Shielded Cable With Segmented Film For Mass Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shielded electrical cables are not suitable for mass-termination techniques and have limitations in high-speed signal transmission, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them inadequate for modern high-speed electrical applications.

Innovation Solution

A shielded electrical cable design featuring a conductor set with substantially parallel longitudinal insulated conductors and a shielding film that includes cover portions and parallel portions to electrically isolate adjacent conductor sets, allowing for mass-termination and improved electrical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional shielded electrical cables use traditional coaxial or shielded cable structures, then shielding and insulation are provided, but they require specifically designed connectors and are not suitable for mass-termination techniques

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass-termination capabilityVSAvoidconnector design requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: conductor set, insulation layer, shielding layer, and jacket. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and facilitates mass-termination by enabling standardized preparation of conductor ends without complex connector assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable design provides universal compatibility with standard mass-termination techniques and connectors. The standardized structure with conductors, insulation, shielding, and jacket allows the same cable type to be used across multiple applications and termination methods, eliminating the need for application-specific connector designs

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

2Speed

If conventional cables are designed for traditional termination, then structural integrity is maintained, but they have limitations in high-speed signal transmission performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission speedVSAvoidelectrical performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable parameters are optimized for high-speed signal transmission including controlled impedance values, optimized conductor spacing, and optimized shielding configuration. These parameter changes enable the cable to support higher data rates while maintaining signal integrity and electrical performance consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from mechanical connector-dependent termination to a more refined electrical connection approach suitable for high-speed signals. The mass-termination technique provides consistent electrical contact across multiple conductors simultaneously, reducing variability and improving reliability for high-speed applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cables are made flexible for ease of installation, then adaptability improves, but mass-production capability and termination preparation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable flexibilityVSAvoidmass-production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable employs a flexible jacket and appropriately designed insulation layers that provide the necessary flexibility for installation while maintaining structural integrity. The shielding layer configuration also contributes to flexibility, allowing the cable to be routed and installed in various configurations without compromising mass-production capabilities or termination quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional shielded cables use traditional structures, then shielding is provided, but they are not cost-effective for modern applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding is applied locally and selectively around conductor sets rather than requiring complete 360-degree shielding throughout the entire cable structure. This localized shielding approach maintains effective EMI protection where needed while reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity, improving cost-effectiveness for modern applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cable uses composite material construction with different layers serving specific functions: conductor material, insulation material, shielding material (such as metal foil or mesh), and jacket material. This composite structure provides effective EMI shielding while optimizing cost through appropriate material selection and layer configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9685259B2Shielded electrical cable
Publication Date: 2017.06.20 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • US9685259B2 patent drawing
  • US9685259B2 patent drawing
  • US9685259B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shielded electrical cable includes a conductor set and a shielding film. The conductor set includes one or more substantially parallel longitudinal insulated conductors. The shielding film includes a cover portion partially covering the conductor set, and parallel portions extending from both sides of the conductor set.