Flexible Cable Comb Channels for Mixed-Diameter Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combs used to guide and hold optical or electrical cables in distribution boxes often damage the cables and fail to adapt to varying cable sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A comb with a rectangular base and deformable channels, made from a combination of rigid and flexible materials, featuring bosses for secure cable retention, allowing for various cable diameters and multiple levels without damaging the cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid combs are used to hold cables, then structural strength is improved, but cable damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible retaining structure made of elastomeric material that forms channels to hold cables. The flexible material conforms to the cable shape and provides gentle retention without rigid edges that could damage the cable, while still maintaining structural integrity through the combination with the rigid support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by combining two different materials: a rigid support structure (injection-molded plastic or metal) that provides overall strength and shape, and a flexible retaining structure (elastomeric material) that contacts the cables. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural strength and cable protection.
2Manufacturing precision
If combs are designed for specific cable sizes, then retention precision is improved, but adaptability to different cable diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the retaining structure flexible rather than rigid. The elastomeric material can dynamically adjust its shape and pressure to accommodate cables of varying diameters while maintaining secure retention. This dynamic adaptability allows a single comb design to work with multiple cable sizes without requiring precise pre-matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by allowing the retaining structure to change its physical parameters (shape, pressure, conformality) in response to different cable diameters. The flexible material deforms to match the cable dimensions, providing precise retention for each specific cable while maintaining the same overall channel structure.
3Device complexity
If multiple cables are held in the same channel, then device complexity is reduced, but cable retention reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by dividing the support structure into multiple separate channels, each capable of holding one or more cables. This segmentation allows each channel to provide dedicated retention for its cables while the overall comb structure remains relatively simple. The flexible retaining structure within each channel can independently adapt to the cables it holds.
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 comb securely holds cables of different diameters without causing damage, allowing for easy installation and removal without channel deterioration, accommodating multiple levels and sizes without installer adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining structure (3) made of a second material which is flexible relative to the first material so as to form deformable channels (31)
Implementation Method 2
pressure/tightening achieved by the arrangement of the bosses
Implementation Method 3
gripping surfaces in contact with the cables (high coefficient of friction)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable comb (1) comprising: - a support (2) comprising a rectangular base (21) and a row of housings (22), each housing (22) being defined by walls (20) spaced apart from each other and projecting from the base (21) in a first direction (XX), the walls (20) being arranged (20) in a second direction (YY) perpendicular to the first direction (XX), each wall (20) extending from sides (24) of the base (21) in the first direction (XX), the support (2) being made of a first material, - a retaining structure (3) covering each housing (22), the retaining structure (3) being made of a second material flexible relative to the first material so as to form channels (31) deformable in the first (XX) and second (YY) directions,the channels (31) being configured to maintain cables arranged in the channels along a third direction (ZZ) transverse to the first direction (XX) and the second direction (YY).