Rotating Support Structure for Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical time domain reflectometers with support structures are prone to instability and damage due to harsh operating environments, leading to adverse consequences during fiber optic cable construction and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for optical time domain reflectometers featuring a solid triangular design with automatic opening capabilities, incorporating rotating shafts and springs for stability and ease of operation, along with reinforcing ribs and snap-fit mechanisms for enhanced strength and low processing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fulcrum support structure is used for the optical time domain reflectometer, then personnel can better observe data during operation, but the support structure becomes unstable and prone to damage in harsh operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is designed to be rotatable relative to the instrument shell through a rotating shaft, allowing the support structure to dynamically adjust between a folded state (for portability) and an extended support state (for stability during operation). This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a fulcrum support structure is used for the optical time domain reflectometer, then personnel can better observe data during operation, but the fulcrum is subject to frequent broken due to harsh operating environment
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating shaft enables the support plate to rotate smoothly between folded and extended positions, reducing stress concentration on the fulcrum connection points. This dynamic movement allows the structure to accommodate operational forces without subjecting the fulcrum to excessive static loads, thereby improving durability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate components: the instrument shell, the support plate, and the rotating shaft connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the rotating shaft serving as a specialized connection element designed to handle rotational movements and reduce stress on the overall structure, thereby preventing frequent breakage.
3Ease of operation
If a support structure is added to the optical time domain reflectometer, then ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating shaft mechanism provides a simple yet effective dynamic connection between the support plate and instrument shell, enabling the support to be extended or folded as needed. This dynamic design adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving ergonomics by allowing the device to be positioned at optimal viewing angles during operation.
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 support structure provides strong and stable support, resists external impacts, and is easy to operate, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining reliability in harsh environments while minimizing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the cover rotating shaft portion comprises a cover rotating shaft and a cover rotating shaft spring, among which, one end of the cover rotating shaft spring comes in contact with the rear housing, while the other end comes in contact with the cover support plate; the inner plate rotating shaft portion comprises an inner plate rotating shaft, an inner plate rotating shaft spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support structure for an optical time domain reflectometer and an optical time domain reflectometer containing such structure comprises a rear housing and a support portion, among which, the support portion comprises a cover support plate and an inner support plate; the cover support plate is connected to the rear housing through a cover rotating shaft portion, and the inner support plate is connected to the cover support plate through an inner plate rotating shaft portion; the surface area of the inner support plate is smaller than that of the cover support plate. The invention can solve the shortcoming of the instability of the support of existing optical time domain reflectometers, and provide a support structure for an optical time domain reflectometer having low cost, stable structure, and that can automatically open the support, as well as an optical time domain reflectometer used with this support structure.