Multicore Cable End Identification via Coupling Capacitance Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying corresponding ends of multicore cables face challenges due to variations in coupling capacitances between insulated wires and electrodes, which are affected by wire diameter variations, positional shifts, and foreign matter interference, leading to inaccurate electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of input and output electrodes to measure voltage values from capacitive coupling, applying multiple signal combinations to estimate coupling capacitances, and correcting voltage values using calculated coefficients to accurately identify corresponding ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If AC test signal is input to densely arranged insulated wires by capacitive coupling, then correspondence relations between first and second exposed end portions can be identified, but crosstalk between insulated wires increases and identification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification speedVSAvoidcorrespondence identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, phase) of test signals applied to different insulated wires. By varying signal parameters and analyzing the resulting voltage values at output electrodes, the method distinguishes corresponding ends even in densely packed cables where crosstalk occurs, thus maintaining identification accuracy while enabling rapid testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures voltage values at output electrodes when test signals are applied to input electrodes, and uses this feedback information to identify correspondence relations. The measured voltage values provide feedback about the electrical characteristics of each wire path, enabling accurate identification despite crosstalk in dense cable configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If coupling capacitance variations are not compensated, then measurement process is simple, but correspondence identification accuracy deteriorates due to diameter variations, positional shifts, and foreign matter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidcorrespondence identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures actual voltage values at output electrodes and uses these measurements to calculate correspondence relations. This feedback-based approach automatically compensates for coupling capacitance variations caused by manufacturing tolerances, positional shifts, or foreign matter, maintaining high identification accuracy without requiring separate calibration procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system uses the voltage values naturally generated during normal capacitive coupling measurements to identify correspondence relations and compensate for variations. The system serves itself by utilizing the measurement data for both identification and compensation purposes, eliminating the need for separate calibration processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enables precise identification of corresponding ends in multicore cables, enhancing the accuracy of electrical connections, especially in densely packed wire configurations, thereby improving the reliability of multicore cable assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

an input electrode is placed above an insulation cover of each first exposed end portion and an output electrode is placed above an insulation cover of each second exposed end portion. Then, an AC test signal is input from the input electrode to the first exposed end portion by capacitive coupling, and an AC test output is output from the second exposed end portion to the output electrode by capacitive coupling.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

performing measurement of a voltage value of a measurement output signal that is output by capacitive coupling from the second exposed end portion through the output electrode when a measurement input signal is input by capacitive coupling from the input electrode to the first exposed end portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12442870B2Coupling capacitance estimation method, method for identifying corresponding ends of multicore cable, and method for manufacturing multicore cable assembly

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 PROTERIAL LTD

AI summary

A coupling capacitance estimation method includes arranging numerous input electrodes to respectively face first exposed end portions of numerous insulated wires exposed at one end of a multicore cable, arranging numerous output electrodes to respectively face second exposed end portions of the numerous insulated wires exposed at another end of the multicore cable, performing measurement of a voltage value of a measurement output signal that is output by capacitive coupling from the second exposed end portion through the output electrode when a measurement input signal is input by capacitive coupling from the input electrode to the first exposed end portion, with a plurality of predetermined different combinations of the input electrodes to input the measurement input signal and the output electrodes to output the measurement output signal, and based on the measured voltage values of a plurality of the measurement output signals, estimating respective coupling capacitances.