Quad-Shield Coaxial Cable Layout for Easier Connector Prep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quad-shield coaxial cables are difficult to prepare for connector installation due to their thickness, which causes abrasion of internal components and rapid degradation of shielding effectiveness during installation and use.
Innovation Solution
The quad-shield coaxial cable design places the outer foil layer outside the outer layer of braided shield, allowing for simultaneous folding of both braided shield layers onto the jacket, simplifying the preparation process and maintaining shielding effectiveness by avoiding abrasion, and includes a method of cutting and folding specific layers to expose the conductor and foil layers for connector installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional shielding layers are added to conventional coaxial cable, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but cable thickness increases making preparation and installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested shield structure where an inner braided shield and an outer braided shield are positioned concentrically around the center conductor and dielectric assembly. The inner shield has a first braid coverage percentage and the outer shield has a second braid coverage percentage, creating multiple layers of protection without requiring excessive thickness. This nested arrangement allows both shields to work together to provide enhanced EMI/RFI rejection while maintaining manageable cable dimensions for installation.
2Reliability
If inner foil cover is sandwiched between two layers of braided shield, then shielding is improved, but foil cover becomes susceptible to abrasion during installation and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the inner foil cover as the outermost shielding layer instead of sandwiching it between braided shields. Specifically, the inner foil cover is positioned outside the outer braided shield, creating an inverted shield configuration. This inversion protects the foil cover from abrasion during installation and use, as it is no longer trapped between rigid braided layers that can cause friction and damage during cable preparation and handling.
3Reliability
If multiple shielding layers are used, then signal strength over long runs is improved, but cable thickness makes connector installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different braid coverage percentages for the inner and outer braided shields to optimize the balance between shielding effectiveness and cable flexibility. The inner braided shield has a first braid coverage percentage while the outer braided shield has a second braid coverage percentage, allowing each layer to contribute differently to overall performance. This parameter variation enables the cable to maintain strong signal transmission over long distances while preserving enough flexibility and manageable thickness for practical connector installation and preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quad-shield coaxial cable includes an insulator portion configured to encircle an inner conductor portion, an inner conductive foil portion configured to encircle the insulator portion, an inner braided shield portion configured to encircle the inner conductive foil layer portion, an outer braided shield portion configured to encircle the inner braided shield portion, an outer conductive foil portion configured to encircle the outer braided shield portion, and a jacket portion configured to encircle the outer conductive foil portion.