Conduit Split Block for Simultaneous Cable and Tape 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, especially when the conduit is long or already filled with cables, as they require complex and expensive procedures like rodder systems for successful insertion over short distances.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows simultaneous introduction of a cable and another item into a conduit by splitting the conduit, using a pushing mechanism with a coupling block to attach the item to the cable, and moving them through the conduit using a conventional cable pushing machine and air blower.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable insertion efficiencyVSAvoiddifficulty of inserting second cable

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A pull tape is preliminarily inserted into the conduit before the second cable, positioned through the existing cable or along the conduit path. This preliminary placement of the tape creates a ready-made pulling mechanism that enables subsequent cable installation without requiring additional complex equipment or multiple passes through the conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to insert tape in impeded situationsVSAvoidcomplexity of rodder system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit is divided into two separate sections using a split block assembly that creates independent access points. This segmentation allows the pull tape to be inserted through one section while the other section remains accessible for cable installation, eliminating the need for complex rodder systems that require multiple passes through the entire conduit length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The split block assembly acts as an intermediary device that facilitates tape insertion by creating a localized access point. Instead of using a complex rodder system to push tape through the entire conduit, the split block provides a convenient intermediate location where the tape can be easily introduced and then fed through the cable or along the conduit path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple passes through the conduit are required using expensive equipment, then items can be inserted into the conduit, but the process becomes time consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of insertion systemVSAvoidtime for multiple passes through conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pull tape is preliminarily inserted into the conduit before the cable, creating a ready-made pulling mechanism. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for multiple passes through the conduit with expensive equipment, as the tape remains in position to immediately facilitate cable installation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion of the pull tape and the subsequent cable installation are merged into a single operational sequence. By pre-positioning the tape and having it ready to attach to the cable, the system combines what would traditionally require separate operations (tape insertion, cable attachment, cable pulling) into an efficient integrated process that reduces overall installation time and equipment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient and cost-effective simultaneous insertion of multiple items into long conduits, reducing labor and equipment costs by leveraging existing machinery and minimizing the need for complex procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the insertion is assisted by a flow of air which is blown into the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS8387954B2System for the simultaneous introduction of two items into a conduit

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 WESCO DISTRIBUTION INC

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). 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).