Compact Ferrite Cable Noise Suppressor with Curved Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conductive shielding in cables is ineffective in eliminating high-frequency electromagnetic noise, particularly when large ferrite beads are used, which are cumbersome and unsightly.

Innovation Solution

A compact magnetic cable noise suppressor formed from high-permeability materials like ferrite, molded into a desired shape with a curved cable path to extend the noise suppression length while minimizing size, allowing it to be housed within connectors or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If large ferrite beads are used for noise suppression, then electromagnetic noise attenuation is improved, but the device size and bulk increase making it cumbersome and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic noiseVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The noise suppressor is divided into multiple discrete magnetic elements (ferrite beads or blocks) that are distributed along the cable path rather than using a single large bead. This segmentation allows the same noise suppression function to be achieved with smaller individual components that can be arranged to fit within compact connector housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic noise suppression elements are nested within the existing cable connector housing structure. The ferrite components are positioned inside the connector body, utilizing the available internal space rather than requiring external mounting. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional external beads while maintaining noise suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive shielding is used to reduce radio-frequency emissions, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but ground noise from connected equipment can couple onto the shield and cause radiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio-frequency emissionsVSAvoidground noise coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic noise suppressors are positioned at strategic locations along the cable path, particularly near connector interfaces where ground noise coupling is most problematic. These magnetic elements act as intermediaries that provide additional attenuation for high-frequency noise that penetrates the conductive shield, without being affected by ground potential differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The noise suppression system combines both conductive shielding (braided copper, spiral windings) and magnetic materials (ferrite beads or blocks) to create a composite protection system. The conductive shield handles lower-frequency interference and provides basic RF shielding, while the magnetic suppressors address high-frequency noise and ground-related issues, creating a multi-layered defense against electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite 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

Effectively reduces electromagnetic noise without increasing the bulk of the cable connectors or equipment, providing efficient noise suppression in high-frequency environments.

Implementation Method 1

The compact magnetic cable noise suppressor may be formed from a ferrite material or other high-permeability material. The noise suppressor attenuates radio-frequency noise by creating a large impedance at high electromagnetic frequencies.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-permeability magnetic material effect: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Magnetic cable noise suppressors are commonly based on toroidal ferrite beads or tubular ferrites. The noise suppressor attenuates radio-frequency noise by creating a large impedance at high electromagnetic frequencies.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerrite bead noise suppression: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

These sections may have channels that define a curved cable path through the compact magnetic cable noise suppressor between an cable entrance and a cable exit. The curved cable path may contain one or more bends, loops, spirals, or other suitable curved path shapes. The curved nature of the cable path in the compact magnetic cable noise suppressor lengthens the path while allowing the dimensions of the noise suppressor to be minimized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurved path geometry: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS7804025B2Compact magnetic cable noise suppressor
Publication Date: 2010.09.28 APPLE INC
  • US7804025B2 patent drawing
  • US7804025B2 patent drawing
  • US7804025B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A compact magnetic cable noise suppressor may be provided for suppressing electromagnetic cable noise. The compact magnetic noise suppressor may be formed from a ferrite material or other magnetic material with a high permeability. The compact magnetic cable noise suppressor may be mounted within a chassis of a cable connector or may otherwise be attached to a cable. The magnetic cable noise suppressor may have portions that define a cable entrance, a cable exit, and a cable path. The cable path contains at least one bend. The cable path may contain multiple bends, may contain loops, may contain spirals, and may contain one or more vertically separated layers. The cable entrance and exit may be aligned or may be at different lateral or vertical positions. The cable entrance and exit may be on opposing sides of the noise suppressor or may be on adjacent sides of the noise suppressor.