Semiconducting Composition for Power Cable Shields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductive conductor shield compositions in power cables require expensive additives and complex polymer formulations, and often use specially prepared carbon black, which increases costs without necessarily improving performance.

Innovation Solution

A conductor shield composition comprising a base polymer such as copolymers of ethylene and a mono-unsaturated ester, conductive carbon black, polyethylene glycol, and a waxy additive like amide or ethylene vinyl acetate wax, which can be extruded over the cable conductor to provide improved performance without expensive additives or specially prepared carbon black.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional semiconductive conductor shield compositions use expensive additives and specially prepared carbon black, then conductivity and performance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor shield performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, specially prepared carbon black with commercially available, less refined carbon black that provides sufficient conductivity for the conductor shield application. This substitution uses a cheaper material that, while not as highly refined, still achieves the required performance threshold, thereby reducing manufacturing costs without significantly compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the polymer formulation by using a specific base polymer (polyethylene or polypropylene) combined with conventional carbon black and specific additives in optimized proportions. This parameter change in material composition and ratios achieves the desired conductivity and performance characteristics while using cost-effective raw materials, resolving the contradiction between performance and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional compositions use complex polymer formulations, then performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor shield performanceVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex components from the polymer formulation. By using a simple base polymer (polyethylene or polypropylene) rather than complex copolymers or blends, and by selecting conventional carbon black instead of specially prepared varieties, the formulation is simplified while maintaining adequate performance through optimized additive packages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal base polymer system (polyethylene or polypropylene) that can serve multiple functions: providing the structural matrix, enabling conductivity when combined with carbon black, and allowing for standard extrusion processing. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity while achieving reliable conductor shield performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If expensive additives are used, then conductor shield performance and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses conventional, less expensive carbon black and standard polymer additives instead of premium or specially engineered materials. The formulation achieves sufficient durability for cable applications through proper material selection and配比, without requiring expensive additives that would extend cable life beyond practical requirements, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor shield composition uses commercially available carbon black and standard polymer additives that provide inherent stability and durability characteristics. The base polymer and carbon black combination naturally provides the required long-term performance without needing expensive stabilizers or protective additives, allowing the material to serve itself through its intrinsic properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8287770B2Semiconducting composition
Publication Date: 2012.10.16 GENERAL CABLE TECH CORP

AI summary

An improved conductor shielding composition for power cables is disclosed. The composition includes a base polymer, conductive carbon black, polyethylene glycol and a waxy additive. Cable shields prepared from the composition exhibit improved aging performance in accelerated cable life tests (ACLT).