Direct Cable Expansion Using Fluid Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of new telecommunication cables or replacement of existing copper cables is labor and cost-intensive due to the need for excavation and trenching, as copper cables have limited data bandwidth and are inadequate for modern telecommunications demands.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for direct cable expansion using a pump, probe, and coupler to create a channel between the outer sheath and core of the cable, allowing for the introduction of a fluid to separate and expand the outer sheath, enabling the insertion of new cables without excavation by forming a channel within the existing cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If excavation and trenching are used to install new cables, then new transmission infrastructure can be established, but labor costs and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places new optical fiber cables inside the existing copper cable structure by creating a channel between the outer sheath and the copper conductors. The new cable is nested within the protective outer sheath of the existing cable, eliminating the need for separate trenching and allowing installation through the existing cable route.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid as an intermediary substance to create and expand a channel between the outer sheath and the copper conductors. The fluid acts as a mediator that separates the components and creates space for the new cable without requiring mechanical excavation of the ground.
2Quantity of substance
If copper cables are replaced with optical fiber, then data bandwidth increases, but the cost and complexity of installation increase due to excavation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the replacement of copper cables with optical fiber installation into a single operation. By creating a channel within the existing cable structure, the system allows simultaneous removal of copper conductors and installation of optical fiber cables through the same access points, merging multiple installation steps into one process.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing copper cable infrastructure is utilized, then installation costs are reduced, but the cable structure must be expanded to accommodate new cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable structure by introducing fluid pressure to expand the space between the outer sheath and the copper conductors. This parameter change allows the rigid cable structure to be temporarily modified to accommodate the new optical fiber cable without permanent structural changes or complex installation procedures.
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
This method reduces the need for excavation and trenching, facilitating the installation of new cables within existing infrastructure, thereby lowering costs and labor requirements while accommodating increased bandwidth demands.
Implementation Method 1
A pump may be coupled to a reservoir holding a fluid, and configured to pump the fluid. A probe may be operatively coupled to the pump, and configured to introduce the fluid into a cable such that a channel is created, by the fluid, between an outer sheath of the cable and a core of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques for direct cable expansion are provided. A system includes a pump, a probe, and a coupler. The pump is coupled to a reservoir holding a fluid. The probe is in fluid communication with the pump, and is configured to introduce the fluid into a cable such that a channel is created, by the fluid, between an outer sheath of the cable and a core of the cable. The coupler is configured to attach to a cable, receive the probe, and position the probe at an interface between the outer sheath and an inner material of the cable adjacent to the outer sheath.