Removable Cable Indicator Strip for Sheath Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable identification methods using permanent indicator strips on electrical cables are irremovable, causing deformation or tearing of the protective sheath, making it impossible to change or delete initial identification without altering the cable's geometry, and are not suitable for cables with single sheath colors or standards requiring specific diameters.
Innovation Solution
A removable indicator strip with adjustable adhesion is created on the cable's outer surface, allowing manual detachment without altering the sheath's geometry, maintaining the cable's standardized dimensions and allowing for easy writing, using a polymeric material blend like HDPE and ethylene-vinyl acetate for adhesion and removability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent indicator strip is fixed to the protective sheath, then the cable identification is stable and durable, but the indicator strip cannot be removed without deforming or tearing the protective sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator strip is designed with dynamic adhesion properties - it adheres firmly to the protective sheath during normal use to provide stable identification, but can be removed by applying a specific force (greater than 0.1 N/mm) when modification is needed. This dynamic behavior allows the same indicator strip to serve both as a stable identifier and a removable element without permanently damaging the sheath.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion parameter of the indicator strip is carefully controlled to be within a specific range (0.1 to 10 N/mm). This parameter change enables the indicator strip to maintain reliable attachment under normal conditions while allowing removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and modifiability.
2Reliability
If the indicator strip is permanently fixed to the protective sheath, then the identification is durable, but the cable's geometric structure and outer diameter are altered when the strip is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator strip's adhesion is designed to be dynamically controllable - strong enough to provide durable identification during normal use, but weak enough to be removed without permanently deforming the sheath or altering the cable's outer diameter beyond standardized tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion force parameter is optimized to a specific range (0.1 to 10 N/mm) that allows the indicator strip to remain attached during normal handling and installation, yet can be removed without causing permanent geometric alterations to the cable structure.
3Loss of information
If a colored indicator strip is added to the protective sheath, then cable identification is improved, but the sheath material composition and properties are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into the protective sheath and the indicator strip as separate components. The indicator strip is applied as a distinct layer on the sheath surface, allowing the base sheath material to maintain its original composition and properties while the strip provides the necessary identification functionality through color coding.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator strip provides localized color identification on specific portions of the cable surface without altering the overall composition of the protective sheath. The sheath material maintains its homogeneous properties in the bulk, while the strip adds local visual information.
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 modification or removal of cable identification without damaging the protective sheath, maintaining standardized dimensions and allowing use beyond initial intent, suitable for all cable types, including those with single sheath colors, through a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator strip (150) consists of a polymeric material whose level of adhesion with the material of the outer layer (132) of the protective sheath (130) allows the indicator strip (150) to adhere to the protective sheath (130), while being able to be detached from the protective sheath (130) without this ci is altered by such a detachment
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable (100) that includes a protective sheath (130) in which at least one conductor is placed. The protective sheath has a minimum thickness and an outer diameter within a range of values defined by a predetermined standard. The cable also includes at least one removable indicator strip (150) that: longitudinally extends over at least one arc portion of the outer circumferential surface of the protective sheath; is made of a material enabling the at least one removable indicator strip to adhere to the protective sheath while being detachable from the protective sheath, without having an adverse effect thereon, by applying, by means of unity of width of the at least one removable indicator strip, a removal force that is greater than a predetermined threshold; and has a thickness such that the protective sheath outer diameter, increased from the thickness of the at least one removable indicator strip, is within the range of values.