Terminal System Assembly Spool Anti-Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal system assemblies (TSAs) face challenges in efficiently managing fiber optic cables during installation, including approximating cable lengths, preventing bend loss, and securely routing cables, which can lead to signal strength loss and installation difficulties due to restrictive cable routing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A terminal system assembly with a rotatable spool and adapter module that includes anti-rotation features to prevent spool rotation, coupled with a cable management plate and guides to securely route and manage input and output fiber cables, allowing for flexible installation and minimizing bend loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spool is made rotatable to store excess fiber cable, then the cable management flexibility is improved, but the adapter module and base plate cannot be securely positioned due to unwanted rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed to be rotatable for cable storage, but an anti-rotation feature is introduced that engages with the base plate to prevent unwanted rotation during operation. This creates a dynamic system that can rotate when needed (cable dispensing) but locks when stable positioning is required (operation phase).
Solution Approach 2:
An anti-rotation feature acts as an intermediary element between the rotatable spool and the stationary base plate. This feature mediates the interaction by allowing rotation during cable management while preventing rotation during adapter module operation, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter module is coupled with the rotatable spool, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but unwanted rotation occurs during connection making
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static spool to a dynamically controllable spool with anti-rotation capability. During cable routing, the spool can rotate freely; during connection making, the anti-rotation feature engages to prevent movement, ensuring reliable and stable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation feature serves as an intermediary mechanism between the adapter module and the spool, allowing the adapter module to be coupled with the rotatable spool while preventing unwanted rotation during critical connection operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cable ties or industrial retaining clips are used to secure fiber cables, then cable routing stability is improved, but inadvertent bends are created causing signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using uniform cable ties or industrial clips throughout the cable routing path, the invention introduces localized cable management features at specific points where cables need securing. These localized features secure cables without creating the rigid constraints that cause bends and signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management plate acts as an intermediary between the cables and the spool/base plate assembly. It provides a dedicated surface and features for cable routing and securing that are designed to avoid creating harmful bends, thus mediating between the need for stability and the need to prevent signal loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal system assembly includes a base plate, a spool, an adapter module, and a spool locking washer. The base includes a spindle. The spool may be rotatingly coupled with the spindle of the base plate and to receive an input fiber cable. The adapter module may couple a fiber of the input fiber cable with a fiber of an output fiber cable. The spool locking washer may couple the adapter module with the spindle and may prevent rotation of the spool and the adapter module.