Conduit Split Block for Simultaneous Cable and Item Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for introducing multiple items, such as cables and pull tapes, into underground conduits are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly when conduits are long or contain undulating cables, as they require multiple passes with expensive equipment and are only effective over short distances.

Innovation Solution

A system that simultaneously introduces a cable with a bullet head and attachment device into a conduit, using pushing and blowing means to move both the cable and another item through the conduit, allowing a second cable to be attached and pulled in, utilizing a split block and air assistance for efficient passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional pushing/air blowing procedure is used for the first cable, then the cable can be inserted into the conduit, but a second cable cannot be readily positioned due to undulations of the first cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation efficiencyVSAvoiddifficulty of positioning second cable

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the introduction of the pull tape and the second cable into a single simultaneous operation. The pull tape is pre-attached to the second cable, allowing both items to be introduced together through the conduit using the same pushing/air blowing procedure that successfully installed the first cable, eliminating the need for separate operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tape is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the second cable before introduction into the conduit. This preliminary preparation ensures that the tape is already in place to facilitate pulling the cable through undulating sections, avoiding the need for separate tape insertion operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a rodder system is used to insert pull tape in impeded situations, then the tape can be positioned, but the system becomes expensive and labor intensive with multiple passes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to insert tape in impeded situationsVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple passes with expensive equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the introduction of the pull tape and the second cable into a single simultaneous operation. The pull tape is pre-attached to the second cable, allowing both items to be introduced together through the conduit using the same pushing/air blowing procedure that successfully installed the first cable, eliminating the need for separate operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the existing air blowing capability of the conduit installation system to simultaneously propel both the pull tape and the second cable through the conduit. This pneumatic assistance eliminates the need for mechanical rodder systems and multiple passes, reducing equipment complexity and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If traditional separate introduction methods are used for cable and pull tape, then each item can be inserted, but the procedure becomes complex and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccessful insertion of each itemVSAvoidtime for multiple separate passes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by using the same air blowing and pushing mechanism for both the first cable installation and the simultaneous introduction of the pull tape and second cable. This eliminates idle time between operations and keeps the installation process continuously productive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the efficient and simultaneous introduction of multiple items into long conduits, reducing labor and equipment costs by allowing simultaneous insertion and pulling of cables over extended distances.

Implementation Method 1

blowing means to move air past the cable and the item to assist the pushing means in moving the cable and the item through the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2031720B1System for the simultaneous introduction of two items into a conduit

Publication Date: 2019.11.20 WESCO EQUITY CORP

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Figure 3

AI summary

A system (10) for simultaneously introducing a cable (11) and another item (21) into a conduit (12) includes a pushing machine (13) and an air blower (15) which introduces the cable (11) into the conduit (12). The conduit (12) is split near the pushing machine (13) so that the item (21) may be attached to the cable (11) by means of an attachment device (25) carried by a bullet head (23) at the leading end of the cable (11). Alternatively, a projectible (35) may be attached to the leading end of the cable (11) and the item (21) may be attached at the junction of the cable (11) and projectile (35). A block (18) then connects the split ends (16, 17) of the conduit (12), and the cable (11) and other item (21) may then be moved together through the conduit (12) by the pushing machine (13) and air blower (15) which moves air against the projectile (35) to assist such movement.