Removable Strain Relief Brackets for Fiber Optic Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic equipment faces challenges in securing and managing increasing numbers of fiber optic cables and optical fibers due to limited space and insufficient load strength, leading to strain issues and obstruction of access.
Innovation Solution
The development of removable strain relief brackets with a body, lance, and attachment system, including a bent flange and pin, that securely attach fiber optic cables to equipment without requiring tools, allowing for easy installation and expansion without obstructing access, and providing strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment devices are used to secure fiber optic cables, then the cables are secured to the equipment, but the devices obstruct access to the fiber optic equipment and cannot handle increased cable densities
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into a mounting bracket portion that attaches to the equipment and a strain relief bracket portion that secures the cable. This segmentation allows the mounting bracket to be positioned away from access areas while the strain relief bracket provides cable management, thus maintaining access to equipment while supporting multiple cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket extends outward from the equipment housing in a direction away from the front access face. By utilizing this third dimension (depth/extension), the attachment device supports cables without obstructing the front access area, effectively moving the attachment function to a different spatial plane.
2Quantity of substance
If more fiber optic cables are routed to high-density equipment, then connection density increases, but the load strength of attachment devices becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and strain relief bracket are combined into a single integrated attachment device. The mounting bracket provides structural support and attachment to the equipment, while the strain relief bracket provides cable management and load distribution. This merging allows the device to handle higher cable densities and greater loads than either component could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device performs multiple functions: it attaches to the equipment housing, secures fiber optic cables, provides strain relief, and manages cable routing. This multi-functionality allows a single device to support high-density cable configurations while maintaining adequate load strength and ease of installation.
3Reliability
If attachment devices are installed to secure fiber optic cables, then cables are secured and strain relief is provided, but installation requires tools and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief bracket features a self-adjusting design with a cable access opening that automatically adapts to different cable diameters and routing requirements. The bracket can be installed by simply attaching the mounting bracket to the equipment housing, without requiring additional tools or complex adjustment procedures, thus maintaining reliable cable securing while simplifying installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Removable strain relief brackets for securing fiber optic cables (44) and/or optical fiber to fiber optic equipment, and related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The removable strain relief brackets comprise lances (48) protruding from a platform and receiving cable ties (40) for securing optical fibre cables (44). The platform is mounted on a tray surface (26) or the like via pin fastener (134) and an angled tab (140, 132) received in a mounting part (102) of the tray surface.