Subsurface Conduit Relocation via Translation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for relocating underground conduits, such as cables and pipes, are time-consuming, expensive, and often require destroying the original conduit, which can lead to damage and exposure of hazardous materials, while also disrupting service and not allowing for efficient lateral or vertical repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses metal piles and a translation system to move conduits laterally or vertically without destroying them, by excavating around the conduit, placing metal piles underneath, and using a trolley and actuator system to reposition the conduit intact, allowing for parallel movement along roadways and curved paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cable relocation methods are used (exposing and destroying conduit), then cables can be moved to new locations, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The translation system is divided into multiple independent trolley assemblies that can operate simultaneously on separate translation rails. Each trolley assembly handles a portion of the conduit, allowing parallel processing and significantly reducing the overall relocation time compared to sequential methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Translation rails are installed in the excavation area before the conduit relocation begins. This preliminary preparation creates a ready-made translation path, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site construction of translation mechanisms during the actual relocation process.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cable relocation methods are used (removing cables from conduit), then cables can be repositioned, but the original conduit is destroyed and hazardous materials may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is nested within a protective buffer zone of subterranean material that is also translated. This nested approach allows the conduit to be moved as part of a larger package, protecting it from damage and containing any hazardous materials within the original conduit structure throughout the relocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal sheet piles serve as an intermediary support structure between the excavation area and the translation system. These sheet piles provide a stable platform for the trolley assemblies to operate on, enabling safe handling and translation of the conduit without direct contact that could cause damage or exposure of hazardous materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If replacement conduit is used (such as PVC or plywood forms), then cables can be installed in new locations, but the process requires destroying the original conduit and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The translation system is designed to be universally applicable to various conduit types and sizes by adjusting the trolley assembly configurations. The same basic system can translate different conduit materials (clay tile, concrete, metal) and dimensions, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each conduit type and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual handling and multiple construction steps with a streamlined mechanical translation system. Instead of manually removing, transporting, and reinstalling conduit sections, the entire conduit is translated in one continuous operation using the trolley assemblies on translation rails, significantly reducing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If cables are suspended from ropes or ties during relocation, then cables can be moved to new positions, but the cables may become kinked or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit and its protective buffer zone are merged into a single translated unit. This combination ensures that the conduit maintains its structural integrity and protective surrounding throughout the relocation, preventing damage to the cables within while achieving efficient relocation through the unified translation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems and methods are utilized to relocate subsurface conduit. Specifically, the movement of underground conduit is accomplished via the apparatuses, systems and methods described herein, including movement thereof in either or both of laterally from a first lateral position to a second lateral position and/or vertically from a first vertical position to a second vertical position.