Self-locking Cable Clamp for Tool-free Rack Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-density fiber optic equipment faces challenges in securely managing and organizing the high number of optical fibers, requiring innovative solutions for efficient cable management and installation without tools, to reduce installation time and ergonomic strain.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking cable clamp arrangement comprising a bracket, grommet, yoke, and fastener, which allows for easy assembly and mounting to a panel without tools, utilizing a spring tab and fixing member to secure cables radially and prevent movement, facilitating efficient cable management and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable clamps and mounting methods are used, then cables can be secured to panels, but tool-free installation cannot be achieved and installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp incorporates a spring tab that automatically engages with the panel opening and locks into place without requiring external tools. The spring mechanism provides self-locking functionality where the tab flexes during insertion and snaps into the locked position, enabling operators to complete installations using only hand tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clamp is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion for cable engagement, a spring tab for mounting, and a cable access opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the spring tab providing tool-free mounting capability while the body secures the cable.
2Reliability
If traditional cable clamps requiring tools are used, then secure cable mounting can be achieved, but ergonomic strain increases due to tool handling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab mechanism performs the mounting function autonomously through its elastic deformation and automatic locking action. The operator simply inserts the clamp into the panel opening, and the spring tab self-locks without requiring the operator to manipulate tools, thereby eliminating ergonomic strain associated with tool handling while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tab utilizes elastic curvature to achieve its locking function. The tab is designed with a curved cross-section that allows it to flex elastically during insertion and then spring back to lock into the panel opening, providing secure mounting through elastic recovery rather than rigid mechanical fastening.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cables are tightly secured to prevent movement, then cable stability is improved, but access to cable components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp body includes a dedicated cable access opening that is spatially separated from the cable clamping region. This segmentation allows the cable to be securely held by the clamp body while operators can access cable components through the opening without needing to loosen or move the cable, thereby maintaining both stability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable access opening acts as an intermediary structure that provides a pathway for accessing cable components. It allows operators to reach and manipulate cables and connectors inside the clamp body without compromising the secure fixation of the cable to the panel, serving as a mediator between the need for stability and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking cable clamp arrangement includes a bracket and a flexible tab disposed on the bracket. The bracket has a cable mounting region, a first engagement region, and a support region disposed therebetween. A cable can be clamped to the cable mounting region. The support region defining two members spaced apart sufficient to enable an edge of the panel to extend partially therebetween. The flexible tab can be selectively coupled to the cable mounting region and to the first engagement region. The clamp arrangement mounts to the panel by sliding the bracket downwardly through an open-ended slot defined in the panel until the tab is received within a cutout portion of the panel to secure the bracket to the panel.