Dual-Interface Cable Assembly with Axial Slit for Compact PCB Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

As high-speed data transmission increases, existing cable assemblies with single interfaces become inadequate, leading to space inefficiencies when multiple cables are required for connecting to multiple printed circuit boards, as each cable needs a complete structure including an outer jacket and accessories.

Innovation Solution

A lower profile cable assembly design featuring a cable with a metallic braiding and insulative jacket, an axial slit for wire exposure, dual interface connections to two printed circuit boards, and an outer shielding layer with a shrinkable tube for compactness and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are used to connect to multiple printed circuit boards, then connectivity requirements are met, but space consumption increases due to each cable requiring complete structure including outer jacket and accessories

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cable functions into a single cable assembly. One cable is divided into multiple groups of wires, where each group connects to a different printed circuit board. The shared outer jacket, metallic braiding, and accessories are reused across all connections, eliminating the need for separate complete cable structures for each connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cable assembly serves multiple functions by providing connections to multiple printed circuit boards simultaneously. The outer jacket and shielding structures perform universal protective functions for all wire groups, while the cable head provides a single connection point that branches to multiple interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a single cable is used to connect to dual interfaces, then space efficiency is improved, but cable structure complexity increases due to wire separation and reassembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidcable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is segmented into functional zones: a front segment with axial slit for wire exposure and separation, a middle segment for wire grouping and soldering to different PCBs, and a rear segment with merged structure. The metallic braiding and insulative jacket are selectively opened and closed at different positions to facilitate wire access while maintaining overall cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axial slit is pre-defined in the metallic braiding and insulative jacket at the front segment, allowing wires to be exposed and separated before connection to printed circuit boards. This preliminary preparation simplifies the assembly process by having wires ready for separation and connection in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If axial slit is defined in metallic braiding and insulative jacket, then wire exposure and separation is enabled, but shielding integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire exposureVSAvoidshielding integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shielding layer is pre-assembled to enclose the axial slit and the turned-back metallic braiding. This additional shielding layer compensates for the opening created by the axial slit, restoring and maintaining electromagnetic shielding integrity while allowing wire exposure and separation to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shielding layer acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap created by the axial slit. It encloses the exposed wires and the turned-back metallic braiding, providing continuous electromagnetic shielding without preventing the necessary wire access and separation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a compact, reliable, and efficient cable assembly that effectively manages multiple connections within a reduced space footprint while maintaining the integrity of the cable and shielding, addressing the space and connectivity challenges of high-speed data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an outer shielding layer enclosing the axial slit; and a shrinkable tube mounted to the outer shielding layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS8303314B2Cable assembly with one cable coupled to dual interfaces and methode of making the same

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

An cable assembly includes an external cover; two printed circuit boards accommodated in the external cover; a cable including a plurality of wires, a metallic braiding enclosing the wires and an insulative jacket enclosing the metallic braiding, an axial slit defined in the metallic braiding and the insulative jacket of a front segment of the cable for exposing the corresponding wires outside, the corresponding wires separated into two groups of wires respectively soldered to the two printed circuit boards; an outer shielding layer enclosing the axial slit; and a shrinkable tube mounted to the outer shielding layer.