Modular Curb Cabling Layout for Ditch-Free Roadside Power Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for electrical infrastructure in public roads require ditches for installation, leading to high costs, traffic disruptions, and environmental damage, and are inflexible for varying sidewalk configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular system of prefabricated concrete curbs, junction boxes, and corner boxes with through holes for electrical cables, allowing installation without ditches and enabling easy replacement or reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ditches are opened in public roads for installing electrical infrastructure, then electrical connections can be established, but construction costs increase and traffic circulation is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection installationVSAvoidtraffic circulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the electrical infrastructure into modular components (curb boxes, junction boxes, surface mounts) that can be installed independently above ground level, eliminating the need for continuous ditch excavation and reducing traffic disruption time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are pre-assembled and prepared above ground before installation, allowing for quick deployment without the need for time-consuming underground excavation and installation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If ditches are opened in public roads for installing electrical infrastructure, then electrical connections can be established, but construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection installationVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The infrastructure is divided into standardized modular units that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, reducing overall construction costs compared to traditional monolithic ditch installation methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed to serve multiple functions (cable access, junction housing, surface mounting) and can be used in various configurations, reducing the need for specialized components and lowering overall construction costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If ditches are opened in public roads for installing electrical infrastructure, then electrical connections can be established, but environmental damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection installationVSAvoidenvironmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical infrastructure installation is extracted from the underground environment (ditches) and relocated to above-ground modular components, eliminating environmental damage associated with road excavation and earthmoving

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixed infrastructure is installed in public roads, then electrical connections are stable, but flexibility for reconfiguration is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure stabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The infrastructure is segmented into discrete modular components that maintain stable individual positions while allowing flexible reconfiguration of the overall system by adding, removing, or repositioning individual modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed monolithic structure to a dynamic modular configuration where components can be easily added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining overall system stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Ease of manufacture

If traditional non-modular infrastructure is installed, then installation is straightforward, but adaptability to different sidewalk configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsidewalk configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular components are designed with universal features (standardized interfaces, multiple mounting options, various configurations) that allow them to be adapted to different sidewalk and road configurations while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250385499A1Modular cabling and connection system comprising kerbs, junction boxes, corner boxes and associated uses

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 EDP INOVAÇÃO SA (14 00)

AI summary

The invention is related to a modular wiring passage and junction system (10) for supplying power to electric vehicle chargers or other electrical devices in the public road.The modular system (10) of the invention comprises curb elements (11) connected and aligned with each other and with junction box elements (12) and corner box elements (13).To close the junction box (12) and the corner box (13) elements there exist junction box covers (15) and corner box covers (17) which are removable by means of a cover removal device (16).The curb element (11), the junction box element (12) and the corner box element (13) comprise through holes in their interior for the passage of wiring and on a front face an inclined portion (113) for an access ramp.