Peristaltic Tubular Locomotion for Underground Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for undergrounding electrical or telecommunications cables, such as open trenching and horizontal directional drilling, are labor-intensive, slow, expensive, and prone to damaging existing infrastructure, necessitating a more efficient and safer approach.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled tubular apparatus utilizing peristaltic actuation, comprising a series of axially spaced rings with actuators and an expandable tubular structure, which provides peristaltic movement to navigate through media, allowing for the transportation of cables or conduits while minimizing disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open trenching is used for undergrounding, then cables can be installed underground, but the process becomes labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple expandable segments or sections that can be assembled and deployed incrementally. Each segment can be expanded independently to navigate through the ground, allowing the system to progress continuously without requiring complete excavation of the entire path beforehand, thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs expandable and contractile sections that can dynamically adjust their size and shape. By expanding to engage with the surrounding ground and contracting to move forward, the system creates a dynamic propulsion mechanism that enables continuous advancement through the earth, significantly improving installation productivity compared to static trenching methods
2Object-affected harmful factors
If horizontal directional drilling is used, then surface disruption is minimized, but the drill bit can unintentionally hit existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus utilizes a flexible tubular structure that can conform to the contours of the ground and navigate around obstacles. This flexibility allows the system to follow the natural pathways and avoid rigid underground infrastructure such as pipes and cables, maintaining infrastructure safety while minimizing surface disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable sections can dynamically adjust their configuration to navigate around detected obstacles. By expanding to engage with stable ground areas and contracting to pass through narrower spaces, the system can avoid existing infrastructure while maintaining a safe drilling path, thereby protecting underground utilities
3Reliability
If open trenching is used, then cables can be installed underground, but extensive planning and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus can be pre-assembled in sections and prepared before deployment. The expandable sections can be configured and tested on the surface, with the central conduit already in place, allowing the system to be ready for immediate insertion into the ground. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site planning and labor requirements while maintaining installation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs a nested structure where the central conduit is surrounded by expandable sections that can be collapsed for insertion and then expanded in sequence. This nesting allows the entire system to be transported in a compact form and deployed through a single access point, significantly simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for extensive planning and labor
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
Enables efficient and safe underground installation of cables by reducing labor and costs, while avoiding damage to existing infrastructure through controlled peristaltic locomotion.
Implementation Method 1
Respective actuators coupled to at least some of the rings... adapted to change a span and/or diameter of the expandable tubular structure at respective locations along the length of the expandable tubular structure, whereby peristaltic movement of the apparatus is provided
Implementation Method 2
each of the body segments has a radially inner sidewall portion that is elastically deformable in an axial direction... configured to expand radially and provide a radially outward force responsive to axial contraction of the respective body segment
Data Source
AI summary
An example peristaltic actuating system can include an elongated body that includes an arrangement of substantially tubular body segments, in which each of the body segments has a radially inner sidewall portion that is elastically deformable in an axial direction and defines a lumen that is coaxial with lumens of the other body segments to define a central body lumen extending longitudinally through the elongated body. The central body lumen can be configured to carry an elongated tubular apparatus therein and/or can itself define a tubular body structure that can carry one or more structures therein. Each of the body segments includes a flexible outer sidewall portion configured to expand radially and provide a radially outward force responsive to axial contraction of the respective body segment and to contract radially responsive to axial elongation of the respective body segment.