Earthing Braid Segmentation for Water Infiltration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible metal braids used for earthing electric cable screens are prone to water infiltration due to capillary humidity and external water rise, leading to potential short-circuits and installation difficulties, especially when buried underground.

Innovation Solution

A flexible metal braid with a solid section conductive element, fixed between cut ends, and covered with a waterproof sheath, prevents water infiltration both internally and externally, ensuring a secure earth connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible metal braid is used for earthing, then installation flexibility is improved, but water infiltration risk increases due to capillary humidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidwater infiltration risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is divided into two distinct sections: a flexible section for installation and a solid section for water barrier functionality. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific role without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the braid are given different structural properties - the first section remains flexible while the second section becomes solid. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility where needed and water resistance where critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the braid is solidified to prevent water rise, then water barrier capability is improved, but flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater barrier capabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braid is divided into two distinct sections: a flexible section for installation and a solid section for water barrier functionality. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific role without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the braid are given different structural properties - the first section remains flexible while the second section becomes solid. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility where needed and water resistance where critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof sheath is added to the braid, then water infiltration protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater infiltration protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof sheath is integrated with the braid structure, combining the protective function with the existing design rather than adding a separate complex protection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible waterproof sheath is used to protect the braid, providing water infiltration protection while maintaining the overall flexibility and simplicity of the earthing device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 prevents water ingress and maintains flexibility, providing a reliable and easy-to-install earth connection for electric cable screens, enhancing safety and reducing installation challenges.

Implementation Method 1

risks of short-circuiting may appear given that the humidity resulting from the ground rises in the braid by capillarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2897227B1Metal braid for earthing a screen of an electric cable
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 TRESSE METALLIQUE J FORISSIER
  • EP2897227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The metal braid includes at least one solid section conductor element (2) mounted near the end of the braid (1) buried in the ground at a connection part (3) with a junction box (4) where the cable is connected.