Multi-member Cable Mid-span Access via Adhesive Switchbacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-member cables require multiple cuts and potential damage during mid-span access procedures, leading to increased risk of injury and processing time, and have design limitations that result in higher production costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
The use of adhesive strips or intermittent outer wraps at switchback points to maintain cable core integrity without binding tapes, allowing for easier identification and access by creating perceptible bumps or indicia on the outer jacket, thereby reducing the need for exploratory cuts and facilitating mid-span access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If binding tapes are used to hold the cable core together during manufacturing, then the cable core integrity is maintained, but the cable weight increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the binding tapes from the cable structure entirely. Instead of using external binding tapes to hold the cable core together, the design relies on the inherent structural integrity of the cable elements and the adhesion between the outer jacket and the cable core, eliminating the need for separate binding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the outer jacket and the cable core holding mechanism. The outer jacket is designed to provide both protection and structural support, adhering to the cable core elements to maintain their integrity during manufacturing and service, thereby eliminating the need for separate binding tapes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If binding tapes are used to hold the cable core together during manufacturing, then the cable core integrity is maintained, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the binding tapes from the cable structure entirely. Instead of using external binding tapes to hold the cable core together, the design relies on the inherent structural integrity of the cable elements and the adhesion between the outer jacket and the cable core, eliminating the need for separate binding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the outer jacket and the cable core holding mechanism. The outer jacket is designed to provide both protection and structural support, adhering to the cable core elements to maintain their integrity during manufacturing and service, thereby eliminating the need for separate binding tapes.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If exploratory cuts are made during mid-span access procedures, then the location of cable elements can be identified, but the risk of injury and damage increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visible indicators (such as colored strands or markings) within the cable structure that are visible through the outer jacket before any cutting occurs. These indicators show the location of cable elements in advance, allowing technicians to plan their access points precisely and avoid exploratory cuts that could cause injury or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators or colored strands visible through the outer jacket to indicate the location and type of cable elements. This visual coding system allows technicians to identify cable elements without cutting, reducing the risk of injury and damage while speeding up the mid-span access procedure.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If exploratory cuts are made during mid-span access procedures, then the location of cable elements can be identified, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visible indicators (such as colored strands or markings) within the cable structure that are visible through the outer jacket before any cutting occurs. These indicators show the location of cable elements in advance, allowing technicians to plan their access points precisely and avoid exploratory cuts that could cause injury or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicators or colored strands visible through the outer jacket to indicate the location and type of cable elements. This visual coding system allows technicians to identify cable elements without cutting, reducing the risk of injury and damage while speeding up the mid-span access procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-member cable includes at least a first cable element and a second cable element. The first and second cable elements twist around a center axis of the cable in a counterclockwise direction multiple times to a first reversal point, then twist about the center axis of the cable in a clockwise direction multiple times until a second reversal point, with this pattern repeating along a length of the cable. Adhesion points are formed at intervals along a length of the cable to connect the first and second cable elements. The adhesion points may be spaced apart at an interval equal to a distance between the first and second reversal points. An outer surface of a jacket of the cable may include indications at the first and/or second reversal points, such as physical bumps or markings.