Interdigitated Capacitive Cable for Low-Loss Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive cable designs that rely on loop formations for charge transfer and signal transmission may not be essential for achieving zero loss power and signal transmission, as initially believed.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive cable comprising at least two elongate electrode plates of one polarity inter-connected at one end and interdigitated with plates of another polarity at the other end, with dielectric material in between, housed within resilient binding members to maintain close proximity and encased in an outer casing, allowing for efficient capacitance and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If loop formation is used for charge transfer, then zero loss power transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of charge transfer from the complex loop formation structure. By removing the loop configuration and retaining only the interdigitated plate arrangement with dielectric material, the invention achieves the same capacitive coupling effect with significantly reduced structural complexity, eliminating the need for folded closed loops while maintaining zero loss power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming closed loops as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by using open-ended interdigitated plates that extend along the cable length. This inverted configuration achieves capacitive charge transfer through the dielectric material between adjacent plates without requiring the plates to connect back and form loops, thereby simplifying the overall structure while preserving the energy-efficient transmission function
2Power
If plate proximity is maintained for high capacitance, then power transmission efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible dielectric material positioned between the interdigitated plates to maintain consistent plate proximity. This thin film dielectric layer provides mechanical support and spacing control, ensuring uniform capacitance along the cable length while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. The flexible nature of the dielectric allows for easier assembly and reduces the need for extremely precise plate positioning during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining conductive plates with a dielectric material layer. This composite arrangement provides both electrical functionality and mechanical spacing control. The dielectric material acts as a spacer that maintains optimal plate distance for high capacitance while being tolerant to manufacturing variations, thus achieving power transmission efficiency without demanding extreme manufacturing precision
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 efficient transmission of power and data over long distances with low or zero loss by maintaining high capacitance and minimizing capacitive interference, suitable for various configurations and applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least two elongate electrode plates of one polarity, these plates being inter-connected at one end of the cable; at least two elongate electrode plates of another polarity, these plates being interdigitated with the plates of the one polarity
Implementation Method 2
dielectric material between the interdigitated plates
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive cable comprised six long, thin and narrow electrode plates or strips (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106). Typically, they are 5 km long, 10 cm wide and 0.5 mm thick of aluminum or copper foil. Individual ones of them are separated by 0.25 mm thick polypropylene ribbons (107) insulating the individual strips from each other in an insulating manner. The assembly of strips and ribbons is contained within an insulating sheath 108. At opposite ends (111,112), the alternate strips are cut off short and the remaining fingers (114,115) are joined together and to connection wires (116,117), typically by riveting (118). The wires are insulated and the insulating sheath extends onto the insulation of the wires, whereby the entire cable is insulated for safe contact with foreign objects between the ends.