Modular Cable Restraint for Splice Enclosure Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splice enclosures face challenges in accommodating various cable types and sizes due to inflexible cable restraint systems, which limits their adaptability and effectiveness in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable restraint system comprising a tray with a restraint bridge and clips that can be removably attached, allowing for secure cable management and easy interchangeability with different grommet configurations to suit specific cable types and sizes, enabling flexible assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed cable restraint system is used in splice enclosures, then the cable management is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to various cable types and sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cable restraint system is divided into modular components: a base structure, removable restraint bridges, and interchangeable restraint clips. Each component can be independently selected and assembled to match different cable types and sizes, enabling the system to adapt to various cable configurations without requiring a completely different restraint mechanism for each cable type.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint bridge and clip assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate multiple cable types through interchangeable clips. The same base structure and restraint bridge can work with different cable configurations by simply changing the restraint clip, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various cable sizes and types while maintaining a consistent overall architecture.
2Ease of repair
If modular removable components are used in the cable restraint system, then the adaptability and ease of maintenance improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is segmented into field-replaceable components where only the restraint clip needs to be changed for maintenance or adaptation, while the restraint bridge and base structure remain in place. This segmentation allows operators to perform quick field maintenance by simply detaching and replacing the clip without disassembling the entire restraint mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple restraint clips for different cable types can be pre-configured and stored with the splice enclosure. When maintenance or cable type changes are needed, the appropriate pre-prepared clip can be quickly installed, reducing field maintenance time and complexity. The modular design allows these components to be prepared in advance during manufacturing or initial setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the restraint bridge is removably attached to the tray, then the flexibility and adaptability improve, but the reliability of cable restraint may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint bridge is designed as a removable component that can be detached from the tray for cable access and reattached when complete. This segmentation provides flexibility during cable installation and maintenance while maintaining a secure, fixed connection during the critical cable restraint function. The bridge can be temporarily removed when needed and reliably reinstalled to restore full restraint capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint bridge provides more than sufficient restraint force when attached, ensuring cable security exceeds minimum requirements. The over-engineered connection between the bridge and tray ensures that even with removable attachment, the restraint reliability when engaged is equivalent to or exceeds fixed installations, providing a safety margin that compensates for the removable nature of the connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable restraint located in a splice enclosure to restrain a cable includes a tray having a bottom side with an upward facing surface. The cable restraint also includes a restraint bridge removably attached to the tray. The restraint bridge includes a central portion having a surface configured to cooperate with the tab feature to inhibit relative motion between the restraint bridge and the tray in a direction non-perpendicular to an axis of the cable. A restraint clip is removably attached to the restraint bridge and includes a restraint post attached to the body portion configured to secure a strength member of the cable to the restraint clip. The restraint clip further includes a column attached to the body portion configured to inhibit relative motion between the restraint clip and the restraint bridge in the direction non-perpendicular to the axis of the cable.