ADSS Cable Semi-Conducting Tracking Resistant Jacket

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) fiber optic cables face degradation of the outer protective jacket due to dry-band arcs or tracking mechanisms, which are costly to mitigate using proprietary jackets with higher resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a co-extruded longitudinal semi-conducting strip in the outer jacket, made of materials like highly filled polyolefin with semiconducting agents, to allow current leakage and reduce electrical stress, thereby preventing jacket deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary jackets with higher resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses are used, then resistance to dry-band arcing is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to dry-band arcingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating semi-conducting material only in specific regions where tracking resistance is most needed, rather than using expensive proprietary jackets throughout the entire cable. This localized approach provides adequate protection against dry-band arcing while significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to using specialized jackets universally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining standard jacket materials with semi-conducting additives or layers. This composite structure provides the necessary tracking resistance through the semi-conducting properties while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for expensive proprietary jacket materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If dielectric properties of the outer protective jacket are increased to resist tracking, then resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses is improved, but electrical stress on the cable increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to trackingVSAvoidelectrical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical properties of the jacket material through the addition of semi-conducting agents. This changes the resistivity parameter of the jacket, allowing it to dissipate electrical stress more effectively while still providing resistance to tracking and thermal-mechanical degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach provides effective resistance to dry-band arcing without the need for expensive proprietary materials, maintaining the dielectric nature while reducing thermal and mechanical stress on the cable jacket.

Implementation Method 1

The dielectric nature of the ADSS cables pose problems with a degradation of the outer protective jacket due surface arcs known as 'Tracking' or 'Dry Band Arcing.' This is caused by the capacitive charge from the power phase conductors to the ADSS cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9081161B2All-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) fiber optic cable with a semi-conducting co-extruded tracking resistant jacket

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 AFL COMM LLC

AI summary

A cable including an inner cable, an outer jacket surrounding the inner cable, and at least one semi-conducting tracking resistant material strip provided in the outer jacket.