Roadway Fiber Trench Sealing Against Tire Shear Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing optical fiber cables in roadways require traffic shutdowns due to the vulnerability of cables to disruption by vehicle tires, necessitating quick and secure installation techniques.
Innovation Solution
A trench installation method using a tape-covered optical fiber cable with a sealant applied along the tape edges to mechanically restrain it, and optionally texturizing the sealant to match pavement texture, providing mechanical stability and protection against shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber cable is installed in a trench in roadway pavement, then cable protection against vehicle tires is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the trench in the pavement before cable installation and preparing the sealant application system in advance. The trench is excavated to specific dimensions (first region with first width, second region with second width) before the cable is placed, allowing for organized installation. The sealant is prepared and the application apparatus is positioned ready to immediately seal the trench after cable placement, minimizing the time the roadway needs to be closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the trench into two distinct regions: a first region with a first width and a second region with a second width that is less than the first width. This segmentation allows the wider first region to accommodate the cable laying and sealant application equipment, while the narrower second region provides adequate cable protection. The segmented approach optimizes both installation efficiency and cable protection without requiring a uniformly wide trench throughout its entire length.
2Strength
If sealant is applied to cover tape edges and upper surface, then cable mechanical restraint is improved, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the trench into two regions with different widths. The first region has a wider width to accommodate sealant application and provide edge coverage, while the second region has a narrower width sufficient for cable protection. This localized variation in trench dimensions allows sealant to be applied effectively at the edges and upper surface where mechanical restraint is most needed, while minimizing the overall quantity of sealant required by not widening the entire trench length.
3Shape
If embossing roll is used to texture sealant surface, then pavement appearance is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the sealant application apparatus. The same apparatus that applies the sealant to the trench walls and surface also incorporates an embossing roll that textures the sealant surface. This integration means that the sealing and texturing operations are performed in a single step using one piece of equipment, rather than requiring separate sealing and texturing operations. The embossing roll is incorporated into the existing sealant application system, minimizing additional device complexity while achieving the desired pavement appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation includes pavement having a top surface and a trench formed in the pavement. The trench includes a first region having a first width and a second region having a second width that is less than the first width. The first region is closer to the top surface than the second region. An optical fiber cable is disposed in the second region of the trench. A tape is disposed in the first region of the trench and covers the optical fiber cable. The tape has an upper surface and edges along a length thereof. A sealant is applied along the length of the tape, and the sealant covers the edges of the tape and at least a portion of the upper surface of the tape. The top surface of the pavement defines a plane, and the upper surface of the tape is recessed from the plane.