Optical Cord Retaining Device for Invisible Fiber Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing optical fibers in user premises are inefficient, requiring frequent ladder use and risking physical damage to walls and fibers, with a need for tools that can securely and quickly route fibers along structural surfaces with minimal visibility and reduced installation time.
Innovation Solution
A cord retaining device with an elongated bend limiter and retainer, allowing the optical fiber to slide freely and be securely positioned, combined with an extensible adhesive dispensing gun system and cord guide tool to minimize ladder use and ensure precise adhesive application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional staples are used to secure fiber to walls, then installation time is minimized and cost is low, but physical damage to walls and fibers occurs and visual concealment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive as an intermediary substance between the fiber and the wall surface. This adhesive mediator enables secure fiber attachment without mechanical penetration (staples), thereby preventing physical damage to both walls and fibers while maintaining installation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (staples) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). This substitution eliminates the need for penetrating fasteners that cause physical damage, while still achieving secure fiber retention and allowing for visual concealment behind moldings or conduits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If special moldings or conduits are used to conceal fiber, then visual impact is minimized, but hardware cost increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the wall surface before routing the fiber through the adhesive layer. This preliminary action allows the fiber to be immediately bonded to the wall as it is positioned, enabling quick installation without requiring pre-installed moldings or conduits, thereby reducing both material cost and installation time while still achieving visual concealment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive material is applied along desired span, then fiber can be bonded to structural surfaces with minimal visibility, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a multi-functional adhesive dispensing system that combines adhesive application, fiber guidance, and bonding operations into a single integrated process. The system can apply adhesive in various patterns (continuous bead, intermittent dots) and works with different fiber types and wall surfaces, reducing installation complexity while achieving invisible fiber routing
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for retaining an optical fiber or cord at a desired position while the cord is being installed along a defined route at a user premises. The device includes a bend limiter having an open channel that extends between opposite ends of the limiter, wherein the channel is sized to receive a cord and allow the cord to slide freely inside the channel. An elongated retainer is arranged to overlie the bend limiter and thus close the channel when the retainer is secured to the bend limiter, so that the cord is confined inside the channel as the cord slides between the opposite ends of the bend limiter. A latch is arranged to close the device by securing the retainer to the bend limiter, and the bend limiter is configured to conform in shape with one or more surfaces against which it will be installed at the premises.