Illuminated Tracer Cable Using Electroluminescent Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking cables are difficult to trace and identify, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes for technicians when connecting or replacing them, especially in complex systems with many cables of varying lengths.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated tracer cable system featuring a signal carrying cable with electroluminescent wire and a magnetic power connector, which illuminates the entire cable length when powered, facilitating easy identification and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional non-illuminated cables are used, then the cable structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the cable tracing and identification becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electroluminescent wire that emits light to illuminate the cable, enabling visual identification and tracing. This transforms the cable from a non-visible state to a visible, illuminated state, solving the identification problem without fundamentally changing the cable's structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent wire acts as an intermediary element between the power source and the cable jacket, transferring light energy to make the cable visible. This intermediary component enables tracing functionality while keeping the overall system relatively simple
2Ease of operation
If electroluminescent wire is added to the cable, then cable identification becomes easy and quick, but the cable structure and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroluminescent wire is integrated within the cable jacket, merging the identification function with the existing cable structure. This combination allows the cable to serve both signal transmission and visual identification purposes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating electroluminescent wire that provides both illumination for tracing and potential signaling capabilities, allowing a single cable to perform multiple functions without requiring separate identification systems
3Measurement precision
If the entire cable length is illuminated, then cable tracing accuracy is maximized, but the power consumption and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electroluminescent wire provides continuous illumination along the entire cable length, ensuring that the cable remains visible and traceable throughout its full extent. This continuous light emission maintains constant identification capability without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the electroluminescent wire's ability to change light output parameters based on power input, allowing adjustment of illumination intensity to balance visibility requirements with power consumption constraints
4Reliability
If remote cable connections are made without illumination, then the system remains simple, but errors increase and service problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated cable provides visual confirmation of cable identity and routing, enabling technicians to accurately identify the correct cable for connection changes or replacements, thereby reducing errors and improving connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system provides visual feedback to technicians during cable management operations, allowing them to verify cable identification and routing in real-time, which prevents incorrect connections and reduces service errors
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 illuminated tracer cable significantly reduces the time and errors associated with tracing and connecting cables, enhancing efficiency and safety by providing a clear visual indication of cable paths and connections.
Implementation Method 1
an electroluminescent (EL) wire coupled to the signal carrying cable
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic power connector coupled to an end of the EL wire
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated tracer cable system includes a signal carrying cable comprising a signal connector on each end of the signal carrying cable, an electroluminescent (EL) wire coupled to the signal carrying cable, and a magnetic power connector coupled to an end of the EL wire configured to provide power to the EL wire.