Optical Patch Cord Reel Case With Ratchet Length Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for optical patch cords with connected optical connectors are bulky, inconvenient for carrying, lack operability, and require complex manual operations to adjust the drawing-out length, leading to entanglement and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A storage case with a rotation control mechanism featuring a winding reel, gear, and engaging member operated by a spring, allowing step-by-step adjustment of the drawing-out length through a one-touch operation, and ensuring smooth rotation and prevention of entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical fiber cord is wound around cylinders in a rectangular housing, then the storage function is achieved, but the device size is enlarged and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a body and a detachable cover, allowing the device to be compact when closed and accessible when opened. The winding reel is segmented from the housing structure, enabling independent rotation and controlled fiber deployment without expanding the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding reel is designed to rotate dynamically within the housing, allowing the optical fiber cord to be deployed and retracted through rotational motion rather than linear expansion. This dynamic mechanism maintains a compact static volume while providing operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to draw out the optical cable, then the structure can be simple, but the operability is poor and entanglement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring automatically winds the optical fiber cord onto the reel when not in use, eliminating the need for manual winding operations. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to maintain the wound state, reducing operational complexity while improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl and ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's drawing action and the fiber reel, controlling the rotation direction and preventing backward movement. This intermediary component simplifies the overall control mechanism while ensuring proper operational sequence and preventing entanglement.
3Measurement precision
If the winding reel rotates freely, then the fiber can be drawn out easily, but the fiber becomes entangled and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl provides tactile feedback to the user about the reel's rotational position and the fiber's tension state. When the reel reaches its winding limit or when fiber tension changes, the pawl engages or disengages from the ratchet teeth, providing audible and tactile signals that help the user maintain precise control over the drawing-out length.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel transitions between two dynamic states: free rotation during fiber deployment and constrained rotation during winding. The ratchet mechanism dynamically adjusts the reel's rotational freedom based on the operational phase, allowing smooth drawing when needed and precise control when the fiber is being wound back.
4Measurement precision
If a mechanical stopper is used to prevent reverse rotation, then the structure is simple, but the rotation control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control is segmented into discrete angular positions through the ratchet teeth, allowing precise control of the reel's rotation angle. Each tooth represents a specific angular increment, enabling the user to control the fiber drawing-out length with fine granularity rather than continuous or coarse control.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism operates with periodic engagement and disengagement of the pawl with the teeth. This periodic action creates distinct rotational phases that can be precisely controlled and repeated, allowing for accurate and reproducible fiber deployment lengths without requiring complex continuous control systems.
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 provides a compact, portable, and user-friendly storage case that allows easy adjustment of optical fiber cord length, preventing entanglement and damage, with reduced manufacturing costs and improved operability.
Implementation Method 1
a winding reel (2) which is stored within the case (1), a gear (3) which is fixed to one side face of the winding reel (2), and a rotation control mechanism (6) for the winding reel (2) and the gear (3)
Implementation Method 2
a gear (3) which is fixed to one side face of the winding reel (2)
Implementation Method 3
prevents the winding reel from rotating in a rewinding direction of the optical patch cord by pressure contacting and locking the gear to the lower side within the case
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to provide a storage case for an optical patch cord which can efficiently store a long optical patch cord connecting optical connectors to both ends thereof and wound in a curled manner, is portable, and is excellent in convenience and operability during use. An engaging member and a switch are provided as a rotation control mechanism which rotatably stores a winding reel and a gear fixed to the winding reel in an inner part of a case, the winding reel being energized and retained by a spring in a state in which an optical fiber cord is wound, prevents the winding reel from rotating in a rewinding direction of the optical patch cord by pressure contacting and locking the gear to the lower side within the case, and allows the winding reel to freely rotate by unlocking the gear.