Duct Information Modules for Redundant Location and Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct systems lack efficient methods for locating individual duct lines, especially when obscured, leading to errors and high maintenance costs due to the unreliability of tracer wires, which can become disassociated or damaged during construction, and lack redundancy in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A duct system with electronic information modules attached via an oversheath, emitting positional and duct properties signals to facilitate accurate location and mapping, allowing for redundancy in signal transmission even if one module fails, by creating a network of information modules that can bypass malfunctioning units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracer wire is used for duct location, then basic location function is provided, but the system lacks redundancy so failure of tracer wire causes failure of entire location mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The location system is segmented into multiple independent electronic modules distributed along the duct. Each module operates independently, providing redundant location information. This segmentation creates inherent redundancy without requiring a complex centralized system, as each module can function autonomously to locate duct sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from a single continuous tracer wire to multiple discrete electronic modules with varying signal parameters. This parameter change enables redundancy because multiple modules can provide overlapping location information, and the system can tolerate the failure of individual modules while maintaining overall functionality.
2Loss of information
If traditional duct system is used, then construction is simple, but there is no method for identifying individual obscured duct sections or obtaining specific information regarding duct location and state
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic information modules serve multiple functions: they provide location information, identify individual duct sections, and can potentially monitor duct state. This multi-functionality addresses the information availability problem without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical duct system is replaced with an active electronic system where modules emit signals that can be detected and processed. This substitution enables the retrieval of specific information about duct location and identity without adding significant mechanical complexity, as the electronic components integrate seamlessly with the existing duct structure.
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.