Ducts with information modules and methods of use and manufacture thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct systems lack efficient methods for accurately locating individual duct lines, especially when obscured, and often suffer from errors due to tracer wire disturbances or damage, lacking redundancy and means to identify duct sections or their conditions.
Innovation Solution
A duct system with electronic information modules attached via an oversheath, emitting positional and duct properties signals, allowing for networked communication and redundancy to ensure continuous signal routing even if one module fails, enabling accurate location and mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracer wire is used to locate ducts, then duct location can be identified, but positioning errors occur due to wire disturbance or damage during construction
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into multiple sections, each with its own electronic information module containing a unique identifier. This segmentation allows individual duct sections to be identified independently without relying on a continuous tracer wire that can be disturbed or damaged during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical tracer wire system is replaced with electronic information modules that can be attached to or embedded in the duct. These electronic modules use electromagnetic fields or optical signals for identification, eliminating the physical contact and manipulation issues that plague mechanical tracer wires during construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If tracer wire is placed alongside duct, then duct can be located, but system lacks redundancy and any wire failure causes complete location mechanism failure
Solution Approach 1:
The location system is segmented into multiple independent electronic information modules distributed along the duct. Each module contains redundant identification capabilities, so if one module fails or is damaged, other modules continue to provide location information, ensuring system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates built-in redundancy by placing multiple information modules along the duct and designing them to communicate in a network. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one module fails, the system can still locate the duct through other modules, preventing complete system failure.
3Device complexity
If traditional duct systems are used, then construction is simple, but ducts obscured by soil or obstructions cannot be accurately located or identified
Solution Approach 1:
Physical tracer wires that are difficult to detect when obscured are replaced with electronic information modules that emit electromagnetic or optical signals. These signals can be detected by receivers even when the duct is buried or obscured, enabling accurate location without requiring direct visual contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic information modules serve multiple functions: they provide unique identification, store duct property information, enable location tracking, and facilitate network communication. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate tracer wires, marking systems, and documentation, simplifying the overall system while improving detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If information modules are attached to duct, then precise location and mapping is enabled, but system complexity increases with networked communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic information modules are designed as universal, standardized units that can be attached to any duct section. Each module contains integrated communication, identification, and data storage capabilities, eliminating the need for complex external networking infrastructure and simplifying system deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The information modules autonomously manage their own identification and communication functions without requiring complex external control systems. Each module independently transmits its data and can communicate with adjacent modules, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining precise location and mapping capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.