Twisted Communication Cable Ribs for Stable Differential Signaling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle communication systems face challenges in maintaining a consistent distance between conductors of a cable, leading to noise and interference due to variations in the relative positional relationship between wires.

Innovation Solution

A communication cable design featuring a twisted wire structure with a sheath and talc layer, and spirally extending ribs that demarcate separate spaces for each conductor, maintaining a constant distance and reducing noise, while facilitating easy connection and stripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional cable structure without internal spacing elements is used, then the cable structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the distance between conductors varies leading to noise and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidcable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath is segmented by adding ribs that protrude inward to divide the internal space into separate regions for each conductor. This segmentation maintains consistent spacing between conductors throughout the cable length, preventing signal interference while keeping the overall cable structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the sheath to provide local spacing control where it is most needed - between the conductors. This localized approach maintains conductor spacing without requiring complex structures throughout the entire cable, balancing reliability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ribs are added to the sheath to maintain conductor spacing, then noise and interference are reduced, but the sheath structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and interferenceVSAvoidsheath structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath is segmented by adding ribs that protrude inward to divide the internal space into separate regions for each conductor. This segmentation maintains consistent spacing between conductors throughout the cable length, preventing signal interference while keeping the overall cable structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the sheath to provide local spacing control where it is most needed - between the conductors. This localized approach maintains conductor spacing without requiring complex structures throughout the entire cable, balancing reliability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the sheath is made smooth for easy stripping, then stripping is easier, but the sheath may shift or deform during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping easeVSAvoidsheath position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath has different surface characteristics in different regions - the outer surface remains relatively smooth for easy handling and stripping, while the inner surface features ribs that provide structural stability and prevent shifting. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath is segmented by adding ribs that protrude inward to divide the internal space into separate regions for each conductor. This segmentation maintains consistent spacing between conductors throughout the cable length, preventing signal interference while keeping the overall cable structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12620507B2In-vehicle communication system and communication cable

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

An in-vehicle communication system includes a transmitter that transmits a differential signal, a receiver that receives the differential signal, and a communication cable that connects between the transmitter and the receiver and transmits the differential signal. The communication cable includes a twisted wire, a sheath covering the twisted wire, and a talc layer provided between the twisted wire and the sheath. The sheath includes a pair of ribs located across a straight line connecting a conductor center of a first coated wire and a conductor center of a second coated wire in a transverse section of the communication cable. The talc layer is provided along the surface of the twisted wire.