Semiconductive Cable Sheath for EMI Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cables for aircraft entertainment systems face challenges with electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression, leading to increased weight, reduced flexibility, and potential for short circuits and fires due to metal braiding, which complicates routing and increases safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A cable design featuring a semiconductive outer sheath made of polymeric material with an electrically conductive substance, such as carbon, and a sheath ground wire for improved EMI suppression without the weight and flexibility issues of traditional metal braiding, along with a separation layer to prevent shorts and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sheath of internal copper braid is used for EMI suppression, then electromagnetic interference is suppressed, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the outer sheath by incorporating carbon-black filled polymeric material, transforming it from an insulating material to a semiconductive material with EMI suppression capabilities. This parameter change in electrical conductivity allows the sheath itself to provide shielding without requiring additional metal braid layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of polymeric material mixed with carbon-black filler. This composite provides both the mechanical properties of polymer and the electromagnetic shielding properties of conductive carbon, eliminating the need for separate metal braid while achieving EMI suppression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sheath of internal copper braid is used for EMI suppression, then electromagnetic interference is suppressed, but flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the outer sheath by incorporating carbon-black filled polymeric material, transforming it from an insulating material to a semiconductive material with EMI suppression capabilities. This parameter change in electrical conductivity allows the sheath itself to provide shielding without requiring additional metal braid layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of polymeric material mixed with carbon-black filler. This composite provides both the mechanical properties of polymer and the electromagnetic shielding properties of conductive carbon, eliminating the need for separate metal braid while achieving EMI suppression.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sheath of internal copper braid is used for EMI suppression, then electromagnetic interference is suppressed, but cable diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the outer sheath by incorporating carbon-black filled polymeric material, transforming it from an insulating material to a semiconductive material with EMI suppression capabilities. This parameter change in electrical conductivity allows the sheath itself to provide shielding without requiring additional metal braid layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of polymeric material mixed with carbon-black filler. This composite provides both the mechanical properties of polymer and the electromagnetic shielding properties of conductive carbon, eliminating the need for separate metal braid while achieving EMI suppression.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If metal braid is used for EMI suppression, then electromagnetic interference is suppressed, but short circuit risk increases due to metal breakage and penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the outer sheath by incorporating carbon-black filled polymeric material, transforming it from an insulating material to a semiconductive material with EMI suppression capabilities. This parameter change in electrical conductivity allows the sheath itself to provide shielding without requiring additional metal braid layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of polymeric material mixed with carbon-black filler. This composite provides both the mechanical properties of polymer and the electromagnetic shielding properties of conductive carbon, eliminating the need for separate metal braid while achieving EMI suppression.
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 effectively suppresses EMI, reduces weight and improves flexibility, minimizing the risk of short circuits and fires, while maintaining reliable signal transmission in aircraft environments.
Implementation Method 1
an outer sheath comprised of a polymeric material including an electrically conductive substance mixed with the polymeric material and causing the outer sheath to be electrically semiconductive
Data Source
AI summary
A cable for communicating electrical signals includes an outer sheath comprised of a polymeric material including an electrically conductive substance mixed with the polymeric material and causing the outer sheath to be electrically semiconductive. The outer sheath includes a plurality of insulated wires extending through the interior of the outer sheath along the length of the outer sheath. Each insulated wire includes an electrically conductive core surrounded by an electrically non-conductive material. A sheath ground wire disposed within the interior of the outer sheath extends along the length of the outer sheath. The sheath ground wire includes an electrically conductive core in direct electrical contact with the interior of the outer sheath at a plurality of locations