A special cable
By designing a recessed structure on the surface of the protective layer of the marine towed cable, the signal interference problem caused by cable vibration was solved, water flow resistance and maintenance costs were reduced, and the stability and accuracy of data transmission were ensured.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HUAKAI OCEAN SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing marine towed cables are prone to vibration in complex water flow environments, leading to unstable electrical signal propagation and affecting the accuracy and precision of data acquisition. At the same time, existing vibration reduction solutions are costly, complex to maintain, and affect the cable laying of the towed cable winch.
The cable adopts a non-standard cable design with recessed structures on the surface of the protective layer. The area or volume of the recessed structures are not exactly the same. They are arranged in a spiral array to reduce water flow resistance and cable vibration. Thermoplastic elastomer materials are used to reduce processing and maintenance costs.
It achieves low cost, high durability, and simple maintenance. The cable operates normally during winch cable laying, with low water flow resistance, ensuring stable data transmission and improving data acquisition accuracy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224472209U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of marine cable manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a special-shaped cable. Background Technology
[0002] Marine towed cables play a vital role in many marine operations, such as marine exploration and marine monitoring. They are the key hubs for data transmission and power supply between underwater equipment and control centers on the sea or land.
[0003] Marine towed cables typically consist of multiple structures, including internal conductive cores, insulation layers, shielding layers, and an outer sheath. During operation, marine towed cables are affected by complex ocean currents. Firstly, ocean currents are not static or uniform; they exhibit irregular patterns such as currents of varying directions and intensities, as well as eddies. Secondly, changes in the tow vessel's speed, turning maneuvers, or encounters with different ocean terrain can cause additional impacts on the cable from the currents. The combined effect of these factors inevitably leads to a certain degree of vibration in the cable.
[0004] From the perspective of electrical signal propagation, electrical signals within a cable are transmitted according to specific rules and frequencies. However, cable vibration can trigger a series of factors detrimental to the stable propagation of electrical signals. For example, vibration may cause minute displacements, deformations, or friction between the conductive cores inside the cable, thereby altering the electrical parameters such as resistance and capacitance of the cores and disrupting the original characteristics of electrical signal transmission. Simultaneously, such vibration may also cause localized damage or loosening of the shielding layer, reducing its shielding effectiveness against external electromagnetic interference and further interfering with the normal propagation of electrical signals.
[0005] In terms of data acquisition, many marine operations rely on towed cables to transmit various data collected by sensors, such as ocean temperature, salinity, depth, and sonar information. Interference in the propagation of electrical signals can cause distortion, errors, or loss of some key information in the received data, which seriously affects the accuracy and precision of data acquisition. Inaccurate data may lead to incorrect analysis results and decision-making, causing many adverse effects on marine scientific research, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring.
[0006] Existing shock absorption solutions (such as streamlined plastic panels) have problems such as high processing costs, complex maintenance, inconvenient installation, and inability to unload cables by the cable winch after installation.
[0007] There is an urgent need for a cable that is low-cost, highly durable, requires minimal maintenance, does not interfere with cable laying by the cable winch, and can simultaneously suppress resistance and vibration.
[0008] To address the existing problems, we propose a special-shaped cable.
[0009] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Utility Model Content
[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-standard cable to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-standard cable is provided, which includes a cable core and a protective layer covering the cable core. The surface of the protective layer is provided with a plurality of recessed structures, the opening areas of the plurality of recessed structures are not all the same, and each recessed structure is adjacent to at least one recessed structure with a different opening area.
[0013] In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-standard cable is provided, the non-standard cable includes a cable core and a protective layer that wraps the cable core. The surface of the protective layer is provided with a plurality of recessed structures, the volumes of the plurality of recessed structures are not all the same, and each recessed structure is adjacent to at least one recessed structure of different volumes.
[0014] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the recessed structures are arranged in an orderly manner on the surface of the protective layer.
[0015] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the recessed structures are randomly arranged on the surface of the protective layer.
[0016] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the recessed structures are arranged in a spiral array along the cable axis.
[0017] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the opening of the recessed structure is one or more of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, polygonal, or irregular shape.
[0018] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures is 0.5-5 times the maximum width of the recessed structure opening.
[0019] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the depth of the recessed structure is 5%-10% of the cable diameter.
[0020] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer is a braided layer, and the recessed structure is made of rope braiding.
[0021] For example, in the irregular cable provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer is a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] Compared with the traditional guide plate type shock absorption solution, this utility model has lower processing cost, simpler maintenance, no need for disassembly and assembly, and the towed cable can be normally laid out in the winch after installation; this utility model has less resistance in water, especially when used in the deep sea, because the concave structure on the surface of the protective layer makes the water resistance to the cable low, ensuring that the cable can be easily towed. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structural embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of this utility model;
[0026] In the picture:
[0027] 1-Cable core; 2-Protective layer; 21-Recessed structure. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 2 The present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0030] Example 1:
[0031] A non-standard cable includes a cable core 1 and a protective layer 2 enclosing the cable core 1. The protective layer 2 is a thermoplastic elastomer. The surface of the protective layer 2 has two types of recessed structures 21 with different opening areas. In this embodiment, these are referred to as the first recessed structure and the second recessed structure. There are several of these two types of recessed structures 21. The first recessed structures are arranged radially and axially around the protective layer 2 in an orderly manner. The first recessed structures arranged radially around the protective layer 2 are called a first recessed structure ring. The second recessed structures are arranged radially and axially around the protective layer 2 in an orderly manner. The second recessed structures arranged radially around the protective layer 2 are called a second recessed structure ring. The first and second recessed structure rings are adjacent to each other. The openings of the first and second recessed structures are quadrilaterals with the same area, but can also be circles, ellipses, triangles, polygons, or irregular shapes with the same area.
[0032] The center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures 21 is 0.5 to 5 times the maximum width of the opening of the recessed structure 21.
[0033] The depth of the recessed structure 21 is 5%-10% of the cable diameter.
[0034] Example 2:
[0035] A non-standard cable includes a cable core 1 and a protective layer 2 enclosing the cable core 1. The surface of the protective layer 2 has several recessed structures 21, the volumes of which are not all identical. Each recessed structure 21 is randomly arranged on the surface of the protective layer 2, or it can be arranged in a spiral array. Each recessed structure 21 is adjacent to at least one other recessed structure 21 with a different volume. The opening cross-section of the recessed structure 21 can be one or more of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. The center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures 21 is 0.5-5 times the maximum width of the opening of the recessed structure 21. The depth of the recessed structure 21 is 5%-10% of the cable diameter. The protective layer 2 is a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0036] Example 3:
[0037] A non-standard cable includes a cable core 1 and a protective layer 2 enclosing the cable core 1. The surface of the protective layer 2 has several recessed structures 21, the opening areas of which are not all the same. Each recessed structure 21 is randomly arranged on the surface of the protective layer 2, or it can be arranged in a spiral array. Each recessed structure 21 is adjacent to at least one other recessed structure 21 with a different opening area. The cross-section of the opening of the recessed structure 21 can be one or more of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. The center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures 21 is 0.5-5 times the maximum width of the opening of the recessed structure 21. The depth of the recessed structure 21 is 5%-10% of the cable diameter. The protective layer 2 is a thermoplastic elastomer.
[0038] Example 4:
[0039] A special type of cable includes a cable core 1 and a protective layer 2 that wraps the cable core 1. The protective layer 2 is made of rope braiding. The surface of the protective layer 2 is provided with a number of recessed structures 21. The product of the opening area and the opening depth of the recessed structures 21 is not all the same.
[0040] The recessed structures 21 are arranged in an orderly manner on the surface of the protective layer 2. Specifically, the surface of the protective layer 2 has two types of recessed structures 21 with different opening areas. In this embodiment, these two types of recessed structures 21 are referred to as the first recessed structure and the second recessed structure. There are several of these two types of recessed structures 21. The first recessed structures are arranged in an orderly manner radially around the protective layer 2 and also in an orderly manner axially along the protective layer 2. This arrangement of the first recessed structures radially around the protective layer 2 is called the first recessed structure ring. The second recessed structures are arranged in an orderly manner radially around the protective layer 2 and also in an orderly manner axially along the protective layer 2. This arrangement of the second recessed structures radially around the protective layer 2 is called the second recessed structure ring. The first recessed structure ring and the second recessed structure ring are adjacent to each other.
[0041] The first and second concave structures are quadrilateral-like structures with different areas.
[0042] The center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures 21 is 0.5-5 times the maximum width of the opening of the recessed structure 21, and the depth of the recessed structure 21 is 5%-10% of the cable diameter.
[0043] Protective layer 2 is woven in a plain weave structure using high-performance fibers (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber / polyester fiber / polyarylate fiber, etc.) during the rope weaving process. By using strands of different thicknesses and arranging them in a specific pattern (such as a 2-strand thick + 4-strand thin loop), a recessed structure 21 is formed on the surface of the finished product. By adjusting the weave pitch, recessed structures 21 of varying sizes and with different loop cycles can be formed throughout the entire product.
[0044] Working principle and usage process of this utility model embodiment:
[0045] The cable uses a spirally braided plain-weave fiber rope (such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber / polyester fiber / polyarylate fiber, etc.). The rope has a recessed structure 21 with a depth of 5-10% of the cable diameter. When fluid flows through the recessed structure 21, micro-turbulence is formed, which increases the boundary layer energy and delays the separation of water flow from the cable surface, thereby reducing pressure resistance. The reduction in resistance in the horizontal direction of the cable can reduce the cable tilt angle during high-speed operation, increase the working depth of the cable of the same length, and improve the dragging speed.
[0046] The recessed structures 21 on the surface of the protective layer 2 of this utility model have different opening areas (or different volumes). In particular, each recessed structure is adjacent to at least one other recessed structure with a different opening area (or different volume). The larger opening area allows more fluid to enter the recessed structure 21, forming large-scale, low-frequency eddies. The smaller opening area generates small-scale, high-frequency eddies, producing high-frequency small eddies. These eddies promote the transition from laminar to turbulent flow (i.e., turbulent transition). The turbulent flow adheres more tightly to the cable surface, delays flow separation, reduces the pressure difference before and after, and thus reduces pressure drag and water resistance to the cable.
[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described (see the detailed description above), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
Claims
1. A special-shaped cable, characterized in that: The cable includes a cable core and a protective layer that wraps around the cable core. The surface of the protective layer is provided with a plurality of recessed structures. The area of the openings of the plurality of recessed structures is not all the same. Each recessed structure is adjacent to at least one recessed structure with a different opening area. The recessed structures are arranged in a spiral array along the cable axis. The openings of the recessed structures are one or more of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, polygonal, and irregular shapes.
2. A special-shaped cable, characterized in that: The cable includes a cable core and a protective layer that wraps around the cable core. The surface of the protective layer is provided with a plurality of recessed structures. The volumes of the recessed structures are not all the same. Each recessed structure is adjacent to at least one recessed structure of different volumes. The recessed structures are arranged in a spiral array along the cable axis. The openings of the recessed structures are one or more of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, polygonal, and irregular shapes.
3. A special-shaped cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recessed structures are arranged in an orderly manner on the surface of the protective layer.
4. A special-shaped cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The recessed structures are randomly arranged on the surface of the protective layer.
5. A special-shaped cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The center-to-center distance between adjacent recessed structures is 0.5 to 5 times the maximum width of the opening of the recessed structure.
6. A special-shaped cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The depth of the recessed structure is 5%-10% of the cable diameter.
7. A special-shaped cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The protective layer is a woven layer, and the recessed structure is woven from rope.