PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9330815-B2
Application Number: US-201313966956-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same

Abstract:
Cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same are provided. In some embodiments, a cable may include a first group of conductors extending along a length of the cable, a tape wrapped directly around the first plurality of conductors along the length of the cable, and a second group of conductors extending along the length of the cable, where the tape electrically isolates the first group of conductors from the second group of conductors. The second group of conductors may extend around the tape or the tape may be wrapped directly around the second group of conductors. The tape may be a polymeric tape that may or may not include an adhesive.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cable comprising:
 a first plurality of conductors that extends along a length of the cable; 
 a tape wrapped directly around the first plurality of conductors along the length of the cable; and 
 a second plurality of conductors that extends along the length of the cable, wherein the tape electrically isolates the first plurality of conductors from the second plurality of conductors, wherein:
 each conductor of the first plurality of conductors is twisted in a first lay direction with respect to the length of the cable; and 
 the tape is wrapped in a lay direction that is one of the same as the first lay direction and the opposite of the first lay direction. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tape comprises a first tape; and 
 the cable further comprises a second tape wrapped directly around the first tape along the length of the cable. 
 
     
     
       3. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tape comprises a first tape; and 
 the cable further comprises a second tape wrapped directly around the first tape along the length of the cable, wherein the second tape is wrapped in a lay direction that is the opposite of the lay direction of the first tape. 
 
     
     
       4. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein the tape comprises a polymeric tape with an adhesive on at least a first surface. 
     
     
       5. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein the second plurality of conductors extends around the tape. 
     
     
       6. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein a center axis of the first plurality of conductors is the same as a center axis of the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       7. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein the tape is also wrapped directly around the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       8. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein a center axis of the first plurality of conductors is parallel to a center axis of the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       9. A cable comprising:
 a first plurality of conductors that extends along a length of the cable; 
 a tape wrapped along a helical path around the first plurality of conductors; and 
 a second plurality of conductors that extends directly around the tape and along the length of the cable, wherein:
 a portion of the tape comprises adhesive; and 
 the adhesive directly contacts a portion of at least one conductor of the second plurality of conductors. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein the tape electrically isolates the first plurality of conductors from the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       11. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the tape comprises a first tape wrapped along a first helical path around the first plurality of conductors; 
 the tape further comprises a second tape wrapped along a second helical path around the first tape; and 
 the second plurality of conductors extends directly around the second tape. 
 
     
     
       12. The cable of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first helical path is in a first lay direction with respect to the length of the cable; and 
 the second helical path is in a second lay direction that is the opposite of the first lay direction. 
 
     
     
       13. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein:
 each conductor of the first plurality of conductors is twisted in a first lay direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the length of the cable; and 
 the tape is wrapped in a lay direction that is one of the same as the first lay direction and the opposite of the first lay direction. 
 
     
     
       14. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein the second plurality of conductors comprises:
 a first layer of conductors that extends around the tape and along the length of the cable; and 
 a second layer of conductors that extends around the first layer of conductors and along the length of the cable. 
 
     
     
       15. The cable of  claim 14 , wherein:
 each conductor of the first layer of conductors is twisted in a first lay direction with respect to the length of the cable; and 
 each conductor of the second layer of conductors is twisted in a second lay direction that is the opposite of the first lay direction. 
 
     
     
       16. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein the tape comprises a polymeric tape with an adhesive on a first surface. 
     
     
       17. The cable of  claim 9 , wherein a center axis of the first plurality of conductors is the same as a center axis of the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       18. A cable comprising:
 a first plurality of conductors that extends along a length of the cable; 
 a second plurality of conductors that extends along the length of the cable; and 
 a tape, wherein:
 the tape is disposed directly around the first plurality of conductors along the length of the cable; 
 the tape is disposed directly around the second plurality of conductors along the length of the cable; 
 at a cross-section of the cable that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the length of the cable, a first portion of the tape surrounds the first plurality of conductors but not the second plurality of conductors; 
 at the cross-section, a second portion of the tape surrounds the second plurality of conductors but not the first plurality of conductors; 
 a third portion of the tape is common to both the first portion of the tape and the second portion of the tape; and 
 the length of the third portion is greater than one third of the diameter of the cable. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The cable of  claim 18 , wherein the tape electrically isolates the first plurality of conductors from the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       20. The cable of  claim 18 , wherein, at the cross-section, a fourth portion of the tape extends from the first portion of the tape and overlaps at least a part of the second portion of the tape. 
     
     
       21. The cable of  claim 18 , wherein a center axis of the first plurality of conductors is parallel to a center axis of the second plurality of conductors. 
     
     
       22. The cable of  claim 1 , wherein:
 a portion of the tape directly contacts a portion of an outer surface of at least one conductor of the first plurality of conductors; and 
 the portion of the tape comprises adhesive.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to cable structures and, more particularly, to cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Conventional cables used for data and/or power signal transmission typically include two or more groups of conductors that are electrically isolated from one another by a layer of insulation material that is extruded about one of the groups of conductors. Such extrusion requires a minimum thickness of insulation material to be extruded about the group of conductors to maintain concentricity of the conductors with respect to the insulation material for preventing the conductors from tearing through the insulation material. However, such a minimum thickness of extruded insulation material is often too large for desired cosmetic properties of the cable. Accordingly, alternative insulators for electrically isolating two or more groups of conductors within a cable are needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same are provided. 
     A cable structure can include an insulating tape for electrically isolating two groups of conductors. Such tape may be substantially thinner than extruded insulation material typically used in conventional cables. 
     For example, in some embodiments, there is provided a cable that may include a first group of conductors that extends along a length of the cable, a tape wrapped directly around the first group of conductors along the length of the cable, and a second group of conductors that extends along the length of the cable, where the tape electrically isolates the first group of conductors from the second group of conductors. 
     In other embodiments, there is provided a cable that may include a first group of conductors that extends along a length of the cable, a tape wrapped along a helical path around the first group of conductors, and a second group of conductors that extends around the tape and along the length of the cable. 
     In yet other embodiments, there is provided a cable that may include a first group of conductors that extends along a length of the cable, a second group of conductors that extends along the length of the cable, and a tape. The tape is disposed directly around the first group of conductors along the length of the cable, and the tape is disposed directly around the second group of conductors along the length of the cable. 
     In yet other embodiments, there is provided a method of forming a cable that includes disposing a tape directly around a first group of conductors along a length of the cable, and disposing a second group of conductors along the length of the cable, where the tape electrically isolates the first group of conductors from the second group of conductors. 
     In yet other embodiments, there is provided a method of forming a cable that includes winding a tape directly around a first group of conductors and along a length of the cable, and disposing a second group of conductors around the tape and along the length of the cable. 
     In yet other embodiments, there is provided a method of forming a cable that includes disposing a first portion of a tape around a first group of conductors and along a length of the cable, and disposing a second portion of the tape around a second group of conductors and along the length of the cable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative headset assembly that includes a cable structure with insulating tape, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an illustrative power adaptor assembly that includes a cable structure with insulating tape, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially broken-away perspective view of a portion of a cable structure with insulating tape, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the cable structure of  FIG. 3 , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially broken-away perspective view of a portion of a cable structure with insulating tape, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the cable structure of  FIG. 5 , taken from line VI-VI of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 7-9  are flowcharts of illustrative processes for manufacturing cable structures, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an illustrative system that may be used to form at least a portion of a cable structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 
     A cable may include any suitable insulating tape for electrically isolating two groups of conductors. Such tape may be any polymeric tape with suitable dielectric performance, such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) tape (e.g., Mylar™ tape), which may be substantially thinner than extruded isolation material typically used in conventional cables. 
     A cable including insulating tape for electrically isolating two or more groups of conductors may be provided as part of any suitable cabled assembly. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a cabled headset assembly  100  may include a cable  110  that can electrically couple an audio connector  120  to a left speaker  130  and/or a right speaker  140 . Cable  110  may include a main region  112  that may extend between audio connector  120  and a bifurcation (e.g., forked region)  114  of cable  110 . Cable  110  may also include a left region  116  that may extend between bifurcation  114  and left speaker  130 . Alternatively or additionally, cable  110  may include a right region  118  that may extend between bifurcation  114  and right speaker  140 . Any one or more of cable regions  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  of cable  110  may include insulating tape for electrically isolating two or more groups of conductors that may be configured to transmit data and/or power signals between audio connector  120  and one or both of left speaker  130  and right speaker  140 . Cabled headset assembly  100  may be configured to transmit any suitable data signals, such as audio signals, video signals, control signals, and the like. 
     As another example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a cable including insulating tape for electrically isolating two or more groups of conductors may be provided as part of a cabled power adaptor assembly  200 , which may include a cable  210  that can electrically couple a mains power connector  220  and an electronic device connector  230 . In some embodiments, power adaptor assembly  200  may also include an adaptor module  240  (e.g., for converting AC power signals to DC power signals), and cable  210  may include a first cable region  212  that may extend between mains power connector  220  and adaptor module  240  (e.g., for transmitting AC power signals between mains power connector  220  and adaptor module  240 ) as well as a second cable region  214  that may extend between adaptor module  240  and electronic device connector  230  (e.g., for transmitting DC power signals between adaptor module  240  and electronic device connector  230 ). Either one or both of cable regions  212  and  214  of cable  210  may include insulating tape for electrically isolating two or more groups of conductors that may be configured to transmit data and/or power signals between mains power connector  220  and electronic device connector  230 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partially broken-away perspective view of a portion of an exemplary cable structure  300  (e.g., extending along the X-axis), while  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of cable structure  300  (e.g., in a Y-Z plane), taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 . Cable structure  300  may be any suitable portion of any suitable cable region of any suitable cable that may be configured to transmit any suitable data signals and/or any suitable power signals. For example, cable structure  300  may be any suitable portion of one or more of cable regions  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  of cable  110  of  FIG. 1 , and/or cable structure  300  may be any suitable portion of one or more of cable regions  212  and  214  of cable  210  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Cable structure  300  may extend a length along a central longitudinal axis L from a first cable end  301  to an opposite second cable end  303  (e.g., along the X-axis of  FIG. 3 ). Cable structure  300  may include a first group of conductors  310 , an inner tape or first tape  320  that may be disposed around first conductor group  310 , an outer tape or second tape  330  that may be disposed around first tape  320 , a second group of conductors  340  that may be disposed around second tape  330 , and a jacket  350  that may be disposed around the second conductor group  340 . First tape  320  may be configured to electrically isolate first conductor group  310  from second conductor group  340 . Starting at first cable end  301  and moving towards second cable end  303  of cable structure  300 , portions of first tape  320 , second tape  330 , second conductor group  340 , and jacket  350  have been progressively removed from  FIG. 3  to more clearly illustrate the construction of cable structure  300 . 
     First conductor group  310  may extend along a length of cable structure  300  (e.g., along central longitudinal axis L) from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 . First conductor group  310  may include one or more conductors  312  that may be configured to electrically transmit signals between the ends of first conductor group  310 . Each conductor  312  may be any suitable electrically conductive conductor that may be composed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, copper (e.g., a soft copper, a tin-plated soft copper, a silver-plated copper alloy, etc.), aluminum, steel, and any combination thereof. Although  FIGS. 3 and 4  only show four (4) conductors  312  in first conductor group  310 , it is to be understood that first conductor group  310  may include any suitable number of conductors, such as twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) conductors in some embodiments. Each conductor  312  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIG. 4 , may have a diameter d 1  or any other suitable cross-sectional width, while first conductor group  310  may have an overall diameter D 1  or any other suitable cross-sectional width. For example, in some embodiments, diameter d 1  of conductor  312  may be about 0.1016 millimeters, and diameter D 1  of first conductor group  310  may be about 0.62 millimeters. 
     While first conductor group  310  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 , each conductor  312  of first conductor group  310  may be twisted in a lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, each conductor  312  of first conductor group  310  may be twisted in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction about axis L). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each conductor  312  of first conductor group  310  may be twisted in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter-clockwise lay direction about axis L) opposite to first lay direction S. Regardless of the lay direction in which each conductor  312  of first conductor group  310  may be twisted, the lay length of each conductor  312  (i.e., the distance required for a single conductor to be turned 360° about axis L) may be any suitable length, such as 7-11 millimeters. 
     First tape  320  may be disposed around first conductor group  310  along a length of cable structure  300  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ). First tape  320  may be any suitable insulating tape having any suitable dielectric performance such that first tape  320  may electrically isolate first conductor group  310  from second conductor group  340 . For example, first tape  320  may be any suitable polymeric tape that may include a polymeric sheet that may optionally include an adhesive portion on one or both surfaces. Such a polymeric sheet may be constructed from any suitable plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., PET, such as Mylar™), Kapton™ tape, and the like. First tape  320  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , first tape  320  may have a width W 1 , a thickness T 1 , and an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 1 . For example, in some embodiments, width W 1  of first tape  320  may be about 5.00 millimeters, thickness T 1  of first tape  320  may be about 0.015 millimeters, and overall diameter C 1  of first tape  320  may be about 0.68 millimeters. 
     While first tape  320  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 , first tape  320  may be wrapped around first conductor group  310  in a particular lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , first tape  320  may be wrapped in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter-clockwise lay direction) about first conductor group  310 . Alternatively, first tape  320  may be wrapped in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction) opposite to second lay direction Z (not shown). In some embodiments, the lay direction in which first tape  320  may be wrapped about first conductor group  310  may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  are twisted about axis L. 
     Regardless of the lay direction in which first tape  320  may be wrapped about first conductor group  310 , first tape  320  may be wrapped along a first helical path around a periphery of first conductor group  310  and along at least a portion of the length of cable structure  300 . A first end of first tape  320  proximate first cable end  301  is shown in  FIG. 3  as being partially unwrapped for clarity. First tape  320  may be wound into winding turns  322  that may extend in helical paths around the periphery of first conductor group  310 . In some embodiments, adjacent winding turns  322  of first tape  320  may overlap each other (e.g., except for the winding turn  322  at each end of first tape  320 , each winding turn  322  of first tape  320  may overlap one of the adjacent winding turns  322  and may be overlapped by the other adjacent winding turn  322 ). For example, each winding turn  322  may overlap and/or be overlapped by an adjacent winding turn  322  of first tape  320  by any suitable amount, such as between 20% and 40% of width W 1  of first tape  320 , and such overlap may or may not be consistent along the length of cable structure  300 . First tape  320  may be wrapped with any suitable lay direction and any suitable overlapping between adjacent winding turns  322  to appropriately retain conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  in a particular cross-sectional geometry (e.g., in a circular cross-sectional geometry having diameter D 1 , as shown in  FIG. 4 ) and in the lengthwise geometry of cable structure  300 . First tape  320  may also be configured to electrically isolate first conductor group  310  from any conductors provided about first tape  320  (e.g., the conductors of second conductor group  340 ). 
     In some embodiments, second tape  330  may be disposed around first tape  320  along a length of cable structure  300  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ). Second tape  330  may be any suitable tape and may be similar to first tape  320 . For example, second tape  330  may be any suitable polymeric tape that may include a polymeric sheet and an optional adhesive portion on one or both surfaces. Second tape  330  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second tape  330  may have a width W 2 , a thickness T 2 , and an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 2 . For example, in some embodiments, width W 2  of second tape  330  may be about 5.00 millimeters, thickness T 2  of second tape  330  may be about 0.015 millimeters, and overall diameter C 2  of second tape  330  may be about 0.74 millimeters. 
     While second tape  330  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 , second tape  330  may be wrapped around 0  first tape  320  in a particular lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , second tape  330  may be wrapped in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction) about first tape  320 . Alternatively, second tape  330  may be wrapped in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter clockwise lay direction) opposite to first lay direction S (not shown). In some embodiments, the lay direction in which second tape  330  may be wrapped about first tape  320  may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which first tape  320  is wrapped about first conductor group  310 . Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which second tape  330  may be wrapped about first tape  320  may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  are twisted about axis L. 
     Regardless of the lay direction in which second tape  330  may be wrapped about first tape  320 , second tape  330  may be wrapped along a second helical path around a periphery of first tape  320  and along at least a portion of the length of cable structure  300 . A first end of second tape  330  proximate first cable end  301  is shown in  FIG. 3  as being partially unwrapped for clarity. Second tape  330  may be wound into winding turns  332  that may extend in helical paths around the periphery of first tape  320 . In some embodiments, adjacent winding turns  332  of second tape  330  may overlap each other (e.g., except for the winding turn  332  at each end of second tape  330 , each winding turn  332  of second tape  330  may overlap one of the adjacent winding turns  332  and may be overlapped by the other adjacent winding turn  332 ). For example, each winding turn  332  may overlap and/or be overlapped by an adjacent winding turn  332  of second tape  330  by any suitable amount, such as between 20% and 40% of width W 2  of second tape  330 , and such overlap may or may not be consistent along the length of cable structure  300 . Second tape  330  may be wrapped with any suitable lay direction and any suitable overlapping between adjacent winding turns  332  to appropriately bolster the mechanical properties of first tape  320  (e.g., the retention of first conductor group  310 ) and/or to appropriately bolster the electrical properties of first tape  320  (e.g., the electrical isolation of first conductor group  310 ). In some embodiments, first tape  320  may electrically isolate first conductor group  310  without any help from second tape  330 , while second tape  330  may serve to bolster the mechanical retention of first conductor group  310  within first tape  320 . In some embodiments, cable structure  300  does not include second tape  330  at all. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive coating may be provided on at least one surface of first tape  320  and/or second tape  330 . For example, in some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on an internal surface of first tape  320  that may directly contact at least a portion of an outer surface of some conductors  312  of first conductor group  310 , such that first tape  320  may more securely retain conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  in a particular geometry. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on an external surface of first tape  320  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of second tape  330 , and/or an adhesive may be provided on an internal surface of second tape  330  that may directly contact at least a portion of an outer surface of first tape  320 , such that first tape  320  and second tape  330  may more securely retain their relative positions with respect to one another along the length of cable structure  300 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments that do not include second tape  330  within cable structure  300 , an adhesive may be provided on an external surface of first tape  320  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of some conductors of second conductor group  340 , such that first tape  320  may more securely retain conductors of second conductor group  340  in a particular geometry. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments that do include second tape  330  within cable structure  300 , an adhesive may be provided on an external surface of second tape  330  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of some conductors of second conductor group  340 , such that second tape  330  may more securely retain conductors of second conductor group  340  in a particular geometry. In yet other embodiments, no adhesive may be provided on any surface of first tape  320  and/or second tape  330 . 
     Second conductor group  340  may extend along a length of cable structure  300  (e.g., along central longitudinal axis L) from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 . Second conductor group  340  may include one or more conductors  342  that may be configured to electrically transmit signals between the ends of second conductor group  340 . In some embodiments, as shown, second conductor group  340  may include an inner layer  344  of conductors  342  disposed about first tape  320  and at least one outer layer  348  of conductors  346  disposed about inner layer  344 . Each one of conductors  342  and  346  of second conductor group  340  may be any suitable electrically conductive conductor, and may be similar to conductors  312  of first conductor group  310 . It is to be understood that second conductor group  340  may include any suitable number of conductors. For example, inner layer  344  may include twenty-one (21) to twenty-five (25) conductors  342  and outer layer  348  may include twenty-seven (27) to thirty-one (31) conductors  346 . Each conductor  342  and each conductor  346  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIG. 4 , may have respective diameters (or any other suitable cross-sectional widths) d 2  and d 3 , while second conductor group  340  may have an overall diameter D 2  or any other suitable cross-sectional width. For example, in some embodiments, diameter d 2  of conductor  342  may be about 0.1016 millimeters, diameter d 3  of conductor  346  may be about 0.1016 millimeters, and diameter D 2  of second conductor group  340  may be about 1.20 millimeters. 
     While second conductor group  340  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 , each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter-clockwise lay direction about axis L). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction about axis L) opposite to second lay direction Z. In some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  are twisted about axis L. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which first tape  320  is wrapped about first conductor group  310 . Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which second tape  330  is wrapped about first tape  320 . 
     Similarly, while second conductor group  340  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 , each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction about axis L). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter-clockwise lay direction about axis L) opposite to first lay direction S. In some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which conductors  312  of first conductor group  310  are twisted about axis L. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which first tape  320  is wrapped about first conductor group  310 . Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which second tape  330  is wrapped about first tape  320 . 
     The lay direction in which each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  may be twisted. However, in some particular embodiments, the lay direction of each conductor  346  of outer layer  348  of second conductor group  340  may be opposite to the lay direction of each conductor  342  of inner layer  344  of second conductor group  340  such that inner layer  344  and outer layer  348  may provide counter-rotating spirals of any suitable offset angle (e.g., an offset angle between 11 and 19°). 
     Jacket  350  may be disposed around second conductor group  340  along a length of cable structure  300  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ). Jacket  350  may be any suitable insulating and/or conductive material that may be extruded about second conductor group  340  for protecting the internal structure of cable structure  300  from environmental threats (e.g., impact damage, debris, heat, fluids, and the like). For example, jacket  350  may be a thermoplastic copolyester (“TPC”) (e.g., Arnitel™ XG5857) that can be extruded around the outer periphery of second conductor group  340 . Jacket  350  may be provided around the outer periphery of second conductor group  340  with any suitable uniform thickness T 3  and may provide an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 3  for cable structure  300 . For example, in some embodiments, thickness T 3  of jacket  350  may be about 0.40 millimeters, and overall diameter C 3  of jacket  350  may be about 2.00 millimeters. 
     Therefore, cable structure  300  may be provided with first tape  320  that may electrically isolate first conductor group  310  from second conductor group  340 . First tape  320  may be wrapped directly around first conductor group  310 , and second conductor group  340  may extend around first tape  320 . In some embodiments, as shown, first conductor group  310  and second conductor group  340  may be concentric and may each extend about longitudinal axis L. Therefore, a central axis of each one of first conductor group  310  and second conductor group  340  may be the same as longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 . Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, first conductor group  310  may have a cross-sectional area with a circular shape and second conductor group  340  may have a cross-sectional area with an annular shape. Although it is to be understood that the size and shape of each one of first conductor group  310  and second conductor group  340  may be any suitable size and shape. The shape of first conductor group  310  may be defined and retained by first tape  320 , whereas the shape of second conductor group  340  may be defined and retained by jacket  350  and first tape  320  and/or second tape  330 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partially broken-away perspective view of a portion of an exemplary cable structure  500  (e.g., extending along the X-axis), while  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of cable structure  500  (e.g., in a Y-Z plane), taken from line VI-VI of  FIG. 5 . Cable structure  500  may be any suitable portion of any suitable cable region of any suitable cable that may be configured to transmit any suitable data signals and/or any suitable power signals. For example, cable structure  500  may be any suitable portion of one or more of cable regions  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  of cable  110  of  FIG. 1 , and/or cable structure  500  may be any suitable portion of one or more of cable regions  212  and  214  of cable  210  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Cable structure  500  may extend a length along a central longitudinal axis L from a first cable end  501  to an opposite second cable end  503  (e.g., along the X-axis of  FIG. 5 ). Cable structure  500  may include a first group of conductors  510 , a second group of conductors  520 , an inner tape or first tape  530  that may be disposed around first conductor group  510  and around second conductor group  520 , an outer tape or second tape  540  that may be disposed around first tape  530 , and a jacket  550  that may be disposed around second tape  540 . First tape  530  may be configured to electrically isolate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520 . Starting at first cable end  501  and moving towards second cable end  503  of cable structure  500 , portions of second tape  540  and jacket  550  have been progressively removed from  FIG. 5  to more clearly illustrate the construction of cable structure  500 . 
     First conductor group  510  may extend along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., along a first conductor group central axis L 1  that may adjacent to central longitudinal axis L) from a first end proximate first cable end  501  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  503 . At any cross-section of cable structure  500  taken perpendicularly to axis L (e.g., the cross-section of  FIG. 6 ), central axis L 1  of first conductor group  510  may be distanced from central longitudinal axis L by a fixed distance L 1 D. First conductor group  510  may include one or more conductors  512  that may be configured to electrically transmit signals between the ends of first conductor group  510 . Each conductor  512  may be any suitable electrically conductive conductor that may be composed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, copper (e.g., a soft copper, a tin-plated soft copper, a silver-plated copper alloy, etc.), aluminum, steel, and any combination thereof. Although  FIGS. 5 and 6  only show thirty-three (33) conductors  512  in first conductor group  510 , it is to be understood that first conductor group  510  may include any suitable number of conductors, such as thirty-one (31) to thirty-five (35) conductors in some embodiments. Each conductor  512  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIG. 6 , may have a diameter d 5  or any other suitable cross-sectional width, while first conductor group  510  may be semi-circular with an overall diameter D 5  or any other suitable cross-sectional width. For example, in some embodiments, diameter d 5  of conductor  512  may be about 0.1016 millimeters, and diameter D 5  of first conductor group  510  may be about 1.04 millimeters. 
     Second conductor group  520  may extend along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., along a second conductor group central axis L 2  that may adjacent to central longitudinal axis L) from a first end proximate first cable end  501  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  503 . At any cross-section of cable structure  500  taken perpendicularly to axis L (e.g., the cross-section of  FIG. 6 ), central axis L 2  of second conductor group  520  may be distanced from central longitudinal axis L by a fixed distance L 2 D. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first conductor group central axis L 1  and second conductor group central axis L 2  may be on opposite sides of central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  500  (e.g., axis L may run halfway in between axis L 1  and axis L 2 , where L 1  and L 2  may be equal and/or linear at any cross-section of cable structure  500 ). Second conductor group  520  may include one or more conductors  522  that may be configured to electrically transmit signals between the ends of second conductor group  520 . Each conductor  522  may be any suitable electrically conductive conductor that may be composed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, copper (e.g., a soft copper, a tin-plated soft copper, a silver-plated copper alloy, etc.), aluminum, steel, and any combination thereof. Although  FIGS. 5 and 6  only show thirty-three (33) conductors  522  in second conductor group  520 , it is to be understood that second conductor group  520  may include any suitable number of conductors, such as thirty-one (31) to thirty-five (35) conductors in some embodiments. Each conductor  522  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIG. 6 , may have a diameter d 6  or any other suitable cross-sectional width, while second conductor group  520  may be semi-circular with an overall diameter D 6  or any other suitable cross-sectional width. For example, in some embodiments, diameter d 6  of conductor  522  may be about 0.1016 millimeters, and diameter D 6  of second conductor group  520  may be about 1.04 millimeters. While  FIGS. 5 and 6  may show second conductor group  520  to be shaped similarly to first conductor group  510  and while  FIGS. 5 and 6  may show each conductor  512  to be shaped similarly to each conductor  522 , it is to be understood that first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may each be shaped differently and may each include different numbers of conductors of different sizes and shapes. 
     First tape  530  may be disposed around first conductor group  510  along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ) as well as around second conductor group  520  along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ). First tape  530  may be any suitable insulating tape having any suitable dielectric performance such that first tape  530  may electrically isolate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520 . For example, first tape  530  may be any suitable polymeric tape that may include a polymeric sheet that may optionally include an adhesive portion on one or both surfaces. Such a polymeric sheet may be constructed from any suitable plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., PET, such as Mylar™), Kapton™ tape, and the like. First tape  530  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first tape  530  may have a width W 5 , a thickness T 5 , and an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 5 . For example, in some embodiments, width W 5  of first tape  530  may be about 6.50 millimeters, thickness T 5  of first tape  530  may be about 0.025 millimeters, and overall diameter C 5  of first tape  530  may be about 1.14 millimeters. 
     While first tape  530  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  500 , a portion of first tape  530  may be disposed about first conductor group  510  and a portion of first tape  530  may be disposed about second conductor group  520 . For example, a first portion of first tape  530  (e.g., the portion of first tape  530  extending from point P 4  to at least point P 2  in  FIG. 6 ) may define a first interior region  511  and may be disposed around conductors  512  of first conductor group  510 . As shown, for example, points P 2  and P 4  of first tape  530  may contact each other such that a first portion of first tape  530  extending between points P 2  and P 4  may surround conductors  512  of first conductor group  510  and/or may electrically isolate conductors  512  of first conductor group  510  from conductors  522  of second conductor group  520 . Alternatively or additionally, a second portion of first tape  530  (e.g., the portion of first tape  530  extending from point P 3  to at least point P 5  in  FIG. 6 ) may define a second interior region  513  and may be disposed around conductors  522  of second conductor group  520 . As shown, for example, points P 3  and P 5  of first tape  530  may contact each other such that a second portion of first tape  530  extending between points P 3  and P 5  may surround conductors  522  of second conductor group  520  and/or may electrically isolate conductors  522  of second conductor group  520  from conductors  512  of first conductor group  510 . Therefore, first tape  530  may be substantially “S-shaped,” whereby a first portion of first tape  530  may be disposed around first conductor group  510  for defining first interior region  511  along the length of cable structure  500 , and whereby a second portion of first tape  530  may be disposed around second conductor group  520  for defining second interior region  513  along the length of cable structure  500 . It is to be understood that, although each one of first interior region  511  and second interior region  513  may be shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  to be semi-circular and of substantially the same size, each one of first interior region  511  and second interior region  513  may be of a different size and a different shapes from each other in other embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, a specific portion of first tape  530  may directly separate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520 . For example, as shown, a third portion of first tape  530 , which may extend between points P 3  and P 4 , may be included as both (1) a part of the first portion of first tape  530  that may be disposed around conductors  512  of first conductor group  510  (e.g., the portion of first tape  530  extending from point P 4  to at least point P 2  in  FIG. 6 ) as well as (2) a part of the second portion of first tape  530  that may be disposed around conductors  522  of second conductor group  520  (e.g., the portion of first tape  530  extending from point P 3  to at least point P 5  in  FIG. 6 ). The length of such a third portion of first tape  530  between points P 3  and P 4  within any given cross-section of cable structure  500  (e.g., within  FIG. 6 ) may be equal to or greater than a third of the diameter or suitable cross-sectional length of cable structure  500 . For example, the length of first tape  530  between points P 3  and P 4  may be at least a third of the length of diameter C 7  of jacket  550 . Moreover, in some embodiments, an additional portion of first tape  530  may extend between points P 2  and P 1 , which may define the amount of a first overlap of first tape  530  with itself (e.g., about second conductor group  520 ). Alternatively or additionally, an additional portion of first tape  530  may extend between points P 5  and P 6 , which may define the amount of a second overlap of first tape  530  with itself (e.g., about first conductor group  510 ). 
     While first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may, respectively, extend along first conductor group axis L 1  and second conductor group axis L 2  (e.g., parallel to central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  300 ), first conductor group  510  (e.g., each conductor  512 ) and second conductor group  520  (e.g., each conductor  522 ) may be twisted in a first lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be twisted in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction about axis L). Alternatively, first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be twisted in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter-clockwise lay direction about axis L) opposite to first lay direction S. Regardless of the lay direction in which each one of first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be twisted, the lay length of each conductor (e.g., conductors  512  and  522 ) of first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  (i.e., the distance required for a single conductor to be turned 360° about axis L) may be any suitable length, such as 10-16 millimeters. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the edges of first tape  530  (e.g., the edge at P 1  and/or the edge at P 6 ) may be wound in a particular lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  300 . When first tape  530  is disposed with respect to first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , such winding of an edge of first tape  530  in a particular lay direction about central longitudinal axis L may similarly twist conductors  512  of first conductor group  510  and conductors  522  of second conductor group  520  in that same particular lay direction. For example, in some embodiments, first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be twisted in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction about axis L) as an edge of first tape  530  is wound in first lay direction S. Alternatively, first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be twisted in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter clockwise lay direction about axis L) as an edge of first tape  530  is wound in second lay direction Z. Regardless of the lay direction in which an edge of first tape  530  may be wrapped about longitudinal axis L, first tape  530  may be wrapped around a periphery of first conductor group  510 , around a periphery of second conductor group  520 , and between first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520 . 
     In some embodiments, second tape  540  may be disposed around first tape  530  along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  501  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  503 ). Second tape  540  may be any suitable tape and may be similar to first tape  530 . For example, second tape  540  may be any suitable polymeric tape that may include a polymeric sheet and an optional adhesive portion on one or both surfaces. Second tape  540  may be of any suitable geometry and, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , second tape  540  may have a width W 6 , a thickness T 6 , and an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 6 . For example, in some embodiments, width W 6  of second tape  540  may be about 3.00 millimeters, thickness T 6  of second tape  540  may be about 0.015 millimeters, and overall diameter C 6  of second tape  540  may be about 1.20 millimeters. 
     While second tape  540  may extend along central longitudinal axis L of cable structure  500 , second tape  540  may be wrapped around first tape  530  in a particular lay direction about central longitudinal axis L along the length of cable structure  500 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , second tape  540  may be wrapped in a second lay direction Z (e.g., a counter clockwise lay direction) about first tape  530 . Alternatively, second tape  540  may be wrapped in a first lay direction S (e.g., a clockwise lay direction) opposite to second lay direction Z (not shown). In some embodiments, the lay direction in which second tape  540  may be wrapped about first tape  530  may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which first tape  530  is wrapped about longitudinal axis L. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lay direction in which second tape  540  may be wrapped about first tape  530  may be the same as or opposite to the lay direction in which first conductor group  510  is twisted about axis L. 
     Regardless of the lay direction in which second tape  540  may be wrapped about first tape  530 , second tape  540  may be wrapped along a second helical path around a periphery of first tape  530  and along at least a portion of the length of cable structure  500 . A first end of second tape  540  proximate first cable end  501  is shown in  FIG. 5  as being partially unwrapped for clarity. Second tape  540  may be wound into winding turns  542  that may extend in helical paths around the periphery of first tape  530 . In some embodiments, adjacent winding turns  542  of second tape  540  may overlap each other (e.g., except for the winding turn  542  at each end of second tape  540 , each winding turn  542  of second tape  540  may overlap one of the adjacent winding turns  542  and may be overlapped by the other adjacent winding turn  542 ). For example, each winding turn  542  may overlap and/or be overlapped by an adjacent winding turn  542  of second tape  540  by any suitable amount, such as between 20% and 40% of width W 6  of second tape  540 , and such overlap may or may not be consistent along the length of cable structure  500 . Second tape  540  may be wrapped with any suitable lay direction and any suitable overlapping between adjacent winding turns  542  to appropriately bolster the mechanical properties of first tape  530  (e.g., the retention of first conductor group  510  and/or second conductor group  520 ). 
     In some embodiments, first tape  530  may electrically isolate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520  without any help from second tape  540 , while second tape  540  may serve to bolster the mechanical retention of first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  within first tape  530 . For example, second tape  540  may bolster the mechanical retention of first conductor group  510  within first tape  530  between points P 4  and P 2  of first tape  530  when there is little to no additional portion of first tape  530  extending between points P 2  and P 1  of first tape  530  (e.g., second tape  540  may be disposed around first tape  530  to bolster mechanical retention capabilities of first tape  530  when first tape  530  does not overlap itself to a certain degree). In some embodiments, cable structure  500  does not include second tape  540  at all. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive coating may be provided on at least one surface of first tape  530  and/or second tape  540 . For example, in some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on at least a portion of a first surface of first tape  530  that may directly contact at least a portion of an outer surface of some conductors  512  of first conductor group  510 , such that first tape  530  may more securely retain conductors  512  of first conductor group  510  in a particular geometry. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on at least a portion of a second surface of first tape  530  that may directly contact at least a portion of an outer surface of some conductors  522  of second conductor group  520 , such that first tape  530  may more securely retain conductors  522  of second conductor group  520  in a particular geometry. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided on at least a portion of one or both of the surfaces of first tape  530  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of second tape  540 , and/or an adhesive may be provided on an internal surface of second tape  540  that may directly contact at least a portion of one or more surfaces of first tape  530 , such that first tape  530  and second tape  540  may more securely retain their relative positions with respect to one another along the length of cable structure  500 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments that do not include second tape  540  within cable structure  500 , an adhesive may be provided on at least a portion of one or both surfaces of first tape  530  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of jacket  550 , such that first tape  530  may more securely retain conductors of first conductor group  510  and/or second conductor group  520  in a particular geometry with respect to jacket  550 . Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments that do include second tape  540  within cable structure  500 , an adhesive may be provided on at least a portion of an external surface of second tape  540  that may directly contact at least a portion of an inner surface of jacket  550 , such that second tape  540  may more securely retain first tape  530  in a particular geometry with respect to jacket  550 . In yet other embodiments, no adhesive may be provided on any surface of first tape  530  and/or second tape  540 . 
     Jacket  550  may be disposed around first tape  530  along a length of cable structure  500  (e.g., from a first end proximate first cable end  301  to an opposite second end proximate second cable end  303 ). When cable structure  500  also includes second tape  540 , jacket  550  may be disposed directly around second tape  540  along a length of cable structure  500 . Jacket  550  may be any suitable insulating and/or conductive material that may be extruded about first tape  530  and/or second tape  540  for protecting the internal structure of cable structure  500  from environmental threats (e.g., impact damage, debris, heat, fluids, and the like). For example, jacket  550  may be a thermoplastic copolyester (“TPC”) (e.g., Arnitel™ XG5857) that can be extruded around the outer periphery of first tape  530  and/or second tape  540 . Jacket  550  may be provided around the outer periphery of first tape  530  and/or second tape  540  with any suitable uniform thickness T 7  and may provide an overall diameter (or any other suitable cross-sectional width) C 7  for cable structure  500 . For example, in some embodiments, thickness T 7  of jacket  550  may be about 0.40 millimeters, and overall diameter C 7  of jacket  550  may be about 2.00 millimeters. 
     Therefore, cable structure  500  may be provided with first tape  530  that may electrically isolate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520 . First tape  530  may be disposed directly around first conductor group  510  and directly around second conductor group  520 , while second tape  540  may be disposed directly around first tape  530 . In some embodiments, as shown, first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may extend parallel to one another and along longitudinal axis L (e.g., center axis L 1  of first conductor group  510  and center axis L 2  of second conductor group  520  may always be separated from one another by a distance (e.g., the sum of distances L 1 D and L 2 D)). Therefore, a central axis of each one of first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  may be removed from longitudinal axis L of cable structure  500  at any cross-section along the length of cable structure  500  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     First tape  530  may at least partially define and retain the cross-sectional shape of each one of first conductor group  510  and second conductor group  520  as similar shapes, complimentary shapes, or different shapes. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, first interior region  511  of first tape  530  about first conductor group  510  may have a cross-sectional area with a first semi-circular shape and second interior region  513  of first tape  530  about second conductor group  520  may have a cross-sectional area with a second semi-circular shape. The shape of first interior region  511  about first conductor group  510  may be defined by at least a first portion of first tape  530  (e.g., between points P 2  and P 4  of first tape  530 ) as a first semicircle, whereas the shape of second interior region  513  about second conductor group  520  may be defined by at least a second portion of first tape  530  (e.g., between points P 3  and P 5  of first tape  530 ) as a second semicircle. A first segment of the first portion of first tape  530  (e.g., between points P 3  and P 4  of first tape  530 ) may define and retain the diameter of the first semicircle of first interior region  511  (e.g., diameter D 5  of first conductor group  510 ), while at least a part of that first segment of first tape  530  (e.g., between points P 3  and P 4  of first tape  530 ) may define and retain the diameter of the second semicircle of second interior region  513  (e.g., diameter D 6  of second conductor group  520 ). In such embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, by retaining the diameter of a semi-circular first conductor group  510  against the diameter of a semi-circular second conductor group  520  using a common portion of a segment of first tape  530  (e.g., a common portion of a segment between points P 3  and P 4  of first tape  530 ), the arc of each semi-circular conductor group (e.g., the arc of each semi-circular interior region  511 / 513 ) may be opposite one another, thereby allowing the outer most surfaces of first tape  530  to form a curved cross-section (e.g., a circular cross-section when each one of semi-circular interior regions  511  and  513  is similarly shaped and sized, as shown in  FIG. 6 ). This may allow for cable structure  500  to have a circular cross-section while also packing as many conductors (e.g., conductors  512  and  522 ) as possible within the interior of first tape  530 . That is, two semi-circular cross-sectional interior regions  511  and  513  of first tape  530  may fit within a circular cross-sectional interior region of cable structure  500  without first tape  530  requiring any additional space besides that of its interior regions. 
     It is to be understood, however, that the cross-sectional size and shape of first interior region  511  provided by first tape  530  for defining and retaining the geometry of first conductor group  510  may be any suitable size and shape that may be the same as or different than the size and shape of second interior region  513  provided by first tape  530  for defining and retaining the geometry of second conductor group  520 . For example, first interior region  511  may be a quadrangle while second interior region  513  may be circular. Moreover, in some embodiments, a first tape may define first interior region  511 , a second tape may define second interior region  513 , and a third tape may be disposed about such a first tape and such a second tape. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  700  for forming a cable. At step  702  of process  700 , a first tape may be disposed directly around a first group of conductors and along a length of the cable. For example, as described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , first tape  320  may be disposed directly around first conductor group  310  along a length of cable structure  300 . As another example, as described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first tape  530  may be disposed directly around first conductor group  510  along a length of cable structure  500 . At step  704  of process  700 , a second group of conductors may be disposed along the length of the cable, where the first tape electrically isolates the first group of conductors from the second group of conductors. For example, as also described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second conductor group  340  may be disposed along the length of cable structure  300 , where first tape  320  may electrically isolate first conductor group  310  from second conductor group  340 . As another example, as described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , second conductor group  520  may be disposed along the length of cable structure  500 , where first tape  530  may electrically isolate first conductor group  510  from second conductor group  520 . 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  700  of  FIG. 7  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  800  for forming a cable. At step  802  of process  800 , a first tape may be wound directly around a first group of conductors and along a length of the cable. For example, as described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , first tape  320  may be wound directly around first conductor group  310  along a length of cable structure  300 . In some embodiments of step  802 , a tape may be rotated about a first conductor group as the conductor group is passed between a die and a rotating tip. Then, at step  804  of process  800 , a second group of conductors may be disposed around the first tape and along the length of the cable. For example, as also described with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second conductor group  340  may be disposed around first tape  320  along the length of cable structure  300 . In some embodiments, the first tape of step  802  may electrically isolate the first conductor group from the second conductor group. In some embodiments, process  800  may also include, before step  804 , winding a second tape directly around the first tape and along the length of the cable, where the disposing of step  804  may include disposing the second group of conductors directly around the second tape and along the length of the cable. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  800  of  FIG. 8  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  900  for forming a cable. At step  902  of process  900 , a first portion of a first tape may be disposed around a first group of conductors and along a length of the cable. For example, as described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a first portion of first tape  530  may be disposed around first conductor group  510  along a length of cable structure  500 . Moreover, at step  904  of process  900 , a second portion of the first tape may be disposed around a second group of conductors and along the length of the cable. For example, as also described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a second portion of first tape  530  may be disposed around Second conductor group  520  along the length of cable structure  500 . In some embodiments, the first tape of steps  902  and  904  may electrically isolate the first conductor group from the second conductor group. In some embodiments, process  900  may also include twisting the first tape, the first group of conductors, and the second group of conductors in a first lay direction, and process  900  may also include winding a second tape in a second lay direction around the first tape and along the length of the cable, where the second lay direction may be the opposite of the first lay direction. For example, as also described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first tape  530 , first conductor group  510 , and second conductor group  520  may be twisted in a first lay direction S while second tape  540  may be wound about first tape  530  in a second lay direction Z. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  900  of  FIG. 9  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 10  may show a perspective view of at least a portion of an assembly system  1000  that may be used to form at least a portion of a cable (e.g., cable structure  500  of  FIGS. 5 and 6  and/or a cable formed according to process  900  of  FIG. 9 ). As shown, system  1000  may include a fixture  1010  and a tip  1020 . Fixture  1010  may include a first passageway  1510  through which first conductor group  510  may be passed (e.g., in the +X-direction), a second passageway  1520  through which second conductor group  520  may be passed (e.g., in the +X-direction), and a third passageway  1530  through which and along which first tape  530  may be passed (e.g., in the +X-direction). Once first conductor group  510 , second conductor group  520 , and first tape  530  are passed through fixture  1010 , they may together (e.g., as collection  570 ) be received by and passed through a passageway  1022  of tip  1020  (e.g., in the +X-direction). Tip  1020  may rotate (e.g., in the S-direction or the Z-direction), thereby imparting a lay direction on collection  570  and producing twisted collection  580  (e.g., a twisted collection of first conductor group  510 , second conductor group  520 , and first tape  530 ). Fixture  1010  may be fixed in space, while tip  1020  may be a fixed distance from fixture  1010  while also being free to rotate in the S-direction or the Z-direction (e.g., about the X-axis) to impart a lay direction onto collection  570  for producing twisted collection  580 . 
     Although not shown, further along the +X-direction, system  100  may be configured to enable second tape  540  to be rotated about twisted collection  580  in either the S-direction or the Z-direction to wind second tape  540  onto cable structure  500 . In some embodiments, such winding of second tape  540  onto a first portion of twisted collection  580  may be done concurrently with the rotation of tip  1020  for creating a second portion of twisted collection  580 , where such a first portion may be spaced in the +X-direction from such a second portion when both portions are included in a final cable structure  500 . 
     While there have been described cable structures with insulating tape and systems and methods for making the same, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom” and “side,” “length” and “width” and “thickness” and “diameter” and “cross-section” and “longitudinal,” “X-” and “Y-” and “Z-,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the cable structures of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. 
     Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130814
Publication Date: 20160503
Grant Date: 20160503
Priority Date: 20130814
Inventors: NG NATHAN NICHOLAS
KIM MIN CHUL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01B11/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1033", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01B7/0241", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01B11/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1033", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01B7/0241", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52271037