Flexible Conductor Tape for Custom Electrical Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slip rings and rigid rail systems limit design flexibility due to standard size constraints, pose maintenance challenges, and are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, affecting signal reliability and safety.

Innovation Solution

A flexible conductor tape with a flexible insulator forms an electrical contact track that can be cut to any size, providing a customizable and shielded electrical connection, reducing the need for standard slip rings and rigid rail systems, and mitigating electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible conductor tape with flexible insulator is used instead of standard slip rings, then design flexibility and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing precision and standardization are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidstandardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the electrical connection system by transitioning from rigid, standardized slip rings to flexible conductor tapes with customizable dimensions, materials, and configurations. This allows the electrical connection to adapt to various design requirements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through flexible material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the electrical connection system by using flexible conductor tapes that can be bent, shaped, and installed in various configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same basic component to serve multiple design scenarios, improving versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional slip rings are used, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but electromagnetic interference susceptibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible insulator as an intermediary material that surrounds and protects the conductor strip. This insulator layer acts as a barrier against electromagnetic interference while maintaining the electrical connectivity function of the conductor, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and EMI susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining conductive material (for electrical connectivity) with insulating material (for EMI protection). This composite approach allows both functions to coexist - the conductor maintains electrical connection while the insulator provides shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized rigid rail systems are used for large apparatuses, then slip ring size limitations are overcome, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize flexibilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible conductor tapes that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. These tapes are simpler and less expensive than customized rigid rail systems, allowing periodic replacement rather than complex maintenance procedures. This approach trades long-term durability for simplified maintenance and lower complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible conductor tapes with insulating coverings that can be easily installed and replaced. This flexible film-based approach eliminates the need for complex rigid rail assemblies with multiple fasteners and alignment requirements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining size flexibility.

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 flexible conductor tape allows for custom-sized electrical connections, simplifies maintenance, and effectively shields against electromagnetic interference, enhancing signal reliability and safety in applications where standard slip rings are inadequate.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical tape has a flexible insulator portion substantially surrounding the flexible conductor strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS7597565B1Continuous sliding electrical contact tape

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

The electrical tape has a flexible conductor strip defining a conductor strip contact surface configured to interact with a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the flexible conductor strip being arranged to provide electrical connectivity between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. The electrical tape has a flexible insulator portion substantially surrounding the flexible conductor strip, the flexible insulator portion being arranged to expose the conductor strip contact surface along the length of the tape.