Apical Conduit with Planar Top and Curved Bottom for Shallow Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for installing telecommunications cables are either susceptible to damage from natural and man-made occurrences when above ground or incur high costs and labor for underground installations, necessitating a cost-efficient solution for below-ground level installations.
Innovation Solution
The use of apical conduits that can be installed at or slightly below ground level, featuring a planar surface and a low-rise arc profile, allowing cables to be placed on the ground surface or in shallow trenches, with support ribs for stabilization and easy removal, and specialized tools for installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are installed above ground level, then installation cost and time are reduced, but cables become susceptible to damage from natural and man-made occurrences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an apical conduit as an intermediary protective structure that houses the cable. The conduit has a planar top surface that contacts the ground and a curved bottom surface that follows the ground contour, providing protection while maintaining a low profile. This mediator allows the cable to be protected without requiring deep burial or expensive underground installation.
2Reliability
If cables are installed underground, then cable protection is improved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by installing the conduit only at the apical (top) portion of the ground surface rather than burying it completely underground. The conduit extends slightly below the ground surface to provide protection while maintaining most of its structure above ground, significantly reducing excavation requirements and installation costs compared to full underground installation.
3Reliability
If a protective conduit is installed below ground level, then cable protection is improved, but the conduit profile increases and may interfere with traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit employs asymmetric geometry with a planar top surface and a curved bottom surface. The planar top surface provides a low profile that contacts the ground and does not interfere with traffic, while the curved bottom surface follows the ground contour to provide protection. This asymmetric design allows the conduit to be partially below ground level for protection while maintaining a low overall profile.
4Reliability
If the conduit is installed in a shallow trench, then cable protection is improved, but the conduit may be displaced by traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action through support ribs that extend from the conduit body into the ground before the conduit is fully installed. These ribs are pre-formed as part of the conduit structure and provide immediate stabilization upon installation, preventing displacement by traffic loads. The ribs create anchor points that secure the conduit in its intended position.
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.