Structurally Augmented Coaxial Cable for Dual-Mode Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coaxial cables face challenges in versatility and cost due to the need for different cable configurations for underground and aerial applications, with direct burial cables being difficult to manipulate and maintain, and aerial cables requiring separate inventory for anchor wires, leading to increased labor and storage burdens.
Innovation Solution
A structurally augmented coaxial cable assembly with a single cable configuration suitable for both underground and aerial applications, featuring a first cable section with a structurally augmented jacket for protection and weight support, a second cable section for standard connectors, and a transition device to integrate and transfer loads, utilizing a fiber-reinforced flexible matrix binder for enhanced strength and separability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct burial coaxial cable employs a semi-rigid polyethylene jacket and water-repelling gel, then protection against water/moisture is improved, but ease of manipulation and end preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water-repelling gel from the conductive braid, eliminating the source of the problem while maintaining cable protection through alternative means such as improved jacket design and sealing mechanisms at connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the jacket material, transitioning from semi-rigid polyethylene to a more flexible material composition that maintains protection while improving manipulability and ease of end preparation
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cable inventories are maintained for underground and aerial applications, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity and storage burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal coaxial cable with a hybrid construction that can be deployed in both direct burial and aerial applications. The cable incorporates features suitable for underground use (such as enhanced protection layers) while also being capable of aerial installation without requiring separate inventory for anchor wires, thereby simplifying inventory management while maintaining environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functional features of separate underground and aerial cables into a single unified cable design, combining the protective characteristics needed for direct burial with the structural properties required for aerial installation, eliminating the need to maintain separate cable inventories
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
The solution enables a single coaxial cable to serve multiple environments, reducing inventory and installation costs while providing enhanced protection and load-bearing capabilities, facilitating easier handling and installation by allowing a common cable to be used for both underground and aerial pathways.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-reinforced flexible matrix binder for enhanced strength and separability
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial cable comprises inner and outer conductors disposed along an elongate axis, a dielectric insulating material disposed between the inner and outer conductors, a compliant jacket disposed over the inner and outer conductors, and a compliant reinforcing outer layer disposed over the compliant inner jacket, the outer layer being physically separate from the inner jacket and comprising off-axis fibers to react loads incurred during one of two operating modes, i.e., an aerial and an in-ground operating mode.