Segmented Multi-Core Cable Design for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical conduction paths using multi-core cables are costly due to the need for longer cables to accommodate the longest branch cable, leading to inefficiencies in material usage.
Innovation Solution
The electrical conduction path includes a main cable with a multi-core cable and branch cables, where only some electric wires of the multi-core cable are connected to the branch cables, reducing the overall length of the multi-core cable required, and a resin molded body covers the connection points to protect and seal them, preventing short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-core cable is used over the entire length to accommodate the longest branch cable, then all branch cables can be connected, but the cost increases due to excessive cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into a main cable portion and separate branch cable portions. The multi-core cable is used only for the main cable portion where multiple wires are needed, while branch cables use individual wires connected via connection portions. This segmentation allows the multi-core cable length to be reduced to match the longest branch cable rather than extending beyond it.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cable structures are applied to different locations: the main cable portion uses a multi-core cable structure for compactness and strength, while the branch cable portions use individual wire structures for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This local differentiation optimizes both performance and cost.
2Quantity of substance
If the multi-core cable length is reduced to match the longest branch cable, then cost is reduced, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection portions serve as intermediary elements between the main cable and branch cables. These connection portions provide standardized interfaces that simplify the connection process, making it easier to connect individual wire branch cables to the multi-core main cable without excessive complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If individual wire branch cables are used instead of extending the multi-core cable, then material cost is reduced, but protection against environmental factors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portions are designed as protective coverings that can be easily applied and removed. These provide temporary but effective protection against environmental factors like water and mechanical damage at the connection points, where the branch cables are most vulnerable.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical conduction path includes a main cable that has a multi-core cable obtained by enveloping a plurality of electric wires together with a sheath, and a plurality of branch cables obtained by dividing the electric wires of the multi-core cable into a plurality of parts, wherein connection portions are provided, in each of which an electric wire of the multi-core cable and an electric wire of a branch cable are electrically connected to each other. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the length of the expensive multi-core cable compared to a case where the electric wires of a multi-core cable are used over the entire length of a cable including the branch cables, thus achieving cost reduction.