Cable Identification Tab Sliding Between Sheath and Wire
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying electrical cables during and after circuit breaker installation are cumbersome and inefficient, as they often involve writing on small cables or using tape that may wear away over time, making it difficult to distinguish wires during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical cable identification system featuring an identification tab with a connecting portion that slides between the outer sheath and inner wires, and an identifier portion with a marking, allowing for permanent and efficient identification of cables, suitable for various sizes and types of wires, and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If writing tools and tape are used to label electrical wires, then identification can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is divided into separate functional components: a tab body for identification, a connecting portion for attachment, and a marking area for labeling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab is pre-formed with an integrated connecting portion and marking area before application. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, reducing the time and complexity of the labeling process.
2Reliability
If tape or markings are applied to electrical wires, then identification is achieved, but the markings may wear away over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion and marking area are merged into a single integrated tab structure. This combination ensures that the marking remains permanently attached to the wire through the connecting portion, preventing the wear and detachment issues associated with separate tape applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab is constructed from composite materials that provide both durability and marking stability. The material composition ensures long-term resistance to wear, fading, and detachment, maintaining identification reliability throughout the wire's service life.
3Ease of operation
If standard labeling methods are used on small electrical cables, then identification can be applied, but handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tab serves as an intermediary component between the wire and the marking. Instead of directly writing on the small wire surface, the technician attaches the tab to the wire and marks the larger, more manageable tab surface, significantly improving handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifying information is transferred from the one-dimensional wire surface to the two-dimensional tab surface. This dimensional expansion provides a larger marking area that is easier to handle and label, while still maintaining association with the original wire.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical cable identification system for efficiently identifying electrical cables during and after circuit breaker installation. The electrical cable identification system generally includes an identification tab including a first end and a second end, a connecting portion integral with the first end and an identifier portion integral with the second end. The connecting portion is comprised of a thin configuration to slide between an outer sheath of an electrical cable and at least one inner wire encompassed by the outer sheath and a marking is located upon the identifier portion to identify the electrical cable.