Pre-ducted Optical Fiber Cable Assembly Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro optical fiber cable installation methods require two separate steps, increasing installation time and cost, and there is a need for a solution that eliminates the blowing cable step and enables pre-ducted cable assembly using HDD installation.
Innovation Solution
A method for underground installation of a pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly involving horizontal directional drilling, where pilot bores are drilled and reamers are used to expand the bore diameters, allowing the pre-ducted cable to be pulled directly from one manhole to another, eliminating the need for blowing the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional two-step installation method is used (burying micro duct followed by blowing cable), then cable can be installed in micro ducts, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the duct installation and cable installation into a single integrated pre-ducted cable assembly. The optical fiber cable is pre-installed within the duct structure before burial, eliminating the need for separate duct installation and cable blowing operations. This merging of functions directly addresses the technical contradiction by reducing installation steps while maintaining the ability to install cables in underground conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is prepared in advance with the cable already installed within it, creating a pre-ducted assembly. This preliminary action of installing the cable into the duct before burial allows the entire assembly to be installed in one step, significantly reducing on-site installation time and eliminating the need for subsequent cable blowing operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional two-step installation method is used, then cable can be installed in micro ducts, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the duct and cable into a single pre-ducted assembly, the patent simplifies the installation process to a single burial operation. This eliminates the complexity of coordinating separate duct installation and cable blowing operations, directly addressing the contradiction between installation simplicity and process complexity.
3Loss of time
If pre-ducted cable assembly is installed using HDD method, then installation time is reduced, but frictional forces must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the frictional characteristics of the pre-ducted cable assembly for HDD installation by selecting appropriate materials and surface properties. The duct material and cable surface are chosen to minimize friction during horizontal directional drilling, enabling the assembly to be pulled through the drilled path with acceptable forces while maintaining the installation time benefits of the HDD method.
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
This method reduces installation time and cost by directly burying the pre-ducted optical fiber cable without the need for separate duct installation, optimizing frictional forces and using high-density polyethylene ducts for mechanical and environmental resilience.
Implementation Method 1
attaching a second reamer to a first drill string... expanding the bore diameters, allowing the pre-ducted cable to be pulled
Implementation Method 2
drilling a first pilot bore from a second manhole to a first manhole... drilling a second pilot bore from a third manhole to the second manhole
Implementation Method 3
pulling the pre-ducted optical fiber cable that is spooled over a cable drum... attached to the first end of the second reamer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to method for underground installation of a pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly. The method includes a first step of drilling a first pilot bore from a second manhole to a first manhole. In addition, the method includes a second step of pulling the pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly. Further, the method includes a third step of drilling a second pilot bore from a third manhole to the second manhole. Furthermore, the method includes a fourth step of pulling the pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly from the second manhole to the third manhole. Moreover, the method of underground installation of the pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly eliminates the need for blowing the pre-ducted optical fiber cable assembly with a cable blowing machine.