Hybrid Power-Data Cable Layout for Pre-Cut Continuity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying network-connected electronic devices in locations without a conventional electric power source poses challenges, as traditional methods for providing power are expensive and time-consuming, and existing solutions do not adequately address safety hazards from severed cables.
Innovation Solution
The use of composite power-data cables with continuity wires that sense cuts to prevent power delivery interruptions, ensuring safety and facilitating rapid deployment of power and data connectivity to remote devices, such as small cell base stations, by incorporating a network of composite power-data cables that allow for daisy chain operation and over-provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If composite power-data cables are used to deliver power and data to remote devices, then deployment cost and time are reduced, but safety hazards arise from severed cables that cannot detect cuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing continuity wires in a position that allows them to be severed before the power conductors when the cable is cut. This pre-positioning ensures that the cut is detected before dangerous power delivery can occur, preventing safety hazards while maintaining rapid deployment benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses continuity wires as an intermediary element between the cable exterior and the power conductors. These wires serve as a protective mediator that detects cable severance and triggers system response before the actual power conductors are affected, resolving the safety issue without compromising deployment efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If continuity wires are positioned to detect cable cuts before power conductors are severed, then safety hazards are prevented, but cable design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cable into distinct functional layers: an outer layer containing continuity wires and an inner layer containing power conductors. This segmentation allows the continuity wires to be positioned radially outward, enabling cut detection while maintaining a relatively simple overall cable structure that follows standard concentric cable design patterns
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radial positioning of continuity wires is used to ensure cut detection, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing radial positioning indicators specifically at the continuity wire locations, while the power conductors maintain their standard positioning. This localized approach to precision requirements focuses manufacturing accuracy only where needed for safety detection, rather than requiring high precision throughout the entire cable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A power cable or a hybrid power-data cable includes power conductors and a plurality of continuity wires positioned radially outside of the power conductors. The continuity wires are positioned relative to the power conductors such that a cut in the cable will sever one of the plurality of continuity wires before a cut into the power conductors can occur.