Secure Transmission Cable with Embedded Fiber Optic Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission cables, especially those above-ground, lack effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and data interception, as previous attempts have focused mainly on damage detection rather than secure data protection.

Innovation Solution

A secure data transmission cable design featuring a tubular outer protective layer with an inner core containing a data transmission line and embedded fiber optic sensor lines for detecting unauthorized activity, using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to continuously pulse the sensor lines and generate alarms upon detecting changes in signal status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fiber optic sensor lines are embedded in the outer protective layer for security monitoring, then unauthorized activity detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized activity detection capabilityVSAvoidcable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data transmission function and security monitoring function into a single cable structure. The fiber optic sensor lines are embedded within the outer protective layer, merging the security monitoring capability with the cable's structural integrity, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer protective layer serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the cable and simultaneously houses the fiber optic sensor lines for security monitoring. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to fulfill both protective and monitoring roles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the cable is routed above ground for accessibility, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation and maintenanceVSAvoidvulnerability to unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is equipped with fiber optic sensor lines that continuously monitor for unauthorized activity before any actual compromise occurs. The sensors detect attempts at access, cutting, or bending, enabling preventive action before data can be intercepted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic sensor lines provide continuous feedback about the cable's security status by detecting changes in light transmission caused by unauthorized activity. This real-time monitoring enables immediate detection and response to security threats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional damage detection methods are used, then cable integrity monitoring is improved, but security against data interception is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable integrity monitoringVSAvoiddata interception risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber optic sensor lines act as an intermediary monitoring system that detects physical disturbances to the cable. These sensors are positioned within the outer protective layer to sense bending, cutting, or other unauthorized activities that could lead to data interception

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical damage detection methods with optical sensing. The fiber optic sensor lines use light transmission properties to detect physical disturbances, providing more sensitive and reliable security monitoring compared to mechanical sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides continuous monitoring and immediate alarm activation upon detecting unauthorized access, ensuring secure data transmission by differentiating between normal and compromised states of the cable.

Implementation Method 1

using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to continuously pulse the sensor lines and generate alarms upon detecting changes in signal status

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical time domain reflectometer (OTDR):

Data Source

PatentUS7755027B2Secure transmission cable having windings continuously laid in opposite directions

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 WOVEN ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

The invention consists of a secure data transmission cable for electronically transmitting secure data between remote locations in an exposed condition. The data transmission cable comprises a tubular outer protective layer, an inner core disposed within the outer protective layer, a data transmission line carried within the inner core for transmitting secure data between the remote locations, and a fiber optic sensor line included in the outer protective layer for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. The fiber optic data transmission line comprises a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting data between remote locations and for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. A protective casing surrounds the data transmission line for protecting the fiber optic data transmission line from contacting the outer protective layer. An outer protective casing braided around the core in which the sensor line is enclosed provides strength to the cable.