the compressive force to the strongest areas of the cable.
Implementation Method 1
a friction inner surface of a bottom wall... The friction inner surface is sized to operably support the bottom surface of the flat fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
The outer ridges apply a compressive force to the flat fiber optic cable through the protrusions and mainly at the locations of the respective dielectric strength members
Data Source
AI summary
A cable clamp assembly and a cable clamp method for a flat fiber optic cable are disclosed. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped outer shell with a bottom wall having a friction inner surface with a longitudinal central recess formed therein. The flat fiber optic cable resides within the interior of the outer shell and is supported by the friction inner surface. A shim having two parallel rows of protrusions fits within the interior of the outer shell with the protrusions being in contact with the fiber optic cable. The assembly includes a wedge insert having two outer ridges that substantially align with the two rows of protrusions. When the wedge insert matingly engages the outer shell, the outer ridges press down on the protrusions, which in turn press down on the fiber optic cable mainly at the locations where longitudinal dielectric strength members reside.