Flexible Cable Interface Device for Fiber Optic Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables with low flexibility pose challenges in installation and mounting around tight bends and within small spaces due to their rigidity, making it difficult to connect them to telecommunications equipment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible breakout device with a cable support section and a telecommunications equipment mount section connected by a flexible neck, allowing for three-dimensional flexing, which secures the cables to the equipment without compromising the internal optical fibers, and can be made of durable materials like plastic through injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic cables are made rigid to protect internal optical fibers, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in installation around tight bends and within small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable interface device is divided into distinct segments: a rigid cable support section for securing the cable, a flexible neck section for adaptation, and a mount section for equipment attachment. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the whole system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neck section incorporates dynamic flexibility to adapt to different installation geometries and tight spaces. This dynamic property allows the cable support section to be positioned at various angles and locations relative to the mount section, facilitating easier installation while maintaining secure cable support.
2Strength
If fiber optic cables are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate tight bends and small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the cable interface device have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The cable support section is rigid to maintain structural integrity and secure cable mounting, while the neck section is flexible to provide adaptability to various installation configurations and tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, allowing each segment to have optimized properties for its specific role. The rigid cable support section maintains structural integrity, while the flexible neck section provides the necessary adaptability without compromising overall strength.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible cable interface device is used to improve ease of installation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional flexible components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support section, flexible neck, and mount section are merged into a single integrated device that can be installed as one unit. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of flexible elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable interface device is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the cable, adapting to various installation geometries, and mounting to equipment. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design that eliminates the need for separate adaptation components, thereby reducing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for securing fiber optic cables to telecommunications equipment. The device includes a cable receiver for receiving fiber optic cables, a mounting base for mounting to telecommunications equipment, and a neck extending between the cable receiver and the mounting base. The neck includes a flexible area to flex the cable receiver along at least two different planes.