Cable Embedded Information Carrier Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cables face challenges in securely and reliably integrating information carrier units during production without compromising their service life, particularly in protecting the units from mechanical stress and ensuring easy access for reading.

Innovation Solution

The information carrier unit is positioned within an intermediate sheath between the inner and outer cable bodies, allowing for secure embedding and protection, with the antenna unit and sensor optionally embedded or surface-mounted for optimal connectivity and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the information carrier unit is placed on the cable surface, then it is easily accessible for reading, but it is exposed to mechanical stress and environmental damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility for readingVSAvoidProtection from mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The information carrier unit is embedded within the cable structure, specifically within the insulation layer or between the conductor and insulation, placing it inside the cable rather than on the surface. This nesting approach protects the information carrier from mechanical stress and environmental damage while maintaining controlled accessibility through the cable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate layer or structure within the cable that houses the information carrier unit. This intermediary structure serves as a protective barrier between the information carrier and external mechanical stresses, while still allowing for controlled access during cable production and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the information carrier unit is embedded deep within the cable, then it is well protected, but it becomes difficult to attach during production and access for reading

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProtection of information carrier unitVSAvoidEase of attachment during production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The information carrier unit is attached to the conductor strand before the insulation layer is applied. This preliminary action allows the information carrier to be securely positioned and protected within the final cable structure without requiring complex post-production access methods. The conductor serves as a convenient substrate for initial attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a localized embedding position within the insulation layer at a specific distance from the cable end, rather than uniform deep embedding throughout. This local quality approach provides adequate protection while maintaining accessibility for reading operations at designated locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the information carrier unit is attached to the conductor, then it is easily integrated during production, but it may be damaged by conductor movement and bending

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIntegration during productionVSAvoidResistance to conductor movement and bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The information carrier unit is merged with the insulation layer rather than remaining separately attached to the conductor. The insulation material encapsulates the information carrier, creating a unified structure where the information carrier moves with the conductor but is protected from direct mechanical stress by the surrounding insulation material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation layer serves as a cushioning material that is applied beforehand to protect the information carrier unit from mechanical stresses. This prior cushioning prevents direct transmission of conductor movement and bending forces to the information carrier, while still allowing easy integration during the insulation application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration ensures the information carrier unit is securely fixed and protected, maintaining the cable's integrity while enabling easy reading and monitoring of physical state variables without compromising the cable's mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

The information carrier unit can be read by electromagnetic field coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8515230B2Cable with embedded information carrier unit

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 LAPP ENG

AI summary

In order to improve a cable, comprising an inner cable body, in which at least one conductor strand of an optical and/or electrical conductor runs in the longitudinal direction of the cable, a cable sheath, enclosing the inner cable body and lying between an outer surface of the cable and the inner cable body, and at least one information carrier unit, disposed within the outer surface of the cable, in such a way that said information carrier unit can be easily applied during the production of the cable and is positioned in a protected and reliable manner in the cable, it is proposed that the information carrier unit can be read by electromagnetic field coupling and that the information carrier unit is disposed on an intermediate sheath lying between the inner cable body and an outer cable sheath.