Dual-Modulus Cable Connection Structure for Flexible Reinforcement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable connection structures in imaging units face a trade-off between flexibility and sufficient protection of connecting portions between electric wires and electrodes, with protective resin portions often compromising flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A cable connection structure comprising a first covering portion made of a relatively hard insulating material to reinforce connecting portions and a second covering portion made of a lower elastic modulus material to enhance flexibility, ensuring both reinforcement and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective resin portion is used to cover connecting portions, then protection of connecting portions is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of connecting portionsVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering structure is divided into two distinct segments: a first covering portion made of hard insulating material for protection, and a second covering portion made of flexible material for flexibility. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cable connection structure are assigned different material properties: the first covering portion uses hard material (high elastic modulus) for reinforcement and protection, while the second covering portion uses soft material (low elastic modulus) for flexibility. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between protection and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a hard insulating material is used for the first covering portion, then reinforcement of connecting portions is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereinforcement of connecting portionsVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering structure is divided into two distinct segments: a first covering portion made of hard insulating material for protection, and a second covering portion made of flexible material for flexibility. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cable connection structure are assigned different material properties: the first covering portion uses hard material (high elastic modulus) for reinforcement and protection, while the second covering portion uses soft material (low elastic modulus) for flexibility. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between protection and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260058382A1Cable connection structure

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 PROTERIAL LTD

AI summary

A cable connection structure includes an electronic component comprising a plurality of electrodes, a cable including a plurality of electric wires, and a jacket that covers the plurality of electric wires while exposing tip portions of the plurality of electric wires on an electronic component-side, a first covering portion that covers a plurality of connecting portions respectively electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of electric wires, and a second covering portion that covers the first covering portion and the tip portions, wherein the second covering portion has a lower elastic modulus than the first covering portion.