Optical Cable Closure Axial Pull-Out Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications closures do not effectively provide axial pull-out protection and cable bend protection for connectorized ends of optical cables, especially when arranged in multiple layers.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring a base and cover that integrates axial pull-out protection and cable bend protection through guide elements and support surfaces, allowing for secure mounting and alignment of optical connectors, preventing bending and pinching of cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing telecommunications closure designs are used, then the structure is simple, but axial pull-out protection and cable bend protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into a base unit and a removable cover unit. The cover unit includes guide elements that provide axial pull-out protection and cable bend protection when engaged with the base. This segmentation allows the protection function to be added without redesigning the entire closure structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide elements are introduced as intermediary components between the cables and the external environment. These guide elements engage with the base to provide mechanical protection against axial pull-out forces and cable bending, while allowing cable access when the cover is removed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing closure designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but cable bend protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are pre-configured on the cover unit during manufacturing. When the cover is assembled to the base, the guide elements are automatically positioned to engage with the cable entry points, providing cable bend protection before any cable installation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements serve multiple functions: they provide cable bend protection, guide cable routing, and work in conjunction with the base to prevent axial pull-out. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers of connectors are arranged, then connectivity is improved, but axial pull-out protection becomes more difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements extend vertically to engage with connectors across multiple layers. By utilizing the vertical dimension within the closure depth, the guide elements can provide axial pull-out protection to connectors arranged in multiple layers without requiring additional horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are integrated with the cover structure, combining the cover's protective function with the guide function. This merged design allows simultaneous protection of multiple layer connectors through a single integrated component system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A closure (100) is configured to hold one or more termination arrangements (120) at which one or more connectorized ends of optical cables can be received. The closure (100) provides axial pull-out protection for the connectorized ends (142) of the optical cables (140). In certain implementations, the closure (100) provides axial pull-out protection for the connectorized ends (142) of optical cables (140) arranged in multiple layers within the closure (100). In certain implementations, the closure (100) provides axial pull-out protection for standard optical connectors (e.g., standard SC connectors, standard LC connectors, standard LX.5 connectors, standard MPO connectors, etc.). The axial pull-out protection can be in the form of a cover (130). Cable bend protection (136) may also be provided by the cover.