Guiding Support for Transmission Cable Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for terminating transmission cables, such as optical fiber cables, require cumbersome and time-consuming procedures involving crimping ferrules around Kevlar layers or central strength members to achieve strain relief, which are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A guiding support with a slot for receiving a fixation member of an end cap, allowing for low-stress accommodation of over-length transmission lines, eliminating the need for crimping and providing strain relief between the cable end and terminal, featuring a channel with a free space for longitudinal support and optional vertical or lateral displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimping ferrule around Kevlar layer or central strength member is used to achieve strain relief, then strain relief is provided, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain reliefVSAvoidtermination speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the strain relief function from the crimping process by providing a dedicated holding structure with a slot that receives the fixation member. This separates the strain relief function (performed by the holding structure and fixation member engagement) from the termination process, eliminating the need for crimping ferrules and significantly reducing termination time while maintaining reliable strain relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding structure with the slot acts as an intermediary element between the fixation member and the guiding support. This intermediary structure provides a simple engagement mechanism where the fixation member is inserted into the slot, creating a positive mechanical connection that provides strain relief without requiring complex crimping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If high compression force is applied to the ferrule to store over-length transmission line, then the over-length is accommodated, but the compression force exceeds maximum specified by international standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveover-length accommodationVSAvoidcompression force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the need for high compression force by providing a dedicated free space within the guiding support structure. The holding structure with its slot and the overall guiding support geometry create an accommodation zone for the over-length transmission line without requiring compressive forces, thereby staying within international standard specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of accommodating the over-length transmission line through compression in one dimension, the invention provides free space in multiple dimensions within the guiding support structure. The slot and channel geometry allow the transmission line to be stored in a volumetric manner rather than through linear compression, eliminating the need for excessive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If two separate actions are used for terminating the cable (fixing strength member and affixing transmission line), then strain relief is achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain reliefVSAvoidtermination procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the strain relief function and the transmission line guidance function into a single integrated guiding support structure. The holding structure with the slot provides strain relief through fixation member engagement, while the channel simultaneously guides the transmission line from the cable end to the terminal, eliminating the need for separate actions and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides strain relief through the holding structure and fixation member engagement, guides the transmission line through the channel, and accommodates the over-length transmission line within its free space. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and actions, simplifying the overall termination procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2759859B1Guiding support and kit for terminating a transmission cable
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 TYCO ELECTRONICS NETHERLAND BV
  • EP2759859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2759859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2759859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a guiding support (100) for guiding at least one transmission line (303) between an end cap (200) on a transmission cable (300) and a terminal (400) terminating the transmission line (303). Further, the invention relates to kit for a terminating arrangement (1) for terminating a transmission cable (300). In order to facilitate the termination of the transmission cable (300) and to provide strain relief between the end cap (200) and the terminal (400), the present invention provides that the guiding support (100) comprises at least one holding structure (102), configured to receive a fixation member (201) of the end cap (200) at a rear end (101) of the guiding support (100), at least one seating (104) configured to receive at least one adapter piece (700) for holding the terminal (400) and at least one channel (105) for guiding the at least one transmission line (303) from the rear end (101) to the front end (103).