Rectangular Fiber Optic Conduit for Micro-Trenching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fibre optic networks installed using micro-trenching and surface inlay methods require protective components that can minimize bulk at coupling points and efficiently house and protect fibre optic cables, especially at nodes and intersections, while allowing for easy installation and minimal disruption to the surface.
Innovation Solution
The use of narrow, rectangular cross-sectional fibre optic conduits with cylindrical or semi-cylindrical internal bores, and specialized housings with angled corner walls and slots for conduit entry/exit, along with a method for bundling and installing these conduits within micro-trenches, and a junction protector for managing intersections, utilizing a coupler system for leak-proof connections and sequential markers for conduit differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protective housings and conduits are used for fibre optic networks, then the cables are protected from the elements, but the bulk at coupling points increases and causes significant surface disruption during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into multiple compartments by transverse partitions, with each compartment housing a separate fibre optic cable. This segmentation allows the conduit to maintain a compact cross-sectional area while protecting multiple cables, reducing the bulk at coupling points compared to conventional single-compartment housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit uses a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners instead of a circular cross-section. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization in the horizontal plane, reducing the bulk at coupling points while maintaining protection for the fibre optic cables.
2Reliability
If conventional conduits are used for micro-trenching installation, then fibre optic cables are protected, but the installation process causes significant surface disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is made from a flexible material that allows it to be bent and routed through narrow micro-trenches without breaking. This flexibility enables installation through minimal surface disruptions, as the conduit can navigate tight spaces and be installed through smaller openings compared to rigid conventional conduits.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple fibre optic cables are housed together, then network capacity increases, but the bulk at nodes and intersections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into multiple compartments by transverse partitions, with each compartment housing a separate fibre optic cable. This segmentation allows multiple cables to be housed within a compact cross-sectional area, increasing network capacity without significantly increasing the bulk at nodes and intersections.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit uses a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners, which provides more efficient space utilization compared to circular conduits. This allows multiple fibre optic cables to be housed together in a more compact arrangement, increasing network capacity while minimizing the bulk at coupling points.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit for housing an optical waveguide is described comprising a rectangular cross-sectional exterior configuration and a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical interior bore. Also described is a method of installing a fiber optic conduit system, including forming a bundle of said conduits arranged as a stack one conduit in width, and forming a trunk line and at least one branch line. Also disclosed is a node housing for an optical waveguide network and a junction protector for an optical waveguide network installation comprising a hollow structure configured to retain a plurality of waveguide conduits, said protector comprising a trunk portion having open ends to receive first and second waveguide conduits, and a branch portion having an open end to receive a third wave guide conduit.