Flexible Planar Wiring Harness Layout for EMI and Crosstalk Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wiring harness assemblies lack an efficient integration of electrical power, signal, and data channels in a single flexible planar package, leading to issues with electrical isolation, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Innovation Solution

A flexible planar wire assembly is designed with multiple conductor segments arranged in alternating patterns and separated by insulating layers, incorporating electromagnetic shields and adhesive layers to minimize crosstalk and EMI, while allowing for the integration of power, signal, and data channels within a single flexible planar package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple electrical channels (power, signal, data) are integrated in a single wiring harness assembly, then device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but electrical isolation between channels becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring harness integrationVSAvoidelectrical isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring harness assembly is segmented into distinct channels with separate insulating layers for power, signal, and data conductors. Each channel is electrically isolated through individual insulation structures, allowing multiple channels to coexist in a single integrated assembly without electrical interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional bundled wires to a flat planar structure where conductors are arranged in alternating layers. This dimensional change enables better control over electrical isolation while maintaining integration, as insulating layers can be precisely positioned between different conductor types in the planar configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If conductor segments are placed in close proximity for efficient routing, then space utilization improves, but crosstalk between adjacent conductors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring harness footprintVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent conductors are separated into different longitudinal planes rather than being placed side-by-side in the same plane. This vertical separation in the planar structure reduces capacitive coupling and crosstalk while maintaining compact overall dimensions, as conductors alternate between planes along the longitudinal axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating layers act as intermediary structures between adjacent conductor segments in different planes. These insulating layers provide electrical isolation and prevent crosstalk while allowing the conductors to remain in close proximity for efficient routing and compact assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic shields are added to reduce EMI, then electromagnetic protection improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layers serve dual functions: they provide electrical isolation between conductors and simultaneously act as electromagnetic shielding structures. By merging these two functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining EMI protection, eliminating the need for separate shielding layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layers are designed to perform multiple functions: electrical insulation, mechanical support, and electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the wiring harness assembly, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing processes while providing comprehensive EMI protection.

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

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 effectively isolates electrical components, reduces crosstalk, and provides robust electromagnetic shielding, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical communication within the wiring harness assembly.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating layer separating and encasing the first and second flexible planar wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic shield enclosing the first and second flexible planar wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

an adhesive layer between the electromagnetic shield and the insulating layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12122308B2Wiring harness assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.22 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US12122308B2 patent drawing
  • US12122308B2 patent drawing
  • US12122308B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible planar wire cable includes a first flexible planar wire having first conductor segments contained in a first longitudinal plane and second conductor segments contained in a second longitudinal plane. First connection segments extend between the first conductor segments and the second conductor segments. The first conductor segments alternate with second conductor segments along a longitudinal axis of the wire harness assembly. The cable further includes a second flexible planar wire having third conductor segments contained in the second longitudinal plane and fourth conductor segments contained in the first longitudinal plane. Second connection segments extend between the third conductor segments and the fourth conductor segments. The third conductor segments alternate with the fourth conductor segments along the longitudinal axis of the flexible planar wire cable. The cable also includes an insulating layer separating and encasing the first and second flexible planar wires.