Flexible Multi-Wire Power Cable for Safe Linear Current Reception

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for vehicles require uninsulated, stretched cables or rigid structures that necessitate complex infrastructure and result in high losses and investment costs, especially when using low voltages like 600V or 750V, making three-phase power supply systems difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, multi-wire power supply cable with a flexible elastomer screen that provides insulation, featuring guiding grooves and pockets for conductor wires, allowing for higher voltage use and simplified infrastructure, including a carrier rope or strip for mechanical support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uninsulated, stretched cables or rigid structures are used for power supply, then power can be transmitted to mobile receivers, but the infrastructure becomes complex and investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible screen made of elastomer with insulating properties that envelops the conductor wires. This flexible insulating shell replaces complex rigid infrastructure while maintaining safety and enabling quick installation. The screen can be easily deployed and conform to the cable structure without requiring complex mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If low voltage power supply (600V or 750V) is used, then safety is improved, but energy losses increase and three-phase power supply becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by changing the electrical parameter (voltage) from low voltage (600V/750V) to higher voltage operation. The flexible insulating screen enables this parameter change by providing adequate insulation for higher voltages, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining safety through the insulating barrier rather than relying on low voltage alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If insulated cables are used for power supply, then safety is improved, but the cable structure becomes more complex and flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible elastomer screen as an insulating shell that provides safety while maintaining cable simplicity. The screen is made of elastomer material that naturally provides flexibility and conformability, avoiding the need for complex rigid insulating structures. The screen simply envelops the conductor wires, providing insulation without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid conductors are used, then power transmission stability is improved, but adaptability to mobile receivers and field conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible insulating screen that allows the cable to bend and adapt to mobile receivers and field conditions. The elastomer material provides both flexibility for movement and adequate insulation for stable power transmission, combining the adaptability of flexible structures with the stability needed for reliable power delivery.

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

Enables quick installation of safe power supply systems for mobile receivers, supports higher voltages, and reduces costs by simplifying infrastructure, particularly for trolleybuses and construction sites, while allowing three-phase power supply.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible screen made of an elastomer with properties typical for an electric insulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12496934B2Flexible multi-wire power supply cable with linear current reception

Publication Date: 2025.12.16

AI summary

A flexible multi-wire power supply cable with linear current reception, provided with a flexible screen (1) made of an elastomer with properties typical for an electric insulator and with at least two conductor wires (2) made of electric conductor, preferably a flexible conductor, characterised in that the conductor wires (2) are partially, that is, at parts of the circumference of the cross-section, moulded inside the flexible screen (1), with an inner separating strip (3) comprising an integral part of the flexible screen (1) between them, the outer surface of which transitions into symmetrical screen strips (4), which together with the inner separating strip (3) form guiding grooves (5) open at the bottom, providing space for uninsulated parts of conductor wires (2).