Tandem Trunnion Clamp for Multi-Cable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable support devices fail to adequately manage dynamic and static stresses on fiber optic cables, are cumbersome to install, and often require multiple parts to accommodate multiple cables, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A cable support device with a body and cap that form a hinge mechanism, using elastomer bushings to grip cables and accommodate varying diameters, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a transition piece for expanding capacity to support multiple cables, with features like flared edges and anti-rotational legs for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional support devices are used to accommodate multiple cables, then cable support capacity is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate multiple cables through integrated channels and grooves. The single-unit design with multiple functional areas allows one device to support multiple cables without requiring multiple separate components, thereby increasing cable support capacity while maintaining low device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple cable support functions into a single integrated device. The body combines multiple channels, grooves, and cable receiving areas into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate support devices or complex assemblies, thus achieving multi-cable support with minimal part count
2Reliability
If support devices require disassembly and have many parts, then cable support function is achieved, but ease of operation during field installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates segmented or modular features that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex procedures. The body is designed with separable components or flexible attachment mechanisms that enable field installation workers to quickly install and remove the device, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable cable support function
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to be self-installing or self-adjusting to the extent possible, reducing the need for complex assembly procedures. The device may include self-aligning features, snap-fit connections, or tool-free attachment mechanisms that allow workers to install it quickly without requiring multiple parts or complex assembly steps, thereby improving ease of operation
3Device complexity
If support devices are designed for single cable, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to accommodate multiple cables deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate multiple cables through integrated channels and grooves. The single-unit design with multiple functional areas allows one device to support multiple cables without requiring multiple separate components, thereby increasing cable support capacity while maintaining low device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by incorporating vertical and horizontal channels, stacked grooves, or multi-level cable receiving areas within the body. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple cables to be accommodated in a compact structure without increasing the device's footprint or complexity, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability
4Ease of operation
If cable support devices do not accommodate cable sag, then installation simplicity is maintained, but cable stress control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible channels, movable grooves, or elastic cable receiving areas that can adapt to cable sag and movement. These dynamic features allow the device to accommodate cable tension variations and sag without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining installation simplicity while ensuring reliable cable stress control
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with adjustable parameters such as variable channel depths, flexible groove configurations, or adjustable mounting positions that can be modified to accommodate different cable sags and tensions. These parameter changes allow the device to adapt to various installation conditions and cable specifications without requiring complex assembly or multiple components, thereby maintaining ease of installation while improving cable stress control
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 device effectively manages cable stresses, facilitates quick and easy installation, reduces part complexity, and supports multiple cables with improved durability and flexibility, minimizing damage and installation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The bushings are made of an elastomer material and have a friction grip on the cable to prevent slippage
Implementation Method 2
The bushings are made of an elastomer material... accommodate the required sag of the cable between support structures... permit a limited amount of oscillation
Implementation Method 3
The bushings may have flared edges that limit relative axial movement between the bushings and the body and cap
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support device includes a body having a first bracket and a cap having a first hinge. The cable support device further includes a transition piece disposed between the body and the cap. The transition piece includes an integrally formed body portion and oppositely-facing cap portion. The body portion has an inner surface defining a body portion groove extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposite end of the body portion. The body portion further includes a second bracket. The cap portion has an inner surface defining a cap portion groove extending longitudinally from a first end to an opposite end of the cap portion. The cap portion further includes a second hinge.