Resilient Retaining Members for Fiber Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable management systems face challenges in securely retaining and managing fibers of varying sizes within channels, as prior solutions often result in either improper fitting or excessive compression, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A channelling assembly with resilient deformable retaining members and adjustable panels that can be easily separated or reattached, using hook and loop fastening or adhesive, to securely hold fibers without crushing them, and featuring a clamp member with sponge panels for compliant retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid retaining members are used to securely hold fibers in channels, then fiber retention is improved, but fiber damage due to excessive compression occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed with resilient properties that allow it to deform elastically under fiber loading. This changes the mechanical parameter from rigid to compliant, enabling the member to adapt to varying fiber sizes while maintaining secure retention without excessive compression forces that would damage the fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member appears to be constructed from resilient or elastic materials that combine the benefits of structural support with compliance. This composite approach allows the single component to provide both the retention force needed to hold fibers securely and the flexibility needed to prevent compression damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size channels are used for fiber storage, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying fiber sizes and usage levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel system incorporates movable or adjustable partitions that can be repositioned to create channels of varying sizes. This dynamic configuration allows the same channel structure to adapt to different fiber bundle sizes and storage requirements without requiring multiple fixed-size channel types, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is divided into modular sections with adjustable partitions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of channel dimensions to accommodate varying fiber sizes and storage needs, while each modular section remains relatively simple to manufacture.
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 ensures secure retention and protection of fibers by preventing excessive bending or compression, accommodating varying fiber sizes and usage levels, while maintaining a suitable engagement with the channels.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp member with sponge panels for compliant retention
Implementation Method 2
resilient deformable retaining members
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A channelling assembly (31) for guiding cable on a cable management tray (3) if formed by a ducted member having an inlet end and an outlet end so as to form open channels (33) into which cable can be laid through the open top of each channel (33). A retaining member (35) is associated with each channel (33). Each retaining member (35) is engageable with the tops of a neighbouring pair of partitions (32) so as to close the top of the channel (33) formed therebetween. A resiliently formable region (38) is formed on each retaining member (35), which extends down into the channel (33) upon engaging the retraining member (35) with the partitions (32) so as to compress cables located in the channel (33) between the resiliently formable member 38) and the bottom of the channel, and thereby securely retain the cables in place.