Adjustable Cable Transition Structure for Curb and Surface Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying power systems with cable transitions between different installation surfaces is costly and limits deployment locations or system size due to the need for trench digging or surface grading, which may not be feasible in all cases, such as transitions like curbs between road and sidewalk surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cable transition system (CTS) that couples with a cable management system (CMS) to create a contiguous volume along and over installation surfaces, including adjustable segments to interface with various transition heights, sizes, and positions, eliminating the need for trench digging or grading and protecting cables from external loads and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trenches are dug to route cables beneath ground surface, then cable protection is improved, but deployment costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable transition system as an intermediary structure that spans across surface transitions (curbs, sidewalks, roads) to enable cable routing without trenching. This mediator allows cables to be protected and routed efficiently while avoiding the need for expensive and time-consuming excavation work.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from subsurface cable routing (trenches below ground) to surface-level cable routing using overhead structures. By changing the dimensional approach from below-ground to above-ground installation, the system eliminates trenching requirements while maintaining cable protection.
2Ease of operation
If installation surfaces are graded to remove transitions, then cable routing is simplified, but deployment costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable transition system acts as a mediator that accommodates existing surface transitions (curbs, sidewalks, roads) without requiring their modification. This intermediary structure allows cables to route over transitions while maintaining ease of cable management, eliminating the need for costly grading operations.
3Ease of operation
If surface grading is performed to create smooth installation surfaces, then cable routing is improved, but deployment costs increase and some transitions cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cable transition system serves as an intermediary that bridges across unavoidable surface transitions (curbs, sidewalks, roads) without requiring their removal or grading. This approach maintains ease of cable routing while avoiding the high costs associated with surface modification, making deployment more cost-effective.
4Productivity
If cables are routed above ground surface, then trenching costs are eliminated, but cable protection from external loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable transition system functions as a protective intermediary structure that houses and shields cables routed above ground. This mediator provides mechanical protection from external loads (vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, equipment) while enabling rapid above-ground installation without trenching.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable transition system employs enclosed structures with protective walls and covers that form flexible yet protective housings around cables. These shell-like enclosures protect cables from external mechanical loads while allowing for relatively simple installation and configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable transition system may include a first segment and a second segment. The first segment may at least partially define a first volume extending along a first plane and configured to receive a cable. The second segment may at least partially define a second volume extending along a second plane and configured to receive the cable. The second plane may be different than the first plane. The second segment may be configured to couple to the first segment to at least partially define an adjustable volume connected to the first volume and the second volume. The adjustable volume may be configured to route the cable between the first plane and the second plane.