Flexible Retaining Element for Optical Cable Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for retaining and securing optical cables in optical cable boxes are inadequate as they often damage the cables due to the use of cable ties that are too tight, and they are not designed to accommodate optical cables of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A retaining element with a first and second retaining wall, connected by a flexible connection base, allowing the walls to pivot and approach each other upon tightening of the cable tie, thereby distributing the compression force and accommodating cables of different diameters without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable tie is used to directly attach the optical cable to the retaining element, then the cable is secured, but the cable may be damaged if the cable tie is too tight
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element incorporates a flexible connection base that allows the first and second retaining walls to dynamically adjust their position. This dynamic structure enables the retaining walls to approach each other gradually during cable tie tightening, distributing the compression force and preventing cable damage while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection base is designed with flexible material properties that allow it to deform under tension from the cable tie. This parameter change in the connection base enables the retaining walls to move closer together in a controlled manner, adjusting the retention force to match the cable diameter and prevent excessive compression.
2Reliability
If a retaining element is designed for a specific cable diameter, then retention is effective, but it cannot accommodate cables of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connection base enables the retaining walls to dynamically adjust their spacing to accommodate different cable diameters. When a cable is inserted, the connection base deforms to allow the walls to approach each other to the appropriate degree, providing effective retention for various cable sizes without requiring multiple specialized retainers.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed as a universal component that can retain optical cables of different diameters through the flexible adjustment mechanism. The combination of rigid retaining walls and flexible connection base creates a multi-functional structure that adapts to various cable sizes while maintaining reliable retention.
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 solution effectively secures optical cables of varying diameters while minimizing the risk of damage during tightening, ensuring reliable retention and preventing cable movement along multiple axes.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the first retaining wall is configured to flex with respect to the connection base to approach the first retaining wall to second retaining wall upon tightening of the cable tie passing through the first and second tightening apertures
Data Source
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AI summary
A retaining element (1) for retaining and securing an optical cable (2), the retaining element (1) comprising: a first retaining wall (10) and a second retaining wall (20); a connection base (30) connecting the first retaining wall (10) to the second retaining wall (20), the connection base (30) having a support surface (30a)for receiving an optical cable (2) along a longitudinal direction (X-X); a first support wall (50) and a second support wall (60) attachable to an optical box (100) and extending from the connection base (30), the first support wall (50) and the second support wall (60) respectively with the first retaining wall (10) and the second retaining wall (20) defining therebetween a first tightening aperture (71) and a second tightening aperture (72) configured to receive a cable tie (3); at least a portion of the first retaining wall (10) is configured to flex with respect to the connection base (30) to approach the first retaining wall (10) to second retaining wall (20) upon tightening of the cable tie (3) passing through the first and second tightening apertures (71, 72).