Coded Electrical Cable Connection for Fast IIoT Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable installation technologies are inflexible and costly, particularly in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) where conventional Ethernet technology is overdimensioned and complex, making it difficult to integrate sensors and other components due to cabling requirements and limited cable length.
Innovation Solution
A cable with a coding or connecting structure that simplifies the connection process by providing a plug-in structure on the cut surface, allowing direct connection to a component without the need for stripping or crimping, and ensuring correct orientation and alignment through mechanical and/or electrical coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable assembly methods (stripping and crimping) are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-configured with conductors that are exposed at the outer region before installation, eliminating the need for stripping during assembly. The coding structure is also pre-formed on the cable to guide proper alignment and connection, allowing installers to simply connect without complex preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the time-consuming stripping and crimping steps from the assembly process. By exposing the conductors in advance and designing a plug-in connection system, the complex termination processes are eliminated while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If pre-assembled cables are used, then installation is simplified, but flexibility and adaptability to different applications are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is prepared in advance with exposed conductors and coding structures that remain functional at any cut point along the cable length. This preliminary configuration allows the cable to be cut to any required length in the field while maintaining proper connection capabilities, combining the simplicity of pre-assembly with the flexibility of custom length selection.
3Reliability
If conventional Ethernet technology is used, then robust communication is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase for IIoT applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes unnecessary components and steps from conventional Ethernet assembly. By eliminating the need for plug connectors, stripping tools, and crimping equipment, the system achieves robust communication with significantly reduced complexity and cost, making it suitable for IIoT applications where simplicity is critical.
4Manufacturing precision
If coding structure is added to the cable, then connection accuracy and orientation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coding structure is merged with the cable insulation layer itself, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. This combining of the coding function with the existing cable structure achieves precise alignment guidance without requiring separate manufacturing steps or additional materials, thus improving connection accuracy while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical cable (2) for connection to an electrical component (20), wherein the cable (2) has at least one electrical conductor (4).