Twisted Reinforcement Cable for Stable Routing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cables connected to movable components face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing sagging due to added bulk and weight from external support materials, which is particularly problematic in applications with long distances between support points.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating spring steel or other reinforcement members twisted in the same direction as the signal transport lines around a central axis, providing internal support and maintaining a predictable path without significant sagging, while allowing for greater spacing between clamping points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external layers of support materials are added to cables to address mechanical support issues, then cable stability and support are improved, but cable bulk and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidcable weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function and signal transport function into a single integrated cable structure. The twisted reinforcement members and signal transport lines are merged into one cable assembly, eliminating the need for separate external support layers while providing both mechanical stability and signal transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable uses a composite structure combining reinforcement members (providing mechanical strength) and signal transport lines (providing electrical functionality) twisted together. This composite approach allows the cable to achieve both structural support and signal transmission without requiring additional external support materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If external layers of support materials are added to cables to address mechanical support issues, then cable stability and support are improved, but cable size and bulk increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidcable volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function and signal transport function into a single integrated cable structure. The twisted reinforcement members and signal transport lines are merged into one cable assembly, eliminating the need for separate external support layers while providing both mechanical stability and signal transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable uses a composite structure combining reinforcement members (providing mechanical strength) and signal transport lines (providing electrical functionality) twisted together. This composite approach allows the cable to achieve both structural support and signal transmission without requiring additional external support materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If conventional cable designs with external support materials are used, then mechanical support is improved, but flexibility and ease of routing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical supportVSAvoidrouting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable employs dynamic twisted pairs where both the reinforcement members and signal transport lines are twisted together in a flexible configuration. This dynamic structure allows the cable to bend and route easily while maintaining mechanical strength, as the twisted construction naturally accommodates bending without rigid external support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters by using twisted reinforcement members instead of rigid external support layers. This parameter change transforms the cable from a rigid, bulkier structure to a flexible, compact structure that maintains strength while improving routability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures stable routing and reduced sagging of cables between support points, enhancing mechanical stability and flexibility, particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments like aircraft systems.

Implementation Method 1

Cable with spring steel or other reinforcement members for stable routing between support points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9530541B2Cable with spring steel or other reinforcement member(s) for stable routing between support points

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes a cable having at least one signal transport line and at least one reinforcement member. The at least one signal transport line is configured to transport one or more signals through the cable. The at least one signal transport line and the at least one reinforcement member are twisted in a common direction around a central axis of the cable, where the central axis extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the cable. A twist rate of the at least one signal transport line substantially equals a twist rate of the at least one reinforcement member. At least part of each signal transport line is physically located between adjacent twists of each reinforcement member in the longitudinal direction of the cable.