Toolless Fiber Optic Cable Pulling Grip With Perforated Heat Shrink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing pulling grips from fiber optic cables require tools, which can damage the cables and are time-consuming, lacking in convenience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A pulling grip assembly featuring first and second glue-lined heat-shrunk members with optional perforations and notches, allowing for tool-less removal by directing tear forces along the sides of the heat-shrunk members when pulled in opposite directions, facilitating easy and quick separation without damaging the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional pulling grips are used, then the cable can be pulled during installation, but tool removal is required which damages cables and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval operationVSAvoidremoval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling grip is divided into modular components: a flexible grip portion and a heat-shrunk member with perforations. This segmentation allows the grip to be easily separated into discrete parts for tool-less removal, resolving the contradiction by enabling quick separation without requiring tools or causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling grip is designed as a disposable component where the heat-shrunk member with perforations is intended to be torn away after use. This disposable design eliminates the need for tool-based removal and cable damage, allowing operators to simply tear the grip away after the pulling function is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If traditional pulling grips are used, then the cable can be pulled during installation, but tool removal is required which risks operator injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable integrityVSAvoidremoval operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-shrunk member is pre-formed with perforations and notches during manufacturing, creating predetermined weak points that guide the removal process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when removal is needed, the grip can be safely torn away along these pre-defined paths without requiring tools that might slip and cause injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the heat shrunk member has perforations for easy removal, then tool-less removal is enabled, but the member may tear during normal use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval operationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-shrunk member features localized perforations and notches at specific strategic positions rather than being uniformly perforated. This local quality approach creates weak points only where needed for removal initiation, while the rest of the member maintains full structural integrity for withstanding pulling loads during normal installation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The removal mechanism utilizes dynamic force distribution where pulling in opposite directions creates stress concentration at the perforations and notches. This dynamic loading pattern ensures that removal forces are directed specifically at the predetermined weak points, preventing random tearing while enabling controlled separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 rapid, tool-free removal of the pulling grip from fiber optic cables, reducing the risk of damage and operator injury, while maintaining the integrity of the cable during installation and removal processes.

Implementation Method 1

first glue lined heat shrunk member for easy rip-and-tear removal of the grip at a trunk base, and second glue lined heat shrunk member for easy rip-and-tear removal of the grip in a pulling grip region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9110268B2Cable pulling grip having toolless removal

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

A combination of a pulling grip assembly and a fiber optic cable assembly for installing the fiber optic cable, including:a flexible grip having an open loop region for pull-force engagement and a closed region engaged with the strength member in a fiber optic cable assembly;a first heat shrunk member positioned about a portion of the distal end of the fiber optic cable assembly and the distal end of cable; anda second heat shrunk member positioned about a portion of the closed region of the flexible grip and the proximal end of the fiber optic cable assembly.A method of using the pulling grip assembly and a quick release pulling grip kit for installing fiber optic cable, as defined herein, are also disclosed.