Optical Fiber Path Optimization with Slope-Aware Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for planning optical fiber cable routes fail to adequately account for terrain slopes, leading to increased construction costs and risk of damage from natural hazards and human activities, which can result in costly repairs and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that models geographic terrain to optimize cable path arrangements by incorporating direction-dependent and direction-independent factors, using a combination of arrangement cost and repair rate models to determine Pareto optimal paths that minimize laying costs and potential failures, employing the Ordered Upwind Method to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for optimal path determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher protection level cables (single armoured, double armoured, rock armoured) are used to avoid damage from natural hazards and human activities, then cable reliability is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different protection levels at different locations along the cable path. The system identifies high-risk areas (such as regions with steep slopes, earthquake zones, or areas prone to human activities) and applies enhanced protection measures specifically in those locations, while using standard protection in low-risk areas. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliability only where needed, avoiding unnecessary cost increases in safe areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protection parameter dynamically based on terrain characteristics and risk assessment. By modeling the geographic terrain and analyzing slope directions, the system adjusts the protection level parameter according to local conditions. This allows the cable design to adapt to varying environmental risks, achieving optimal balance between reliability and construction cost.
2Reliability
If cable paths are designed to avoid high risk or highly uneven areas, then cable reliability is improved, but path length and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing terrain modeling and risk assessment during the path planning phase, before actual cable laying. The system pre-identifies high-risk areas and potential path issues, allowing engineers to select optimal routes that avoid problematic terrain while maintaining reasonable path length. This proactive approach simplifies subsequent construction by preventing complex situations before they arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the path selection process adaptive rather than static. The system evaluates multiple potential paths and adjusts the optimal route based on real-time terrain analysis and risk assessment. This dynamic approach allows the cable path to flexibly navigate around hazards while minimizing unnecessary detours, balancing reliability with path simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If cable paths traverse steep slopes and uneven terrain, then construction cost is reduced, but cable vulnerability to damage from natural hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with steep slopes and uneven terrain before cable installation. The terrain modeling system detects areas where slope direction and gradient may cause construction difficulties or future cable damage. By anticipating these hazards in advance, the system can either adjust the path to avoid them or implement preventive measures, thereby reducing breakage risk while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining optimal path arrangements for an infrastructure link between two geographic locations, in particular, in uneven terrain. The method includes modelling a geographic terrain containing the two geographic locations; optimizing an arrangement cost and a repair rate for two or more potential paths based on the modelled geographic terrain, an arrangement cost model, and a repair rate model, taking into account at least two design levels, wherein the arrangement cost model incorporates direction-dependent factor and direction-independent factor associated with the path arrangements; and determining the optimal path arrangements each including multiple path portions and respective design levels associated with the path portions based on the optimization.