H-Frame Cable Storage Device for Slack Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing fiber optic slack cable, such as storage coils and snowshoe systems, fail to adequately protect against cable bend radius violations, physical damage, and lack uniformity, while also being time-consuming and costly to install and remove, and are not adaptable to various cable sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage device with a selectively mountable frame featuring cable guides and offset strand brackets that securely store slack cable, maintaining the cable's bend radius and allowing for easy installation and removal, adaptable to different cable sizes and types, and capable of being mounted from a cable strand or a structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slack cable is stored using storage coils, then the cable can be easily accessed and stored, but the cable bend radius specifications are violated causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments including vertical members, cross members, and cable guides that work together to maintain cable bend radius while enabling storage. The segmented structure allows the cable to be routed through multiple guide points rather than forming tight coils.
Solution Approach 2:
Cable guides are introduced as intermediary elements between the cable and the frame structure. These guides maintain the cable at proper distances from the frame members, preventing direct contact that would cause bending beyond minimum radius specifications.
2Ease of operation
If slack cable is stored using snowshoe systems, then cable access is improved, but installation and removal are time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage frame is merged with the cable assembly itself, where the frame can be attached to and moved with the cable bundle. This integration eliminates the need for separate snowshoe support structures and reduces installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the cable assembly, allowing quick deployment and removal. The frame can be selectively mounted to the cable bundle and easily detached when no longer needed, reducing installation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If storage coils are used without a defined structure, then installation is simple, but physical damage from contact by personnel, animals, and environmental factors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure provides beforehand protection by creating a defined spatial boundary around the cable storage area. This structure prevents direct contact between the cable and harmful external factors such as personnel, animals, and environmental elements before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the storage boundary, protects the cable from physical damage, maintains bend radius specifications, and provides a organized appearance. This multi-functionality achieves protection without significantly complicating installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different coiling methods are used by field workers, then flexibility in installation is maintained, but uniformity and consistency are lost leading to confusion and increased time
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure standardizes key parameters of cable storage including the maximum coil diameter, spacing between cable layers, and distance from frame members to cable. By controlling these geometric parameters, uniform storage is achieved regardless of which field worker performs the installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure itself guides the coiling process by providing physical boundaries and reference points. The cable naturally follows the frame structure during installation, making the uniform storage method self-enforcing and reducing reliance on worker knowledge or training.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable storage device and method are provided. An embodiment comprises a frame including a spine and two cross-arm members, forming an H-frame shape, and a series of cable guides. The cable storage device is configured for storing slack cable; providing physical protection for the stored slack cable; providing physical and visual access to the stored slack cable; storing a plurality of cable types and sizes; delivering a uniform installation practice for storing slack cables; providing protection from cable bend radius violations; accommodating easy installation and removal; providing a single unit slack cable storage device; and being movable to a plurality of positions. In an embodiment, the cable storage device further includes one or more offset strand brackets fixedly attached to the device frame and configured for engagement with a cable strand for mounting the cable storage device.