Spring Assist Cable Clamp for Aerial Fiber Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clamps are not suitable for self-supporting fiber optic cables, as they require a galvanized steel support wire and cannot be installed from the ground without a bucket truck or ladder, limiting their application in aerial cabling setups.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp design with a body comprising a main span cable guide and holders for drop cable clamp assemblies, featuring a movable lower body half relative to an upper body half, a stem with a spring for clamping, and compatibility with extendable reach tools, allowing installation from the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bolted cable clamps are used with galvanized steel support wire, then secure clamping is achieved, but installation from ground level becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extendable reach tool as an intermediary device that transmits rotational force from ground level to the clamp mechanism elevated on the utility pole. This mediator enables the operator to operate the clamp from a safe, accessible position while maintaining secure clamping function at height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional bolted mechanical fastening system with a rotational stem mechanism actuated by an extendable reach tool. This substitution allows the clamp to be operated remotely from ground level while achieving secure mechanical attachment to the utility pole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bolted cable clamps are used, then compatibility with lashed fiber optic cable is achieved, but adaptability to self-supporting fiber optic cable is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal clamp body with a cable receiving chamber that can accommodate multiple cable types including lashed fiber optic cable, self-supporting fiber optic cable, and other aerial cables. The interchangeable clamp assemblies allow the same basic clamp structure to serve multiple cable attachment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the clamp into separable components: a reusable clamp body and interchangeable clamp assemblies. This segmentation allows different clamp assemblies to be matched to different cable types while reusing the main clamp body structure, simplifying installation for various cable configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the clamp structure is simplified for ground-based installation, then installation flexibility improves, but clamping force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism where the lower body half is movable relative to the upper body half. The spring continuously applies clamping force to maintain secure attachment, while the rotational stem mechanism allows dynamic adjustment and actuation from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved or cam-shaped surface in the clamp mechanism that converts small rotational movements of the stem into large clamping forces. This mechanical advantage allows ground-based operation while generating sufficient clamping force for secure attachment.
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
Enables secure clamping of drop cables to main span cables from the ground using an extendable reach tool, accommodating self-supporting fiber optic cables and minimizing cable bend strain, thus expanding installation flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned on the stem between the collar and the lower body half of the intermediate body section to normally bias the body to the clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
A cable clamp for clamping drop cable clamp assemblies to main span cables. The cable clamp has a body that includes a main span cable guide and holders for supporting one or more drop cable clamp assemblies. The body has a lower body half and an upper body half. The lower body half is movable relative to the upper body half between an open position and a clamping position. When the body is in a clamping position the lower body half and upper body half of the main span cable guide form a main span cable cradle. A stem extends through the lower body half of the main body section and is releasably secured to the upper body half of the main body section such that rotational movement of the stem is translated to movement of the lower body half relative to the upper body half. The stem has a collar and a spring is positioned on the stem between the collar and the lower body half of the intermediate body section to normally bias the body to the clamping position.