GB2584720A

GB2584720A - Spool module

Info

Publication number: GB2584720A
Application number: GB1908523.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hughes Glyn; Rymar Gregorz
Original assignee: Hughes Electronics Ltd
Current assignee: Hughes Electronics Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2019-06-13
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-13
Also published as: GB201908523D0; GB2584720B

Abstract

The present invention is a spool module 10 comprising a core having an outer surface 20 around which a length of cable, as in an optical fibre, may be wound. A connection mechanism 40/50 configured to facilitate connection with a corresponding connection mechanism of a similar module such that two or more modules can be connected to one another. Connection mechanisms, which may be located at diametrically-opposed parts of the module, may allow adjacent, or serial, and overlapping, or parallel, configurations (figs. 2 & 3) to be adopted. An additional one or more cable braces (400, fig. 4) may be connected to engagement surfaces on spool module to provide cable-carrying channels.

Description

Spool Module

Field

Example embodiments relate to a spool module, for example for optical fibre cables. The spool module may form part of a cable management system for optical fibre cables, for example those used in the telecommunications industry.

Background

In modern communications systems, optical fibres may be used to carry signals at optical wavelengths. For example, optical fibres may be used to carry signals between a central station and one or more base stations, or between systems and/or antennas at a base station. Optical fibres may degrade if not secured or stored properly. Optical fibres are often provided in standard lengths, and it is common for engineers to be left with slack portions that are either left hanging between connection points, or are inappropriately secured to a structure or to another cable. This can lead to degradation of important optical properties if, for example, the optical fibre is wound too tightly or secured inappropriately. For example, manufacturers often quote a minimum bend radius, beyond which the structure of the fibre may degrade or become useless.

Common methods for managing optical fibre slack include the use of cable ties to secure together tightly-wound loops of fibre and/or the use of cable ties to fasten cable slack to poles, masts, or trays. However, the use of cable ties as fasteners can also introduce microbends or deformities into the fibre, reducing its performance and lifespan.

Summary

According to an example embodiment, there is provided a spool module, comprising: a core having an outer surface around which may be wound a length of fibre; and a connection mechanism configured to connect with a corresponding connection mechanism of another spool module such that two or more such spool modules can be connected to one another.

The connection mechanism may comprises first and second connection portions, the first connection portion being arranged to connect with a second connection portion of a like spool module.

The first and second connection portions may be complementary so as to facilitate a friction fit.

The first connection portion may comprise at least one stub or arm carrying one part of a pin and socket mechanism, and the second connection portion comprises at least one stub or arm carrying the other part of the pin and socket mechanism.

The first and second connection portions may be provided substantially at diametrically-opposed parts of the spool module.

The first and second connection portions may each comprise a pair of spaced-apart stubs or arms, each having the same respective part of the pin and socket mechanism.

The first and second connection portions may be configured 30 such that the spool module can connect to a like spool module in a first, adjacent, configuration and also a second, overlapping configuration.

The spool module may further comprise at least one flange or wall on one side of the core outer surface for retaining a wound length of fibre on the core.

The connection mechanism may be provided on a peripheral edge of the or each flange or wall.

The core and/or flanges may comprise substantially opposed first and second outer surfaces, each carrying an engagement surface, such that when the spool module is connected to a like spool module in an overlapping configuration, the engagement surfaces interlock in a fixed orientation.

Each engagement surface may comprise both a male and a female portion for interlocking with a respective female and male portion of another spool module.

The or each flange or wall may comprise one or more recess and wherein the engagement surfaces may be arranged such that, when two spool modules are interlocked in the overlapping configuration, the recesses of the spool modules are substantially aligned.

According to another example embodiment, there may be provided a cable management system comprising a plurality of spool modules according to any preceding definition. The plurality of spool modules may hingedly move relative to one another between a first, adjacent configuration and a second, overlapping configuration, for example depending on engineer's need or preference.

The cable management system may further comprise one or more clamping members configured to be interlocked with an engagement surface in accordance with any preceding definition.

In other embodiments of the spool module, the connection mechanism may be configured such that, when connected to the corresponding connector of another spool module, the spool modules may rotate between a first, non-overlapping configuration, and a second, overlapping configuration.

The flange may comprise a connector configured in use to connect with another such spool module in a first configuration, wherein the connector is further configured in use to connect with another such spool module when in a second configuration. The first and second configurations maybe ones in which the first connector is connected to a respective first connector of the flange of another such spool module.

The flange may comprise at least one edge, and wherein the connector may be located on the edge of the flange. The edge of the flange may comprise at least one recess or cavity, the at least one recess or cavity being shaped such that the at least one elongate flexible cable can be guided through the cavity. The first configuration may be one in which a first spool module is arranged adjacent to a respective second spool module such that the flange of each spool module is aligned in a substantially horizontal plane, and wherein the second configuration is one in which the first spool module is arranged below the second spool module such that the flange of each spool module is aligned in a substantially vertical plane.

The flange may further comprise a mating surface on its second side. The flange may further comprise at least one aperture for receiving a cable tie or the like.

The core may comprise a second connector, the second connector configured in use to connect with another such spool module, and wherein the flange may comprise a third connector on the second side of the flange, the second side of the flange being substantially opposite to its first side, the third connector being configured in use to connect with another such spool module.

A third configuration may be one in which the second connector is connected to a respective second connector of another such spool module therewith to cooperatively define between the two spool modules at least one cable-retaining channel of a first size, and wherein a fourth configuration is one in which the second connector is connected to a respective third connector of another such spool module therewith to cooperatively define between the two spool modules at least one cable-retaining channel of a second size. The third configuration may correspond to a larger cable-retaining channel than that which corresponds to the fourth configuration.

The core may be a cylinder comprising a curvilinear surface.

The spool module may further comprise an aperture, a central axis of the aperture being aligned substantially parallel to the central axis of the core such that the aperture is substantially transverse in orientation to the at least one flange. The aperture may be positioned such that its central axis aligns substantially with a respective central axis of an aperture of another such spool module when in the second, third, and/or fourth configurations.

The spool module may further comprise a second flange, the second flange being at a distal end of the spool module and the first flange being at a proximal end of the spool module, the second flange being oriented substantially parallel to the first flange, and the second flange being arranged on the core to define at least one cable-retaining channel between the first and second flanges of at least a third size.

The second flange may comprise a fourth connector, the fourth connector being configured in use to connect with the second connector of a spool module The spool module may comprise one or more open channels, 15 each having a cross-sectional profile which is curvilinear. The curvilinear profile may comprise first and second substantially straight portions joined by a curved portion.

The one or more open channels may be lined with a resilient 20 material. The resilient material may comprise a shaped gripping surface.

According to another example embodiment, there may be provided a cable management system comprised of first and 25 second spool modules according to any preceding definition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, 30 in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spool module according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of first and second spool modules of the FIG. 1 type connected in a first, adjacent, configuration; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first and second spool 5 modules of the FIG. 1 type connected in a second, overlapping, configuration; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cable clamp having one or more engagement surfaces for locating onto a complementary engagement surface of the FIG. 1 spool module.

Detailed Description

Embodiments herein relate to a spool module, for example a spool module for optical fibre cables. The spool module may form part of a modular cable management system for optical fibre cables, for example those used in the telecommunications industry. The term adjustable spool system may also be used herein to refer to such a modular spool system.

Optical fibre cables often have a so-called minimum bend 20 radius, which specifies the minimum radius to which the cable may safely be bent during installation and storage.

Sometimes, two different figures are given, one for installation and one for storage. If figures are not provided, it is generally accepted that the safe storage radius is not less than ten or fifteen times the cable diameter. Bending beyond this potentially affects the properties of the optical fibre to properly transmit optical signals with little or no signal loss. Optical fibre cables is a term that tends to refer to a plurality of optical fibres within a protective sheath. So, for a 7 mm cable, one might have a minimum bend radius of 70 mm.

Example embodiments relate to a spool module, and cable management system comprising a plurality of inter-connectable spool modules, which enable on-site engineers to safely store slack optical fibre lengths in a way that avoids breaching the quoted minimum bend radius them becoming slackened and therefore open to environmental conditions such as wind.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spool module 10 according to an example embodiment.

The spool module 10 comprises a core 12 around which optical fibre may be wound in use. The core 12 may comprise a substantially cylindrical wall. The radius of the core 12 may be such as to conform to the lowest quoted minimum bend radius of optical fibre for telecommunications purposes. This ensures that, provided the cable is wound on the core 12, the quoted minimum value will not be breached. This may be sufficient for cable slack of a length that may be wound on a single spool module 10, but greater lengths need also to be catered for.

On either side of the core 12, extending radially thereto, may be provided a pair of flanges or walls 22A, 223. In some embodiments, one such flange or wall 2221, 223 may be sufficient. The flanges or walls 2221, 22B define between them a channel 23 within which wound optical fibre may locate with minimal lateral movement.

The spool module 10 may also comprise a hub 30, defined by hub walls arranged generally concentric to the flanges 2221, 22B and to the core 20. Only one such hub wall is visible.

Each hub wall is connected to a respective flange 22A, 223, and to the core 12 via a plurality of radial spokes 32. An aperture 34 may extend through the centre of the hub 30 to define an axial bore along axis X-X for receiving, for example, mounting structures such as poles.

Each hub wall of the hub 30 may provide an engagement or mating surface. For example, each hub wall may carry one or more mechanical parts to enable interlocking between two such spool modules 10 when arranged in an overlapping configuration, as will be explained below. The interlocking may prevent relative rotation between the two spool modules 10. The shown engagement surface may comprise a male part 36A and a female part 363 for engaging a respective female part and a male part of another spool module 10 when arranged in the said overlapping configuration. The hub wall that is not visible on the spool module 10 may have an engagement surface with this complementary arrangement.

In some embodiments, a further pair of male and female parts 38A, 383 may also be provided on the hub 30. In this respect, the engagement surface may also be used for engagement of a cable brace, having a complementary engagement surface, as will be explained below.

In some embodiments, the engagement or mating surface may be provided on the flanges 22A, 22B.

Connection mechanisms 40, 50 may also be provided on the spool module 10. Each connection mechanism 40, 50 in the shown example comprises two pairs of arms, one pair being provided on each flange 22A, 228. The arrangement of the connection mechanisms 40, 50 is such that a first connection mechanism 40 is configured to connect with the second connection mechanism 50, in order that a plurality of spool modules 10 having said connection mechanisms can connect to one another. The different spool modules 10 need not be identical in this respect. Any suitable first and second connection mechanisms 40, 50 may be provided to this end, including the use of magnets or the like.

The first connection mechanism 40 may be provided by two 5 pairs of parallel stubs or arms extending from the periphery of the flange 22A at a first location, indicated as 'Y'. Each of the arms may be shaped so as to provide, at the distal end, a socket 42A, 423. The shown second connection mechanism 50 is provided by a pair of stubs or arms, extending from the periphery of the flange 22A at a second location, indicated as 'Z.' The second location 'Z' is substantially opposite the first location 'Y.' Each of the arms is shaped so as to provide, at the distal end, a respective ball or pin 52A, 523, which in use will locate in the corresponding socket 422k, 423 of the first connection mechanism 40. In this configuration, the connection is a friction-fit connection.

One or more recesses 60 may be provided within the flanges 22A, 22B, as shown.

The spool module 10 may be formed by injection molding, 3D printing or by any suitable manufacturing method. The spool module 10 may be formed of any suitable material, including plastic, glass, or metal. Plastic provides lightweight and cost benefits, as well as being a good insulator.

Referring now to FIG. 2, two such spool modules 10, 100 are shown interconnected in a first, so-called adjacent configuration. In other words, a first spool module 10, described above, may connect to a second spool module 100 of the same or similar type, along a generally horizontal plane. More particularly, the second connection mechanism 50 of the first spool module 10, connects with the first connection mechanism 40 of the second spool module 100.

As indicated by the dashed line 200, this permits slack optical fibre to be wound around what may be termed an expanded spool system, formed of the inter-connected first and second spool modules 10, 100. A greater surface area is provided by the use of two cores 20 instead of one, and the winding will not breach the quoted minimum bend radius. So, for a 7 mm cable, one might have a minimum bend radius of 70 mm and therefore provide a core with a diameter of 140 mm. The winding path may comprise a figure-of-eight path, as shown, or a normal loop. Further spool modules 10 can be connected in the same manner to either end of the expanded spool system to increase the winding area further. One or a plurality of the spool modules 10, 100 may be secured to a structure, for example using one or more poles that pass through one or more axial bores 34 in the hub 30.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the two spool modules 10, 100 are shown interconnected in a second, so-called overlapping configuration. In other words, a first spool module 10, described above, may connect to a second spool module 100 of the same or similar type, such that they overlie one another with their axial bores 34 aligned. More particularly, a pair of arms of the second connection mechanism 50 of the first spool module 10 connects with a pair of arms of the first connection mechanism 40 of the second spool module 100. This can be achieved by rotating one of the spool members by 180 degrees. In this way, the same advantages of the FIG. 2 expanded spool system are provided, for example in terms of the additional surface area for winding slack cable. However, the expanded spool system occupies a volumetric shape that may be more appropriate for tight spaces than the FIG. 2 arrangement. FIG. 3 also shows how the optical fibre 310 may be wound around the first and second spool modules 10, 100, with the cable passing through the one or more flange apertures 60 to avoid breaching the minimum bend radius as the 5 cable passes from one spool module to the other.

Similar to the FIG. 2 expanded spool system, one or more additional spool modules 10, 100 may be added in a stacked manner to expand the winding surface further.

It should also be appreciated that the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 connection configurations may be combined, i.e. with both adjacent and overlapping configurations, to provide an even greater winding surface area, as may be appropriate to fit into the available space.

Referring to FIG. 4, in addition to the above-described spool modules 10, 100, one or more cable braces 400 may also be connected to engagement surfaces of said spool modules 10, 100. The cable brace 400 is given as an example and any similar structure having the shown and described engagement surface may be used.

The cable brace 400 may comprises identical upper and lower jaws, each comprising a body which comprises, on a first side thereof, a male element 401, e.g. an arm or post extending from the body, a female element 402, e.g. a recess or aperture within the body, an auxiliary male element 403, and an auxiliary female element (not shown.) The auxiliary male element 403 may for example be a stud or similar protrusion on the end-face of the male element 401. The auxiliary female element may for example a recess or aperture on the end-face of the male element 401, shaped and configured to receive the stud or similar protrusion 403 of another such member, i.e. a second member of substantially similar construction. Thus, the upper and lower jaws may interconnect to define a pair of cable-carrying channels which may be lined with a gripping material 422. The orientation of the upper and lower jaws determines how wide the channels are, and therefore the radii of the cable that may be secured therewithin. Each of the upper and lower jaws carries on its exterior an engagement surface comprised of pairs of male and female parts 417 that are configured to engage with the male 10 and female parts 36A, 38A, 26B, 38B on the spool module 10. When engaged in this manner, an axial bore 418 of the cable brace 400 aligns with the axial bore 30 of the spool module 10. In this way, further cables, e.g. coaxial cables, may be run alongside the expanded spool module system in a secure 15 manner.

It will therefore be appreciated that a modular cable management system is described, enabling secure mounting of one or more optical fibre cables, and indeed any type of cable. Being modular, any number of spool modules 10 and/or cable braces 400 can be stacked.

Typical It is to be understood that what is described above is what is presently considered the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1.A spool module, comprising: a core having an outer surface around which may be wound a length of fibre; and a connection mechanism ccnfigured to connect with a corresponding connection mechanism of another spool module such that two or more such spool modules can be connected to one another.
2. The spool module of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism comprises first and second connection portions, the first connection portion being arranged to connect with a second connection portion cf a like spool module.
3. The spool module of claim 2, wherein the first and second connection portions are mechanically complementary so as to facilitate a friction fit.
4. The spool module of claim 3, wherein the first connection portion comprises at least one stub or arm carrying one part of a pin and socket mechanism, and the second connection portion comprises at least one stub or arm carrying the other part of the pin and socket mechanism.
5. The spool module of claim 4, wherein the first and second connection portions are provided substantially at diametrically-opposed parts cf the spool module.
6. The spool module of claim 5, wherein the first and second connection portions each comprise a pair of spaced-apart stubs or arms, each having the same respective part of the pin and socket mechanism.
7. The spool module of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first and second connection portions are configured such that the spool module can connect to a like spool module in a first, adjacent, configuration and also a second, overlapping configuration.
8. The spool module of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one flange or wall on one side of the core outer surface for retaining a wound length of fibre on the core.
9. The spool module of claim 7, wherein the connection mechanism is provided on a peripheral edge of the or each flange or wall.
10. The spool module of any preceding claim, wherein the core and/or flanges comprise substantially opposed first and second outer surfaces, each carrying an engagement surface, such that when the spool module is connected to a like spool module in an overlapping configuration, the engagement surfaces interlock in a fixed orientation.
11. The spool module of claim 10, wherein each engagement surface comprises both a male and a female portion for interlocking with a respective female and male portion of another spool module.
12. The spool module of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the or each flange or wall comprises one or more recess and wherein the engagement surfaces are arranged such that, when two spool modules are interlocked in the overlapping configuration, the recesses of the spool modules are substantially aligned.
13. The spool module of any preceding claim, wherein the radius of the core is arranged such as to be equal to, or greater than, the minimum bend radius of an optical fibre.
14. A cable management system comprising a plurality of spool modules according to any preceding claim.
15. A cable management system according to claim 14, further comprising one or more clamping members configured to be interlocked with an engagement surface in accordance with claim 10 or any claim dependent thereon.