Segmented Flame-Retardant Cable Repair Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connection methods require extensive replacement and verification of entire conductor sets when a single conductor is damaged, leading to inefficient and time-consuming repair processes, especially in critical sectors like railways where downtime is costly.
Innovation Solution
A repair and connection sleeve system featuring multiple flame-retardant layers that can be retrofitted around the connection point without cutting the cable, allowing for targeted repairs and reducing the need to separate undamaged conductors, with layers such as glass fiber tape, fire protection foil, shrink sleeves, and copper mesh tape providing comprehensive fire and heat protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connecting sleeves are used to protect cable connections, then protective function is improved, but repair complexity increases when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple independent flame-retardant layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) that can be applied separately. When damage occurs, only the damaged layer or specific conductor needs repair rather than replacing the entire connecting sleeve assembly, enabling selective repair of individual components.
2Reliability
If entire connecting sleeve is replaced when one conductor is damaged, then reliability is maintained, but repair time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting sleeve is segmented into multiple independent flame-retardant layers surrounding individual conductors. When one conductor is damaged, only that specific layer needs to be removed and replaced, while other layers remain intact, dramatically reducing repair time compared to replacing the entire sleeve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Undamaged flame-retardant layers are recovered and retained during repair operations. Only the damaged layer is discarded and replaced, allowing the repair process to reuse the majority of the original protective structure and minimize downtime.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple flame-retardant layers are applied to provide comprehensive fire protection, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system is segmented into multiple independent layers, each providing flame-retardant protection. This segmentation allows for systematic application and simplifies maintenance, as each layer can be independently assessed and replaced without affecting the overall complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with multiple flame-retardant layers made from different materials or configurations. This composite approach provides comprehensive fire protection through layered defense while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized layering procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If all conductors are separated for inspection during repair, then repair thoroughness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into individual conductor units, each surrounded by its own flame-retardant layer. This segmentation enables targeted inspection and repair of only the affected conductor layer without requiring separation or inspection of all conductors, maintaining repair thoroughness while significantly improving productivity.
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 efficient and safe cable repairs by minimizing material replacement and verification time, ensuring operational safety with effective fire protection and reduced smoke and acidity in case of a fire, while maintaining cable integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The shrinkable sleeve (36) consists of a shrinkable material (38) which is wound around the cable and held together by a metal bar (40) in the region of its longitudinal edges. The shrinkable material (38) has shrunk to tightly enclose the entire joint of the cable including the two outer jacket sections.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The repair and connecting sleeve comprises a cable, which has conductors (12,14,16) with two conductor ends, connected on connecting points (18,20,22). A number of different flame retardant layers surround a section of the cable around the connecting points. All layers are assembled after connected to the conductor ends. An independent claim is also included for a method for repairing and connecting a cable with conductors.