Modular Guide Tube Fastening System for Fiber Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for glass fiber strands in distribution cabinets are inflexible, laborious to install, and risk damaging the glass fiber strands due to mechanical instability, particularly when dealing with varying diameters of guide tubes.
Innovation Solution
A modular fastening system comprising a profile rail with sliding clamps and spacers that allows for quick and adaptable fixation of guide tubes, enabling easy installation and maintenance without compressing the tubes, using a one-sided fixation method and allowing for identification markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional cable clamps are screwed on tightly to secure guide tubes, then the guide tubes are firmly fixed, but the diameter of the guide tubes is impermissibly narrowed causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A foam material is introduced as an intermediary between the cable clamp and the guide tube. The foam material deforms under compression to provide securing force while its elastic recovery prevents excessive pressure that would narrow the guide tube diameter. This mediator allows firm fixation without damage to the delicate glass fiber strands inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material changes its physical parameters (density, elasticity, compressibility) to optimize the fixation process. By selecting foam with specific parameters, the system achieves adequate securing force during installation while preventing excessive compression that would damage the guide tube. The foam's ability to maintain residual deformation within safe limits ensures long-term stability without harm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different cable clamps are manufactured for guide tubes of different diameters, then each guide tube size can be properly secured, but the device complexity and installation labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp is designed with a universal adjustment mechanism that allows it to accommodate guide tubes of different diameters. The clamp body includes adjustable components that can be modified during installation to match various guide tube sizes. This single universal clamp replaces multiple specialized clamps, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different guide tube diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamp incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the securing parameters to be changed during installation based on the guide tube diameter. The clamp can be adjusted to different positions and tension levels to accommodate varying guide tube sizes, transforming a static, size-specific component into a dynamic, adaptable one.
3Reliability
If multiple screwing processes are used to secure different components, then the fixation is reliable, but the installation becomes very laborious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixation functions are merged into a single integrated cable clamp assembly. The clamp combines the securing of guide tubes, the accommodation of different diameters, and the provision of strain relief into one component that is installed through a single mounting process. This reduces the number of separate screwing operations while maintaining reliable fixation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamp design incorporates self-adjusting features that reduce the need for precise manual adjustment during installation. The foam material automatically adapts to the guide tube diameter and provides uniform pressure distribution, reducing the skill level and effort required for proper installation while maintaining reliable fixation.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The fastening device according to the invention, which can be assembled from the modular system according to the invention, aims to provide a clear, staggered support for guide tubes for fiberglass strands without deforming the guide tubes' cross-section more than permissible. The focus here is on reduced assembly effort and the flexible configuration of the fastening device depending on the diameter of the guide tubes to be arranged.