Segmented Tangent Clamp for Independent Fiber Cable Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tangent clamps that hold multiple fiber optic cables require disturbing all cables when adding or removing a single cable, which can cause damage and incur additional costs due to the need for multiple fasteners and potential leasing fees for structure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A tangent clamp design with separately actuatable clamping portions that allow individual cable management without affecting other cables, using a single fastener attachment and modular configuration for easy addition or removal of clamping portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a cushion with multiple slots is used to hold multiple cables, then the number of cables that can be held increases, but the complexity of adding or removing individual cables increases because all cables must be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple independently actuatable clamping portions (first clamping portion, second clamping portion, etc.), each capable of holding a cable separately. This segmentation allows individual cables to be added or removed by actuating only the specific clamping portion needed, without disturbing other cables held by other portions.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to attach the clamp to the structure, then the reliability of cable suspension increases, but the cost increases due to leasing or rental fees
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping portions are integrated into a single clamp assembly that can be attached to the structure using a single fastener. The body of the clamp provides a unified attachment interface, merging the function of multiple separate clamps into one unit, thereby reducing the number of fasteners needed while maintaining reliable suspension of multiple cables.
3Device complexity
If a single clamp holds multiple cables, then the number of clamps needed decreases, but the ability to independently manage individual cables deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single clamp is segmented into multiple independently actuatable clamping portions, each with its own actuator mechanism. This allows the clamp to function as multiple independent clamps would, enabling separate management of each cable while being mounted as a single device on the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamping portion is designed to be independently actuatable, allowing dynamic control over each cable's clamping state. The actuators enable each portion to be opened or closed independently, providing adaptability for adding, removing, or adjusting individual cables without affecting other portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tangent clamp includes a body to be supported by a structure and to permit cables to proceed along a tangential direction relative to the structure. The tangent clamp may include at least one actuatable clamping portion associated with the body to support a respective one of the cables. The body is configured to permit at least one additional actuatable clamping portion to be provided upon the body. The tangent clamp may include a plurality of separately actuatable clamping portions associated with the body. The body may be provided as multiple portions. The multiple portions are relatively movable to permit the body to be mounted upon the structure.