Flexible Carrier Ring for Multi-Core Cable Component Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-core electrical cables with integrated components face challenges in efficiently integrating electrical components for functions like signal filtering due to limitations in flexibility and space within the cable structure.

Innovation Solution

A flexible carrier ring-shaped in cross-section surrounds the cores, allowing partial elimination of insulation for electrical connection, with the electrical component and connection elements arranged on the carrier to facilitate contact with the cores, enabling flexible placement and secure bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are integrated into multi-core electrical cables, then additional functions such as signal filtering can be performed directly on the cable, but the flexibility and space within the cable structure are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidcable structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is divided into distinct functional zones: core regions for signal transmission and a peripheral flexible carrier region for housing electrical components. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone, enabling component integration without compromising the core transmission function or overall cable flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible carrier is positioned in the radial dimension (periphery) of the cable cross-section rather than occupying the central axial space. This dimensional relocation provides additional space for electrical components without interfering with the core arrangement or cable bending characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If insulation of cores is eliminated to allow electrical connection of the electrical component, then electrical contact can be established, but the insulation protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection easeVSAvoidinsulation integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Insulation is selectively removed only at specific locations where electrical connection elements contact the cores, while the remainder of the core insulation is preserved. This localized modification enables necessary electrical connections while maintaining insulation protection in all other areas, thus balancing connectivity needs with reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Electrical connection elements serve as intermediaries between the electrical component and the cores. These connection elements establish electrical contact with the cores without requiring extensive insulation removal, as they can be positioned to contact exposed conductor portions while the flexible carrier provides structural support and alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the flexible carrier is rolled up to enclose the cores, then the electrical component can be positioned between the cores and cable covering, but the electrical component may have less flexibility than the carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible carrier is designed with dynamic flexibility to accommodate rolling during installation, while the electrical component mounted on it maintains sufficient flexibility for its operational function. The carrier's flexibility exceeds that of the component, allowing the assembly to be installed by rolling the carrier around the cores while the component remains functional within its operational flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3467944B1Electric cable
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 MD ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP3467944B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3467944B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3467944B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical cable with at least two conductors (11-14) running side by side along a longitudinal direction (L); with insulation (21-24) by means of which the conductors (11-14) are electrically insulated from each other; and with an electrical component (4) that is in electrical contact with each of the conductors (11-14). The electrical component (3) is arranged on the inner side (I) of a flexible carrier (30) facing the conductors (11-14), the carrier being a ring-shaped cross-section surrounding the conductors (11-14).