Telescoping Cable Spool with Locking Detents for Telecom Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable management systems for telecommunications are inadequate in providing adaptability, ease of organization, and protection against bending-induced signal loss and damage, particularly in spool-based systems with fixed configurations that do not accommodate varying equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A cable management assembly featuring spools with adjustable axial lengths, comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel with discrete locking detents and flexible cantilever arms, allowing for customizable length adjustment and secure mounting to a telecommunications panel, enabling flexible placement and protection against excessive bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length cable spools are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different equipment arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows the axial length to be dynamically changed after manufacturing. The spool body includes an inner barrel and outer barrel that can slide relative to each other, with locking detents that enable the user to adjust the spool length to match different cable management needs while maintaining a fixed manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable spools with adjustable lengths are provided, then adaptability to equipment arrangements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool is segmented into an inner barrel and an outer barrel that can move independently relative to each other. The inner barrel contains the cable winding surface, while the outer barrel provides structural support and includes the locking mechanism. This segmentation enables length adjustment without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire spool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the inner and outer barrels can slide relative to each other along the axial direction. Locking detents are provided to secure the barrels at desired positions, enabling the spool length to be adjusted to match different cable management needs while maintaining structural integrity.
3Productivity
If cables are routed without proper management, then installation speed is improved, but cable damage from bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool is pre-configured with a curved surface and positioned at strategic locations along the cable route before final cable installation. This preliminary placement of the spool creates a pre-planned cable management path that guides the cable installation process, ensuring proper bending radius is maintained from the start without requiring additional time during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable spool acts as an intermediary element between cable sources and destinations, providing a controlled transition zone where cables are guided around the spool's curved surface. This intermediary structure ensures cables maintain appropriate bend radii while being routed through the equipment space, preventing damage without complicating the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management device for mounting to a telecommunications fixture includes an outer barrel disposed over an inner barrel, one of the outer barrel and the inner barrel defining a plurality of discrete detents positioned in a stacked arrangement axially along an length thereof, and the other of the outer barrel and the inner barrel defining at least one flexible cantilever arm defining a tab configured to lock into a selected one of the detents for allowing adjustment of a length of the cable management device.