Innerduct with Compartments for Simultaneous Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of introducing a communications cable into an underground conduit is inefficient as it requires a two-step process, where the innerduct is inserted first, followed by the cable, often causing damage due to friction, especially when the conduit already contains a cable.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously introduce an innerduct with compartments and a cable into a conduit, using a longitudinally extending sheet of material with compatible fasteners to form additional compartments around the cable, allowing for simultaneous insertion of the innerduct, cable, and pull tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the innerduct is inserted into the conduit first, then the cable can be positioned in the compartment, but the installation process becomes a two-step process that consumes more time and money
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the innerduct and cable into a single pre-assembled unit where the cable is positioned within the innerduct's compartment before insertion. This merging of two separate installation steps into one simultaneous insertion operation directly resolves the contradiction by reducing installation time while maintaining the protective compartment structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cable is inserted into a conduit that already contains a cable, then additional cable capacity is achieved, but friction from the existing cable's plastic jacket causes damage to the new cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-friction liner or coating as an intermediary layer between the cable's plastic jacket and the existing cable in the conduit. This intermediary reduces the coefficient of friction, allowing multiple cables to be installed in the same conduit without the high friction that would otherwise cause damage to the cable jackets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit contains an undulating existing cable, then the cable path becomes sinuous and fraction-laden, but this increases the risk of damage to the new cable during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter by applying a low-friction liner or coating to the innerduct surface. This parameter change allows the cable to slide more easily through the sinuous, fraction-laden path created by the undulating existing cable, maintaining cable integrity while adapting to complex routing conditions.
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 approach reduces installation time and cost by combining the two-step process into one, minimizing cable damage by distributing friction across a low-friction fabric sheet rather than the cable jacket, and enabling simultaneous installation of additional cables and pull tapes.
Implementation Method 1
the friction is not on the cable jacket but on the fabric which makes installation easier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10 which is to be inserted into a longitudinally extending conduit includes at least one longitudinally extending compartment (11) formed by attached the ends of a sheet of material (12) together. Another sheet of material (15) has one end attached to the compartment (11) and has compatible fastening elements (16, 17) on its opposed ends. A cable (19) may be positioned adjacent to the sheet of material (15) and it is folded around the cable (19) to form an additional compartment (18). The apparatus (10) may then be inserted into a conduit.