Cable Grommet Structure for Irregular Cable Hanger Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable hangers struggle to securely hold fiber optic, power, and hybrid fiber/power cables due to their irregular shapes and increased weight, often requiring modifications to improve cable retention.
Innovation Solution
A grommet formed of a polymeric material with a cylindrical main body, radially inward extending spokes at an oblique angle, and an annular inner wall surrounding an interior cavity, which is designed to securely hold cables within a cable hanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard hangers with soft polymer grommets are used to hold fiber optic and hybrid cables, then the installation process is simple, but the grommets slip from the cable hanger and fail to securely hold cables with irregular shapes and varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for engagement with the cable hanger, an intermediate portion with radially inwardly extending elements for securing the cable, and a cable-receiving portion with an annular flange. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet employs asymmetric geometric features including non-circular cross-sections in certain portions, angled radially inwardly extending elements, and offset flange positions. These asymmetric features prevent rotational slippage and improve engagement with both the cable hanger and the cable itself, addressing the problem of grommets slipping from standard hangers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grommets are sized to fit various cables with different diameters and shapes, then versatility is improved, but the grommets may slip from the cable hanger due to poor sizing
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple cable types including fiber optic, hybrid fiber/power, and power cables with varying diameters and shapes. The body portion is configured to engage with standard cable hangers while the intermediate portion with radially inwardly extending elements provides adaptable cable securing, allowing a single grommet design to serve multiple cable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet incorporates flexible or resilient radially inwardly extending elements that can dynamically adjust to accommodate cables of different diameters and shapes. These elements can elastically deform during installation and then maintain secure engagement with the cable, providing both versatility in cable accommodation and reliable engagement with the cable hanger.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grommet uses a simple cylindrical design, then manufacturing is easy, but it cannot effectively secure cables with irregular shapes and prevent slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is segmented into distinct functional portions: a body portion for hanger engagement, an intermediate portion with radially inwardly extending elements for cable securing, and a cable-receiving portion with an annular flange. This segmentation allows complex functional features to be integrated into a manufacturable design, as each segment can be formed using standard molding techniques while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is formed from a flexible or resilient polymeric material that allows the radially inwardly extending elements to elastically deform during cable installation and then maintain secure engagement. This flexibility enables the grommet to adapt to irregular cable shapes while maintaining a relatively simple molded structure that is easy to manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a grommet formed of a polymeric material and adapted for securing a cable within a cable hanger. The grommet includes a main body having a generally cylindrical profile, the main body further having a length, a thickness, and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending radially inward from the main body at an oblique angle relative to the main body, and an annular inner wall coupled to the plurality of angled spokes and surrounding an interior cavity, wherein the annular inner wall extends the length of the main body. Other grommets and cable hanger assemblies are described herein.