Non-Uniform Polymeric Cable Holder for Low-PIM Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metallic cable hangers near antennas on cell sites cause unwanted passive intermodulation (PIM) in the RF environment, and existing solutions do not adequately address cost and installation ease while maintaining technical performance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible polymeric cable holder with a main body featuring a wrapping portion, mounting portion, and non-uniform undulations, along with a securing feature and apertures, designed to securely wrap cables and reduce stress concentrations for improved elongation and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic cable hangers are used to hold cables on cell sites, then structural strength and cable securing capability are improved, but passive intermodulation (PIM) interference is generated in the RF environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metallic components from the cable hanger design and replaces them with non-metallic polymeric materials. This extraction of the harmful metallic element eliminates the source of passive intermodulation interference while maintaining the cable securing function through the polymeric body with wrapping and mounting portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by using polymeric materials instead of traditional metallic components. The non-metallic polymeric body provides both structural strength for cable securing and electromagnetic compatibility by eliminating PIM interference, demonstrating the advantage of composite material substitution.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform undulations are used in the polymeric cable holder, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but stress concentration occurs leading to cracking and reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality variation by designing undulations with non-uniform dimensions along the longitudinal axis. Each undulation has different height, width, or thickness characteristics, creating localized stress distribution patterns that prevent stress concentration and cracking while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through molded construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the undulation design where the dimensions (height, width, thickness) vary along the longitudinal axis rather than being uniform. This asymmetric configuration distributes mechanical stresses more evenly during cable wrapping and elongation, preventing crack initiation at uniform stress points while remaining manufacturable.
3Ease of operation
If the polymeric cable holder is designed with high flexibility and elongation, then ease of installation and cable accommodation are improved, but structural integrity and load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible polymeric shell structure that can be wrapped around cables of various sizes. The polymeric body with undulations provides inherent flexibility for easy installation and cable accommodation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the distributed stress design and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the physical parameters of the polymeric material and structure, including undulation dimensions, wall thickness, and material composition, to achieve the optimal balance between flexibility for installation and strength for load-bearing. The non-uniform undulation parameters create a structure that is both flexible and structurally sound.
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 effectively reduces PIM, enhances cable handling capabilities, and provides easier installation while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of cracking and accommodating various cable sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible main body formed of a polymeric material having a length, a width, a thickness, and a longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device adapted for holding one or more discrete cables includes: a flexible main body formed of a polymeric material having a length, a width, a thickness, and a longitudinal axis, the main body including a wrapping portion and a mounting portion, wherein the wrapping portion is configured to be wrapped such that the main body circumscribes the one or more discrete cables, and wherein a plurality of undulations are present between the mounting portion and the wrapping portion; a securing feature attached to or integral with the mounting portion of the main body and configured to be secured to a mounting structure; and a plurality of apertures along the longitudinal axis of the wrapping portion of the main body. The securing feature is configured to be received through one of the plurality of apertures when the main body is wrapped around the one or more discrete cables. At least one of the undulations varies in height, width and/or thickness from at least one of the other undulations.