Multi-Media Cable Support-Separator for Cross-Talk Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication cables face challenges in reducing cross-talk between power and communication conductors, especially with increasing power requirements and data transmission speeds, and struggle to meet stringent electrical and flammability standards while minimizing material costs and weight.

Innovation Solution

The development of high-performance multi-media communication cables with concentric or eccentric support-separators that utilize conductive materials to attenuate cross-talk, feature geometrically designed channels to maintain optimal spacing between conductors, and incorporate composite insulation with reduced flame spread and smoke evolution, allowing for the integration of optical fibers and low-voltage power conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional cable structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cross-talk between power and communication conductors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-talkVSAvoidcable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable structure is segmented into distinct functional zones using support-separators that divide the cable interior into separate compartments. These separators create isolated channels for power conductors and communication conductors, preventing electromagnetic interference between them while maintaining an overall integrated cable structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conductive support-separators are introduced as intermediary elements between power and communication conductors. These separators act as electromagnetic shields, with their conductive properties allowing them to redirect and dissipate electromagnetic fields, thereby reducing cross-talk without requiring complete isolation barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cable structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but flammability and smoke evolution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame spread and smoke evolutionVSAvoidcable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support-separators are constructed from composite materials that integrate flame-retardant properties with structural functionality. These composites combine polymer matrices with flame-retardant additives, creating components that maintain structural integrity while actively resisting flame spread and reducing smoke evolution during combustion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The material parameters of the support-separators are optimized to achieve specific flame-retardant characteristics. By adjusting the composition ratios, thermal conductivity, and structural density of the composite materials, the separators are engineered to meet stringent flammability standards while maintaining their mechanical support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductor spacing is increased, then cross-talk is reduced, but cable diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-talkVSAvoidcable diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support-separators extend in the longitudinal dimension of the cable, creating separation between conductors along the length of the cable rather than only radially. This longitudinal extension allows for effective cross-talk reduction while maintaining a compact radial cable diameter, as the separators create interference patterns that cancel electromagnetic fields over distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution effectively reduces cross-talk, maintains optimal electrical properties, and meets advanced standards for Category 6 and 7 frequencies, while minimizing material usage and weight, thus enhancing cable reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

concentric or eccentric support-separators that utilize conductive materials to attenuate cross-talk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

incorporate composite insulation with reduced flame spread and smoke evolution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

composite insulation with reduced flame spread and smoke evolution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame retardancy:

Data Source

PatentUS7473850B2High performance, multi-media cable support-separator facilitating insertion and removal of conductive media

Publication Date: 2009.01.06 CABLE COMPONENTS GROUP LLC

AI summary

The present invention includes a high performance communication cable support-separator that includes one or more core support-separators having various shaped profiles which define and maintain a spacing between transmission media or transmission media pairs. The cable channels have longitudinal gaps that allow for insertion and removal of conductive transmission media to aid in terminating and connecting the transmission media. The cable support-separator channel intermediary may be additionally separated from each other.