Micro-trench Reinstatement Device with Dynamic Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reinstatement of micro-trenches in pavement after fibre optic cable installation is inefficient and disruptive due to manual methods that require significant manpower and prolong traffic and pedestrian disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hopper and dynamic plate system, powered by a machine or manually operated, that efficiently dispenses and levels backfill material into micro-trenches, using a fast-curing polymer blend and precise placement to restore the pavement to its original condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reinstatement methods are used with ducts and hoses, then backfill material can be delivered into micro-trenches, but significant manpower is required and reinstatement speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (personnel walking with ducts and hoses to deliver backfill material) with an automated mechanical delivery system. The device uses a hopper mounted on a vehicle or machine that automatically dispenses backfill material through a controlled opening directly into the micro-trench, eliminating the need for manual material delivery and significantly reducing manpower requirements while increasing reinstatement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service reinstatement by incorporating an automated material delivery system that operates without continuous human intervention. The hopper system automatically feeds backfill material into the micro-trench as the vehicle moves forward, allowing the reinstatement process to proceed with minimal manual operation beyond initial positioning and activation.
2Loss of time
If manual reinstatement methods are used, then backfill material can be placed in micro-trenches, but pavement restoration to original level and condition is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pavement restoration operations with an automated leveling mechanism. The device incorporates a leveling plate or screed that automatically levels the backfill material as it is deposited, ensuring the pavement is restored to its original level and condition without requiring manual intervention for each section, thereby reducing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous reinstatement operations by mounting the hopper and delivery system on a vehicle that moves continuously along the micro-trench. The backfill material is delivered continuously as the vehicle progresses, and the leveling mechanism operates continuously to maintain pavement level, eliminating the stop-and-go nature of manual reinstatement and significantly reducing total reinstatement time.
3Reliability
If open trench excavation is used for fibre optic cable installation, then cables can be installed in protected structures, but the process is disruptive to traffic, pedestrians and residents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trench into a micro-trench that is significantly narrower than traditional open trenches. This segmented approach allows fibre optic cables to be installed in a protected structure (the micro-trench) while minimizing the width of the excavation, thereby reducing disruption to traffic and pedestrians while still providing adequate cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the trench from wide open trenches to narrow micro-trenches. By reducing the width and cross-sectional area of the excavation while maintaining sufficient depth for cable protection, the system achieves cable installation in a protected structure with minimal impact on traffic flow and pedestrian access, thus reducing harmful disruptions.
4Productivity
If machine-powered devices are used for reinstatement, then reinstatement speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional device that combines material storage (hopper), material delivery (controlled opening and dispensing mechanism), and pavement leveling (leveling plate) into a single integrated system mounted on a vehicle. This universal device performs multiple reinstatement functions simultaneously, increasing productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of material delivery and pavement leveling into a single integrated system. The hopper delivers backfill material while the leveling plate simultaneously levels the material as it is deposited, combining what would traditionally be separate operations into one unified machine-powered device, thereby increasing reinstatement speed while keeping the device structure manageable through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for reinstatement of a micro-trench that includes a hopper. The hopper includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening being larger than the bottom opening. The device also includes a valve portion connected to the bottom opening of the hopper and a tube connected to the valve portion. The device also includes a dynamic plate portion including a top opening, a bottom opening, and a conduit between the top and bottom openings. The top opening of the plate portion is connected to the tube, and the bottom opening includes a length and a width. The dynamic plate portion allows the device to maintain positive contact with the pavement even when the surface of the pavement is angled or uneven.