Rotational Movement Sensor for Blown Fibre Conduit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing optical fibre units into conduits are labor-intensive and require multiple operators, and there is a lack of reliable methods for a single operator to confirm that air and fibre units are reaching the correct destination, especially in cases where conduit routes are complex or obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a movement sensor capable of rotation, placed at the remote end of the conduit, to detect air flow and fibre arrival by changing its rotational speed, allowing a single operator to determine if air is flowing to the correct destination and if the fibre unit has reached the end, with the option to signal this back to the head end operator and automatically shut off the air flow and mechanical driving force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the blown fibre method is used to install fibre units into conduits, then fibre damage is reduced compared to pulling methods, but installation time increases due to the need for multiple operators and complex coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The movement sensor at the remote end automatically detects fibre arrival and triggers the shutdown of air supply and blowing head, enabling the system to self-regulate without requiring a second operator to monitor and signal back to the head end, thus reducing installation time while maintaining fibre integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The movement sensor provides real-time feedback on fibre unit arrival at the remote end, allowing the head end operator to immediately stop the blowing process, eliminating the need for coordination between multiple operators and reducing overall installation time while preventing over-blowing that could damage fibres
2Measurement precision
If a second operator is deployed at the remote end to confirm fibre arrival, then installation accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual detection method using a second operator's hand or air flow meter is replaced with an automated movement sensor that mechanically detects fibre arrival through movement disruption, providing accurate detection while eliminating the need for a second operator and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The movement sensor acts as an intermediary device between the fibre unit and the head end operator, automatically detecting fibre arrival and transmitting this information back to the head end, thereby eliminating the need for direct human-to-human coordination and reducing operational complexity
3Length of moving object
If the conduit route is long (up to a kilometre or more), then network coverage is improved, but the ability to monitor installation status in real-time deteriorates without a second operator
Solution Approach 1:
The movement sensor provides real-time feedback on fibre arrival status at the remote end, allowing the head end operator to monitor installation progress continuously even over long distances of up to a kilometre or more, thereby preventing information loss and enabling timely intervention if problems occur
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 a single operator to confirm the correct conduit selection and fibre unit arrival at the remote end without the need for a second operator, reducing installation time and potential fibre damage by ensuring accurate and efficient fibre unit placement.
Implementation Method 1
a movement sensor capable of rotation provided within or proximate to the conduit at or proximate to the second end... detecting that the air flow disrupts the movement sensor by causing the movement sensor to change rotational speed
Implementation Method 2
the 'blown fibre' technique whereby a compressed fluid such as compressed air is used to convey, or 'blow', a fibre unit along a conduit from one end
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, for use in connection with installing a cable into a conduit (4) having a first end and a second end (12), of detecting whether air is flowing from the first end to the second end, the method including the steps of : - providing a movement sensor (10) within or proximate to the conduit; - providing an air flow (14) into the conduit from the first end; and - detecting that the air is flowing to the second end when the air flow disrupt the movement sensor.