Microduct Pulling Cap with Tapered Screw Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microduct pulling technologies, such as metal mesh and individual pulling eyes, are inefficient and prone to failure when dealing with protected microducts, expose fibers to contaminants, and require excessive labor and material for installation, leading to waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pulling device with a hollow body and fastening components like carrot screws that securely engage microducts, providing protection from contaminants and allowing for efficient pulling of multiple microducts with or without protective jackets, reducing the need for individual fastening points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If metal mesh is used to pull microducts, then pulling force can be applied, but microducts are exposed to contaminants through mesh openings requiring cleaning or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling cap device employs a continuous cap structure that completely encloses the microduct bundle, creating a protective barrier against contaminants while maintaining the ability to apply pulling force through the integrated retrieval mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective covering function and the pulling force transmission function into a single integrated pulling cap device, eliminating the need for separate mesh coverage and reducing contaminant exposure
2Productivity
If individual pulling eyes are attached to each microduct, then multiple microducts can be pulled simultaneously, but excessive labor and material are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual fastening points into a single pulling cap device that can secure and pull multiple microducts simultaneously, dramatically reducing installation complexity and labor requirements while maintaining the capability to pull multiple conduits
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling cap device serves multiple functions: it secures multiple microducts of different sizes, provides protective coverage, and enables simultaneous pulling, replacing the need for individual pulling eyes on each microduct
3Strength
If microducts are placed in protective jackets, then stability and protection are improved, but the bundle size increases making mesh covering ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling cap device is designed as a flexible yet adaptable cap structure that can accommodate microduct bundles with protective jackets, adjusting to the increased bundle size and shape while maintaining secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling cap device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through its fastening mechanism that can adapt to varying bundle configurations and sizes, making it effective for both jacketed and non-jacketed microducts
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
The device ensures stable and efficient pulling of microducts through subterranean pathways, minimizing exposure to contaminants and labor costs while maintaining long-term performance and protecting fragile fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered design of the fastening components further causes the conduit or microduct to expand and engage with the interior wall of the body creating a gripping effect
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of installing and pulling microducts through subterranean pathways is provided. The system includes a device that is placed over at least one microduct and secured through tapered screws that enter through the end cap of the body of the device and into at least one microduct. The tapered screw both expands the microduct, pressing it against the inner wall of the body and guide rod, as well as securing the microduct to the cap end of the body. Securing the microducts against seal provides further protection from water, debris, and other contaminants, and the expansion of the microducts provides friction and adherence to the body, aiding in keeping microducts in place. The device further includes a pulling apparatus connected to the device body, allowing it to be connected to a pulling mechanism for installation of the microducts.