Manifold System for Optical Fiber Cable Installation in Pressure Sewers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively lay and connect glass fibre cable networks in pressure sewers due to the inability to introduce robots or open the system for cable installation, leading to unpredictable cable placement and increased risk of blockages.
Innovation Solution
A manifold system with releasable pipe segments and cable passages is inserted into the medium conduit, allowing for controlled cable placement and tensioning, reducing the risk of breakage and blockages, and enabling connection of glass fibre cables to house connections for data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot is introduced into an existing pressure sewer for laying glass fibre cable, then cable installation becomes possible, but the pressure sewer system cannot be opened or accessed for robot introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sewer pipe is divided into segments by introducing a manifold with releasable pipe segments. This allows the cable to be taken out at specific locations through cable passages while maintaining the integrity of the overall pressure sewer system. The releasable pipe segments enable controlled access points without compromising the sealed nature of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A manifold system acts as an intermediary device inserted into the pressure sewer. It provides cable passages that allow the glass fibre cable to be routed out of the pressure sewer to connection points while the manifold itself remains sealed within the pressure system, thus mediating between the need for cable access and system integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure sewer is opened to make a connection, then cable connection becomes possible, but the system cannot maintain pressure and operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold provides segmented access points through cable passages. Connections can be made at these specific segments while the rest of the pressure sewer remains sealed and pressurized. The releasable pipe segments allow localized access without opening the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is pre-installed into the pressure sewer before cable installation. The cable passages are prepared in advance, allowing cable connections to be made through these pre-established access points without needing to open the pressure sewer during the connection process.
3Productivity
If glass fibre cable is drawn to a dwelling via house connection, then direct connection is possible, but bridging between connection points is necessary and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system serves multiple functions: it provides cable passages for cable routing, acts as a support structure within the pressure sewer, and enables connections at multiple locations. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate bridging structures by integrating all connection capabilities into a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates direct cable routing from the pressure sewer to dwelling connections. It eliminates the need for external bridging by providing integrated cable passages that guide the cable directly from the pressure sewer interior to connection points outside.
4Reliability
If cable is placed inside the medium conduit, then cable protection is achieved, but cable position cannot be determined and blockages are difficult to trace
Solution Approach 1:
The cable passages in the manifold provide visual indicators of cable routing. The cable can be seen passing through the manifold structure and cable passages, making its position traceable. This visual visibility solves the problem of being unable to locate the cable or detect blockages in the optically non-transparent pressure sewer.
5Ease of operation
If releasable pipe segments are used in the manifold, then cable access points are created, but the manifold structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed with segmented releasable pipe segments that can be independently opened or closed. This segmentation allows cable access at specific locations while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall manifold. The modular segmented design actually simplifies the complexity by allowing standardized components to be assembled.
Data Source
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AI summary
The manifold is provided with a first cable passage at a first longitudinal position and a second cable passage at a second longitudinal position, wherein a releasable pipe segment is present between the first and the second longitudinal positions. It is suitable for use in a pipe, such as a pressure sewer. In use, a cable would be laid through the pipe with the manifold. Thereafter, the releasable pipe segment would be removed from neighbouring pipe shells. The cable would be inserted into the cable passages, and a second pipe segment would replace the initial pipe segment.