Inverted Cable Storage Device for Bend Radius Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables, when stored with surplus lengths for rerouting or repairs, are prone to damage from bending and twisting due to their minimum bend radius requirements, leading to potential signal loss and breakage if not properly supported.
Innovation Solution
A cable supporting device with a channel member having a top flange, bottom flange, and an outer wall defining an inward-facing channel, along with a cross brace, is used to securely position and retain the cable, maintaining it at or above the minimum bend radius, thereby preventing damage during storage and rerouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surplus cable is stored along aerial transmission routes, then rerouting capability and repair flexibility are improved, but the cable becomes vulnerable to damage from bending and twisting beyond minimum bend radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate device (cable support with channel) between the stored cable and the environment. This intermediary structure provides mechanical protection and geometric constraints that prevent the cable from bending beyond its minimum bend radius, thus protecting cable integrity while enabling surplus storage for rerouting
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-positioned in a stored configuration within the channel support structure before any rerouting or repair is needed. The support structure is预先 designed to maintain proper bend radius constraints, so when rerouting is required, the cable can be accessed and repositioned without having been damaged by improper bending during storage
2Ease of operation
If cable is stored in loose configuration for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but cable damage from excessive bending and twisting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel support structure serves as an intermediary that organizes the stored cable in a controlled manner. The cable is accessible within the channel but constrained to maintain proper bend radius, preventing damage while allowing easy access for operations
Solution Approach 2:
The channel support structure incorporates curved geometry designed to match or exceed the cable's minimum bend radius. This curvature allows the cable to be stored in a compact, accessible configuration while maintaining the necessary geometric constraints to prevent bending damage
3Reliability
If cable support structure provides strong constraints to prevent bending damage, then cable protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support device is segmented into distinct functional components: the channel structure that provides geometric constraints and bending protection, and the mounting structure that attaches to the transmission line. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A cable supporting device includes a channel member having a top flange, a bottom flange, and an outer wall defining an inward facing channel. The channel extends around a curved back section, a first side section, and a second side section. A cross brace extends from the first side section to the second side section. The cable supporting device is used in a distribution system to store excess cable.