Structural Cable With Inner Housing For Functional Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current structural cables lack enhanced functional capabilities, particularly in terms of durability and adaptability to environmental conditions, such as resistance to ultraviolet rays and combined effects of rain and wind, while also requiring improved integration of functional components like lighting and thermal management.

Innovation Solution

The structural cable design incorporates a high-density polyethylene sheath with a helical rib structure for enhanced durability and UV resistance, along with a housing that accommodates functional components like light-radiating modules and a cavity system for thermal management, allowing for the integration of various functional elements within the cable's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple sheath structure is used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but durability and resistance to environmental factors are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: an inner housing containing functional components, an intermediate layer with functional elements, and an outer sheath providing environmental protection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall durability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties: the outer sheath uses UV-resistant materials for environmental protection, the inner housing uses durable materials for structural integrity, and functional layers incorporate specialized materials for their specific purposes. This composite approach enhances durability without requiring overly complex single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are integrated into the cable, then adaptability and functionality are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the inner housing containing functional components is positioned within the outer sheath, and functional layers are integrated between these layers. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be incorporated into the cable without significantly increasing external dimensions or manufacturing complexity, as each component fits within the hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable design incorporates universal structural elements that serve multiple functions: the inner housing provides both structural support and containment for functional components, the functional layers serve both as structural elements and as carriers for functional components, and the outer sheath provides both mechanical protection and environmental resistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity growth.

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

3Reliability

If environmental resistance is improved through material selection, then durability increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidmaterial application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses environmental resistance by changing material parameters such as UV resistance properties, chemical resistance characteristics, and mechanical strength parameters. These parameter changes are achieved through material selection and formulation rather than through complex manufacturing processes, thereby improving environmental resistance without significantly increasing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3577274B1A structural cable having an inner housing
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP3577274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577274B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3577274B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A structural cable (10) of a construction work. The structural cable comprises: a bundle (20) of load-bearing tendons, a sheath (26) within which the bundle of tendons is located, a housing (28) located within the sheath and fixed relative to the sheath, said housing defining a cavity, the bundle of tendons being at a distance from the housing and the cavity, the bundle of tendons being located outside the housing (28) and the cavity, said cavity extending longitudinally relative to the sheath.