Twisted Pair Separators Integrating Shields to Reduce Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional twisted pair communication cables face issues with signal degradation due to signal attenuation and crosstalk, which can be exacerbated by separate shields that may move or become unwrapped, leading to degraded electrical performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating twisted pair separators that function as both dielectric separators between conductors and shields around the twisted pairs, formed from dielectric materials with electrically conductive portions that wrap around the pairs to provide shielding, thereby maintaining conductor position and reducing crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If separate shields are provided for twisted pairs, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to shields moving or becoming unwrapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidshield stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dielectric separator and shield into a single integrated component. The separator includes a dielectric portion positioned between conductors and a conductive portion that forms both the separator structure and the shield, eliminating the need for separate shield components and preventing movement or unwrapping issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated separator-shield component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dielectric separation between conductors to prevent crosstalk, maintains conductor positioning, and provides electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality reduces component count and improves reliability while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If dielectric films are positioned between individual conductors, then crosstalk reduction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidcable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dielectric separator and shield functions into a single integrated component with a unified structure. The separator includes a dielectric portion and a conductive portion that work together to reduce crosstalk while simplifying the overall cable construction by eliminating the need for separate dielectric films between each conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If separate dielectric separators and shields are used, then conductor position maintenance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor position stabilityVSAvoidcable assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines dielectric separators and shields into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece and installed in a single step. This integration maintains conductor position stability while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components to be assembled and positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated separator-shield component is pre-assembled with the conductive portion already positioned relative to the dielectric portion, allowing for preliminary preparation of the positioning structure before cable assembly. This pre-positioning ensures accurate conductor placement while simplifying the final assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces crosstalk and maintains conductor position, enhancing signal integrity and electrical performance by using dielectric and conductive materials to form both separators and shields within the cable.

Implementation Method 1

one or more dielectric portions positioned between the conductors of a twisted pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

one or more second portions that form a shield around an outer circumference of the twisted pair when wrapped around the twisted pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9659686B1Communication cables incorporating twisted pair separators that function as shields

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SUPERIOR ESSEX INT INC

AI summary

Cables incorporating twisted pair separators that function as shields are describes. A cable may include one or more twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors. A respective separator may be associated with at least one of the twisted pairs. The separator may include a dielectric portion positioned between the conductors of the twisted pair and at least one shielding portion that includes electrically conductive material. The shielding portion may extending from the dielectric portion to form a shield around an outer circumference of the twisted pair. Additionally, the cable may include a jacket formed around the twisted pair and the separator.