Shielded Cable With Conductive Films For EMI And Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cables external to metal enclosures lack effective shielding and structural integrity to prevent electromagnetic interference and physical damage, particularly in configurations with multiple subcable assemblies.

Innovation Solution

The cable design features multiple individual conductor sets with conductive shielding films on both sides, pinched portions for secure attachment, and an insulating core, allowing for flexible configuration and enhanced electromagnetic shielding and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cables are jacketed in thick dielectric material to provide flammability and abrasion resistance, then physical durability is improved, but cable flexibility and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical durabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is divided into multiple subcable assemblies (e.g., three subcables) that can be independently formed and assembled. This segmentation allows each subcable to maintain flexibility while the overall cable structure provides durability through the combined assembly and outer jacketing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cables are shielded in conductive metal foil or braid to contain electromagnetic fields, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but cable flexibility and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses conductive shielding layers that are integrated as thin films within the cable structure rather than thick metal braids. This allows the shielding to be effective while maintaining cable flexibility and ease of installation, as the thin film shielding does not significantly increase stiffness or complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcable assemblies are stacked to increase conductor capacity, then electrical functionality is improved, but structural integrity and electromagnetic interference protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple subcable assemblies are merged into a single integrated cable structure with common outer jacketing and coordinated shielding. The subcables are positioned and secured within the outer jacket to maintain relative positions, ensuring structural integrity while preserving the electrical functionality of multiple conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure employs a nested arrangement where individual insulated conductors are contained within subcable assemblies, which are in turn contained within the outer cable jacket. This nested structure provides structural integrity at each level while accommodating multiple conductors for enhanced electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcable assemblies are stacked to increase conductor capacity, then electrical functionality is improved, but electromagnetic interference between conductors worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each subcable assembly within the multi-subcable cable has its own dedicated shielding layer positioned locally around that specific subcable. This local shielding quality ensures that electromagnetic fields from each subcable are contained independently, preventing interference between adjacent subcables while maintaining the overall electrical functionality of the multi-conductor cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design effectively contains electromagnetic fields and provides structural integrity, allowing for flexible cable configurations that enhance both electromagnetic shielding and physical durability.

Implementation Method 1

cables that include a plurality of separate individual conductor sets, each conductor set extending along a length of the cable. Each conductor set includes two or more insulated conductors and first and second conductive shielding films disposed on opposite first and second sides of the conductor set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2929546B1Shielded cable
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2929546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2929546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Shielded cables (200) are described. More specifically, shielded cables (200) that include a plurality of separate individual conductor sets (210) are described. The individual conductor sets (210) include two or more insulated conductors, first and second conductive shielding films, and an insulating jacket surrounding the plurality of conductor sets. A variety of potential cable shapes and configurations are also described.