Optical Cable Connector Strain Relief and Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable entry solutions for connecting optical fiber cables to remote radio heads (RRH) are difficult to assemble, especially in confined spaces, as they require manual manipulation of LC connectors and lack strain relief, making them prone to damage and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A cable entry system with a flange and a cantilever arm that provides strain relief before connector connection, featuring a control link mechanism allowing for remote operation of the locking sleeve to engage and disengage the connectors, ensuring easy installation and removal without coercive forces, and compensating for misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of LC connectors is used for connection, then connectors can be connected to SFP module, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: a plug portion with connector, a cable entry unit with flange and union nut, and a mounting bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled and positioned independently, simplifying the overall assembly process in confined spaces while reducing the time required for field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary strain relief attachment to the cable before connector assembly, and pre-positioning of the flange and union nut components. The mounting bracket is designed to accommodate the connector assembly in advance, allowing for easier final connection without complex manual manipulation in confined spaces.
2Reliability
If strain relief is not attached before connector connection, then cable may be damaged or twisted during assembly, but additional assembly steps increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary strain relief attachment to the cable before connector assembly. The mounting bracket is designed with integrated strain relief features that can be attached to the cable in advance, protecting it from damage or twisting during subsequent assembly steps without significantly increasing overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If locking arm requires pressing against base body for unlocking, then connector can be removed, but difficult space conditions make unlocking difficult due to force direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by designing the locking arm to be pressed in the direction of removal rather than against the base body. This allows the connector to be unlocked and removed more easily, especially in difficult space conditions, as the force required to press the locking arm aligns with the natural removal direction.
4Ease of operation
If mounting opening diameter is large enough for SFP module insertion, then module can be pushed through for installation, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mounting bracket with a mounting opening that provides local structural support and guidance. The bracket is positioned to guide the SFP module into correct alignment during insertion, ensuring both ease of installation and precise alignment by concentrating the guiding function at the critical insertion point rather than requiring the entire mounting opening to be precisely dimensioned.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable gland (1) having a flange (3) and a plug-in part (2) suited for an operational connection to the flange (3). The plug-in part (2) comprises a locking sleeve (4), and a fastener (7) for a connector (8), said fastener being operatively connected to said locking sleeve by way of a control slide (10). The control slide (10) is configured such that a rotation of the locking sleeve (4) around the longitudinal axis (x) of the plug-in part (2) results in an axial displacement of the fastener (7) in a longitudinal direction.