Modular Kerb With Cable Channel for No-Excavation Road Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing power or data cabling underground requires disruptive and expensive road excavation, and existing kerb solutions for cable integration are impractical due to the difficulty of threading cables through kerb stones and the heavy weight of concrete kerbs, which complicates handling and installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular kerb with a channel in its lower surface for receiving cables before installation, featuring engagement profiles for easy connection and self-alignment, made from lightweight plastic materials like PVC, allowing for straightforward placement and reduced labor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central aperture through a kerb stone is provided for receiving cabling, then cable integration is achieved, but cable installation becomes extremely difficult due to threading and pulling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is laid on the concrete bed before the kerb modules are installed. The channel in the lower surface of each kerb module receives the cable as the module is placed, eliminating the need to thread cable through heavy kerb stones after installation.
2Strength
If concrete kerb stones are used, then structural strength and durability are achieved, but weight increases to around 76kg requiring lifting gear or multiple workers
Solution Approach 1:
The kerb is divided into modular sections that can be handled and installed separately. Each module is designed to be lightweight enough for single-worker handling while maintaining structural integrity through the engagement profile connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters are changed from traditional heavy concrete to lighter materials that maintain sufficient structural strength. This parameter change reduces weight from 76kg to a manageable level while preserving the kerb's load-bearing capacity.
3Ease of operation
If ducting is used for cable installation, then cable routing is simplified, but ducting is extremely light and smooth preventing snagging making it difficult to connect and position
Solution Approach 1:
The cable channel is merged into the kerb module structure itself rather than being a separate ducting system. The channel is formed as an integral part of each kerb module's lower surface, combining the structural function of the kerb with the cable routing function.
4Ease of manufacture
If kerb modules are positioned without engagement profiles, then installation is simpler, but slipping between modules can damage cables in the channel
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement profiles use asymmetric geometry (protrusion and recess) that provides directional guidance and prevents lateral slipping between modules. The asymmetric shape ensures proper alignment and prevents the kerb modules from shifting position, protecting the cables in the channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular kerb 10 for installing as part of a road comprises a first end 12 and a second end 14; a rear surface, a lower surface 18, a front surface 16 and an upper surface 20. The first end 12 has a first engagement profile and the second end 14 has a second corresponding engagement profile, the first engagement profile being engageable with the second engagement profile of one or more other modular kerbs and the second engagement profile being engageable with the first engagement profile of one or more other modular kerbs. The kerb has a channel 26 set into the lower surface 18 and extending between the first end 12 and second end 14 for receiving at least one power cable and/or data cable.