Modular Fiber Optic Cable Clamp for Reinforcing Member Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable anchoring solutions in enclosures are not modular, often inadequate, and can damage reinforcing members, leading to potential cable strain and damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular clamp system with interchangeable inserts and clamping elements, such as nuts or screws, that securely anchor fiber optic cable reinforcing members, featuring guides and stoppers to prevent movement and protect the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-tapping screws, nuts and metric screws, or doghouse nuts are used to anchor cable reinforcing members to the enclosure, then the cables can be fixed to prevent being pulled out and protect from tensile forces, but the solutions are not modular and constrain the end user to a single solution, and often do not provide adequate anchoring and can lead to damage to cable reinforcing members
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate modular components: an insert that anchors into the enclosure and a clamping element that secures the reinforcing member. These segments can be independently selected and combined based on specific application requirements, enabling both reliable anchoring and adaptability across different cable types and enclosure configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular clamp design creates a universal anchoring system where the insert provides a standardized interface with the enclosure while the clamping element can be configured for different reinforcing member types. This multi-functional approach allows a single clamp system to handle various cable configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized anchoring solutions.
2Ease of operation
If existing anchoring solutions are used, then cables can be fixed in the enclosure, but the solutions often do not provide adequate anchoring for cable reinforcing members and can lead to the reinforcing members becoming damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp acts as an intermediary component between the enclosure and the cable reinforcing member. It distributes clamping forces evenly across the reinforcing member through its specifically designed contact surfaces and geometry, preventing stress concentration that could damage the reinforcing member while still providing secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed with specific geometric parameters including contact surface area, clamping force distribution, and engagement geometry that are optimized to protect the reinforcing member. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves adequate anchoring strength without exceeding the damage threshold of the reinforcing member materials.
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 clamp system provides secure, repeatable, and cost-effective anchoring of fiber optic cables, reducing installation time and minimizing damage to reinforcing members and fibers.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element configured to be threadedly engaged with the insert
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A clamp (100) for holding a fiber optic cable (150) in a fiber optic apparatus (200) and a fiber optic enclosure (200) with the clamp (100) are disclosed. The clamp (100) comprises an insert (110) configured to be inserted into an opening (160) in the fiber optic apparatus (200). The clamp (100) further comprises a clamping element (130) configured to be threadedly engaged with the insert (110). The clamping element (130) is configured to engage with a reinforcing member (154, 156, 158) of the fiber optic cable (150) to hold the fiber optic cable (150) in place.