Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Angele, W..
Report discusses cable design and fabrication of both unshielded and shielded FCC. Discussion includes numerous cable configurations and fabrication processes, such as laminating, etching, extruding, and weaving. Bibliography lists additional references.
The major techniques are described for fabricating flat conductor cable (FCC). Various types of FCC, including unshielded, shielded, power, and signal, in both existing and conceptual constructions, are covered.
A cryogenic gyroscope housing having gas spin-up means provided in annular discs inserted between housing shells is described. A circumferential recess in the inner edges of the discs at their juncture serves as the gas spin-up channel, and recesses in the discs at their junctures with the shells form suction channels. The discs also have inlet and outlet ports communicating with the spin-up channel and exhaust slots communicating with the suction channels. Mating surfaces of the discs and housing shells are held in position by optical contact at the equational plane of the housing. Suspension electrodes and thin-film readout loops are disposed in shells. A centering band and clamp rings provide for proper alinement and placement of parts in formation of optical contact joints.
Pertinent information for hardware selection, design, manufacture, and quality control necessary for flat conductor cable interconnecting harness application is presented. Comparisons are made between round wire cable and flat conductor cable. The flat conductor cable interconnecting harness systems show major cost, weight, and space savings, plus increased system performance and reliability. The design application section includes electrical characteristics, harness design and development, and a full treatise on EMC considerations. Manufacturing and quality control sections pertain primarily to the developed conductor-contact connector system and special flat conductor cable to round wire cable transitions.
Flat Conductor Cable (FCC) technology has now reached a level of development where it is being considered for, and used in, numerous interconnection projects. First developed for aerospace use, FCC is becoming a major contender for commercial wiring tasks as well. This presentation is designed to show why and how FCC has been able to make the transition from the aerospace to the commercial field.
Summaries are given of design characteristics and various advantages of FCC use. The information is presented in tables that include the following headings: (1) mechanical design, (2) electrical design, (3) manufacturing advantages, (4) inspection and reliability, and (5) cost savings. In addition, the results are summarized of a Saturn 4B FCC-RWC comparison study.
NASA flat conductor cable connectors with individually sealed contacts are described. Descriptions of the design, main features, contact spring, connector electrical data, dimensions and weight, FCC termination, and keying system for plug and receptacle are included.
Data, supplemented with artwork, are presented on the major steps involved with terminating flat conductor cable (FCC) to MSFC's FCC plugs. Cable and shield preparation steps include material cutting, insulation stripping, and plating of exposed conductors. Methods and equipment required to terminate FCC to each of four MSFC plugs are described.
Manually operated slitter can cut single slit in flat conductor cable to any desired length. Lateral position of flat conductor cable is adjusted with aid of optical magnifier and cursor glass to ensure that slit is accurately placed between conductors. Multiple slits may be made by repeating procedure for single slit.
Machine was developed to finish ball to roundness within 12.5 nm (half a microinch) from any types of hard material. Grinding and polishing to this tolerance is accomplished by lapping elements on four to six motor-driven spindles. Spindles are adjustably spring-loaded to ensure constant contact pressure on ball and are driven by variable speed electric motors.
Information is presented on flat conductor cable connectors, a series with individually sealed contacts. Data are concerned with connector historical development, design requirements, and testing and costs.
Some of the numerous applications of flat conductor cable (FCC) systems are briefly described. Both government and commercial uses were considered, with applications designated as either aerospace, military, or commercial. The number and variety of ways in which FCC is being applied and considered for future designs are illustrated.
Flat conductor cable (FCC) is relatively new, highly promising means for electrical packaging and system integration. FCC offers numerous desirable traits (weight, volume and cost savings, flexibility, high reliability, predictable and repeatable electrical characteristics) which make it extremely attractive as a packaging medium. FCC, today, finds wide application in everything from integration of lunar equipment to the packaging of electronics in nuclear submarines. Described are cable construction and means of termination, applicable specifications and standards, and total FCC systems. A list of additional sources of data is also included for more intensive study.
Spool design and operation permit installation of up to 8 cables on single unit. Heat treating the cables while wound in a coil obtains effective recoil action.
For chemical stripping, lead tape applied near ends to be stripped protects insulation. Taped ends are submerged half way in stripping solution. For electroplating, both ends of FCC are stripped - top ends for electric contact, others for submersion in electroplating solution.
Sprue removal operation is accomplished by positioning plug on tool bed, adjusting blades, and moving handle down for cutting process. Blades are raised to remove trimmed plug.
Stripper removes insulation to any desired depth by adjusting the distance between the blade and the plates on either side of the flat conductor cable, FCC.
Stripper incorporates a blade which is electrically heated to a controlled temperature. Heated blade softens and strips insulation from cable while paper ribbon removes insulation material and keeps blade clean for next operation.