Cable Jacket with Integrated Functional Material Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cables face challenges in meeting fire protection requirements while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and handling, as they often require external application of flameproofing agents which can be complex and limit the integration of other functional materials.
Innovation Solution
A cable design featuring a cable jacket with integrated chambers that house functional materials, such as flameproofing agents, which are introduced during or after extrusion, allowing for enhanced mechanical properties and versatility without the need for external coatings, using capillaries to thermally insulate and protect sensitive materials during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid coating containing flame-retardant material is applied externally to the cable jacket, then flameproofing is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flameproofing function directly into the cable jacket by integrating a flame-retardant material in the form of a rod or strand during the extrusion process. This eliminates the need for separate external liquid coating application, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining flameproofing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame-retardant material is preliminarily positioned inside the cable jacket during extrusion, before the jacket is fully formed. This preliminary action ensures the flameproofing material is already in place, eliminating subsequent coating steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external liquid coating is applied for flameproofing, then fire protection requirements are met, but the cable becomes more complex to handle and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The flameproofing protection is merged into the cable structure itself through integration of the flame-retardant rod or strand during extrusion. This creates a unified cable assembly that is easier to handle compared to cables requiring separate coating applications.
3Productivity
If functional materials are introduced during extrusion by means of an extrusion head, then online integration is achieved, but heat-sensitive materials may be degraded by the extrusion temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the flame-retardant material as a pre-formed rod or strand that acts as an intermediary form. This solid rod structure can be fed through the extrusion head without direct exposure to high temperatures, allowing online integration while preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive flame-retardant materials.
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 approach enables the creation of a robust, flexible cable with optimized mechanical properties and enhanced flameproofing, allowing for the integration of various functional materials, including flameproofing agents, without external coatings, thus simplifying manufacturing and handling while ensuring effective fire protection.
Implementation Method 1
a cable jacket (8), which is extruded around the cable core (4)
Implementation Method 2
it is initially conveyed onward via capillaries (13) in such a way as to be thermally separate from said head
Data Source
AI summary
A cable, which extends in a longitudinal direction, has a cable core and a cable jacket. The cable jacket is extruded around the cable core. The cable is distinguished by the fact that the cable jacket has a plurality of chambers and, overall, is designed, in particular, in the manner of a hollow profile, and by the fact that a functional material different from the material of the cable jacket is introduced within at least one of the chambers. The functional material is preferably a flame proofing agent, but numerous other materials and, in general, functional elements are also conceivable. We further describe a method for producing the cable.