Cable Carrier Strand for RFID Readability and Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cables with information carrier units lack detailed guidance on optimal arrangement and cost-effective production methods, leading to difficulties in positioning and readability of these units.

Innovation Solution

A cable design where a carrier strand wraps around the inner body, providing a defined arrangement for the information carrier unit, allowing for cost-effective production and improved readability through electromagnetic field coupling, with the carrier strand acting as a separating layer to maintain mechanical symmetry and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the information carrier unit is arranged on the cable outer surface, then readability and findability are improved, but positioning precision and mechanical stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadability and findability of information carrier unitVSAvoidpositioning precision of information carrier unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a carrier strand as an intermediary element between the cable inner body and the information carrier unit. This carrier strand serves as a dedicated positioning structure that holds the information carrier unit at defined locations along the cable, thereby achieving both good readability (by placing it on the outer surface) and positioning precision (through the structured carrier strand arrangement).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the cable inner body, the carrier strand wrapping around the inner body, and the information carrier unit attached to the carrier strand. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, with the carrier strand specifically responsible for positioning the information carrier unit accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the information carrier unit is placed on the cable outer surface, then accessibility for reading is improved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for reading informationVSAvoidproduction complexity of cable structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier strand serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural element of the cable, a positioning mechanism for the information carrier unit, and a separating layer between the inner body and outer components. This multi-functionality reduces overall production complexity despite the added accessibility feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier strand is pre-formed and positioned around the cable inner body before the information carrier units are attached to it. This preliminary arrangement of the carrier strand simplifies the subsequent attachment process and facilitates easier production by establishing a ready-made positioning framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the carrier strand wraps around the cable inner body, then positioning of information carrier unit is improved, but mechanical symmetry may be disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of information carrier unitVSAvoidmechanical symmetry of cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier strand is designed to wrap around the cable inner body in a spiral or loop pattern at specific locations where information carrier units need to be positioned. Rather than uniformly affecting the entire cable structure, the carrier strand provides localized positioning support only where needed, minimizing disruption to the overall mechanical symmetry of the cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables reliable, cost-effective, and simple production of cables with optimally positioned information carrier units, enhancing readability and findability, while maintaining mechanical integrity and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The statement that the information carrier unit should be readable by electromagnetic field coupling means that the information carrier unit should be able to be read both in the LF frequency range and in the HF frequency range or in the UHF frequency range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2135263B1Cable
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 LAPP ENG
  • EP2135263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2135263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2135263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable comprising a cable inner body in which at least one conductor strand of an optical and/or electric conductor extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable, a cable cover surrounding the cable inner body and which lies between the outer surface of the cable and the cable inner body, and at least one information carrier unit that is arranged inside the outer surface of the cable. The aim of the invention is to improve said cable such that the information carrier unit is arranged in the cable in a reliable manner, on suitable points and is simple to produce. According to the invention, a carrier strand extending over its length is associated with the cable inner body such that at least one information carrier unit that can be read by electromagnetic field coupling is arranged on said carrier strand and that the carrier strand is covered by the cable cover.