High-Voltage Cable with Embedded Conductive Lines for Small Mammal Deterrents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small mammal deterrent systems for vehicle engine compartments face challenges in space constraints and limited installation options due to wiring limitations, making it difficult to effectively deter mammals without complex assembly and limited deterrent areas.

Innovation Solution

A high-voltage cable with conductive lines embedded within an insulating base body, allowing flexible mounting and increased deterrent coverage by delivering high-voltage pulses through protruding conductive sections, eliminating the need for separate actuator units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate actuator units are used for small mammal deterrents, then the deterrent function is effective, but the installation complexity increases and mounting locations are limited due to wiring constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterrent functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuator electrodes directly into the high-voltage cable structure, merging the power transmission function with the deterrent function. The conductive lines embedded in the insulating base body serve both as electrical conductors and as contact electrodes, eliminating the need for separate actuator units and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-voltage cable is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits high-voltage pulses for deterrent action and simultaneously acts as the actuator itself through its embedded conductive lines. This multi-functionality allows flexible mounting at various locations without requiring additional wiring for separate actuators.

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

2Reliability

If separate actuator units are used, then the deterrent effect is achieved, but the mounting location options are limited due to predetermined cable lengths and routing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterrent effectVSAvoidmounting location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the actuator electrodes into the cable structure itself, the invention allows the cable to be mounted directly at various strategic locations in the engine compartment without requiring separate actuator units and their associated wiring, thus increasing mounting location flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional wiring systems are used, then power supply is established, but the possible effective area for deterrents is reduced due to limited cable routing options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supplyVSAvoiddeterrent coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the power transmission cable with the actuator function, allowing the high-voltage cable to be placed directly at multiple deterrent locations. This eliminates the need for separate power lines to each actuator, enabling broader coverage area with the same power supply infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If centralized or decentralized power supplies are used, then multiple actuator units can be powered, but the installation effort increases due to additional wiring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power transmission and actuator functions into a single component (the high-voltage cable with embedded conductive lines). This eliminates the need for separate power wiring to multiple actuator units, significantly reducing installation effort while maintaining the capability to power multiple deterrent locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a space-saving, flexible, and effective deterrent system that can be installed at any location in the engine compartment, increasing the deterrent area and ensuring reliable contact with mammals, while using stainless steel or gold wires for durability and corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable at least partially completely within the base body, and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially parallel to the first high-voltage line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a base body made of an electrically insulating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4578281B1High-voltage cable for small mammal defence device and small mammal defence device comprising such a high-voltage cable
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 K&K HANDELSMBH
  • EP4578281B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

A high-voltage cable (20) comprises a base body (26) made of an electrically insulating material, a first electrically conductive high-voltage line (21) which runs essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable (20) and at least partially entirely within the base body (26), and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line (22) which runs essentially parallel to the first high-voltage line (21) at a line spacing (D) and at least partially entirely within the base body (26). The high-voltage lines (21, 22) protrude at a plurality of points (23) along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable (20) through a surface (28) of the base body (26) which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable (20).A small mammal repellent device (10), particularly suitable for installation in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, comprises such a high-voltage cable (20) and a high-voltage generator (8) which is designed to apply high-voltage electrical voltage to at least one of the high-voltage lines (21, 22) of the high-voltage cable (20) for its operation.