Multi-Cable Breakout Assembly with Ribbon Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for organizing and identifying individual conductors within multi-conductor cables, such as those in communications cables, are limited in efficiency and flexibility, particularly in facilitating quick identification and reconnection during installation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cable breakout assembly comprising a mesh sleeve and flexible ribbon members that separate cables into rows and columns, with a heat-shrinkable sleeve to secure the arrangement, allowing for easy identification and access of individual cables in various rectangular arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cables are bundled together in an assembly to facilitate installation, then installation efficiency is improved, but individual cable identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable assembly into organized rows and columns using separator members. These separators create distinct segments within the bundled cables, allowing individual cables to be easily identified and accessed while maintaining the bundled configuration for efficient installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces collar members and separator members as intermediary components between the cables. These intermediaries provide structural organization and visual separation, enabling easy cable identification without requiring the cables to be unbundled or reconfigured.
2Ease of operation
If cables are separated into individual units for easy identification, then cable accessibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (collar members, separator members, and cable bundles) into a single integrated assembly. This merging maintains relative simplicity while providing organized cable separation and identification capabilities within the bundled configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used to maintain cable positions, then cable organization is improved, but flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible collar members and separator members that can adapt to different cable configurations. These dynamic components maintain stable cable organization while allowing the assembly to be configured for different numbers and types of cables, providing both stability and adaptability.
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 solution effectively organizes and separates cables, enabling quick and efficient identification and reconnection of individual conductors, improving installation and maintenance processes by maintaining cables in a predictable and easily recognizable position.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-shrinkable sleeve to secure the arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-cable breakout assembly includes: a plurality of cables arranged in a rectangular array of M rows×N columns, wherein M and N are positive whole numbers greater than one; a first sleeve that encircles the plurality of cables; first and second ribbon members, the first ribbon member being threaded through the plurality of cables to separate the cables into M rows; and the second ribbon member being threaded through the plurality of cables to separate the cables into N columns; and a second sleeve that overlies an end of the first sleeve and the first and second ribbon members.