Graphene-Coated Signal Cable for Audio Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal cables, particularly those used in audio systems, face challenges with high resistance and susceptibility to interference due to their material composition, leading to degradation in sound quality and fidelity, and are often costly due to the use of precious metals.

Innovation Solution

A signal cable is developed using a two-dimensional graphene layer sandwiched between polymer layers, such as polyethersulfone or polycarbonate, with a protective Teflon insulation, providing low resistance and immunity to electromagnetic interference while maintaining mechanical strength and transparency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional copper or aluminum conductors are used in signal cables, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but resistance and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference increase, degrading sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound quality fidelityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a copper core surrounded by a graphene layer. This composite material combines the high electrical conductivity of copper with the electromagnetic interference shielding properties of graphene, creating a conductor that simultaneously achieves low resistance and immunity to electromagnetic interference, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable signal transmission and resistance to harmful electromagnetic factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The graphene layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electromagnetic interference shield, provides additional conductive pathways to reduce overall resistance, and offers mechanical strength to the cable structure. This multi-functionality allows the cable to achieve both low resistance and EMI immunity without requiring separate components, thus resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If precious metals like silver or gold are used to reduce resistance, then electrical conductivity improves, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower loss in conductorVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive precious metals with a cost-effective alternative: a thin graphene layer deposited on a copper core. Graphene can be produced through chemical vapor deposition or other scalable methods at significantly lower cost than silver or gold, while providing comparable or superior electrical conductivity. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining low power loss performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter from bulk precious metal to a two-dimensional graphene layer with exceptional electrical conductivity. By utilizing the unique properties of graphene (higher electron mobility than copper), the patent achieves low resistance without requiring expensive materials, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing power loss and maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If thicker copper conductors are used to reduce resistance, then power loss decreases, but cable weight and flexibility are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcable weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional copper to graphene-coated copper, utilizing graphene's superior electrical conductivity (higher electron mobility). This allows the use of thinner conductor cross-sections to achieve the same or better conductivity performance, thereby reducing cable weight while maintaining low power loss characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The graphene coating is applied locally on the surface of the copper core, concentrating the high-conductivity material where it is most effective for electron transport. This localized application provides maximum conductivity enhancement with minimum material usage, reducing overall cable weight while maintaining low power loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 graphene-based signal cables minimize power loss and noise, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction with reduced parasitic oscillations and electromagnetic interference, offering a cost-effective solution with improved sonic characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a signal cable (100) for transmitting a signal between a transmitter (5) and a receiver (4) of an audio system, comprising: a two-dimensional graphene layer (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

two-dimensional graphene layer sandwiched between polymer layers, such as polyethersulfone or polycarbonate, with a protective Teflon insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3151251B1Signal cable and its application
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 RYBKA WOJCIECH
  • EP3151251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3151251B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3151251B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Brief description The present invention is a signal cable for transmitting the signal between the transmitter and the receiver, providing an electrical connection by a connecting part, wherein said connecting portion comprises a layer of graphene disposed on a polymer layer, characterised in that it comprises two conductors, wherein each conductor includes a connecting portion arranged in a protective insulating layer (3) and the coupling portion takes the form of a tape, in which the graphene layer (1) is disposed between two polymer layers (2). The present invention also provides the use of the signal cable.