Segmented Cable Conveying for Single-Pass Conduit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission line installation methods for long distances, such as fiber optic cables, are time-consuming and prone to microbending and point loading, which can damage the cables, requiring multiple stages of installation and significant labor and time.
Innovation Solution
A transmission line installation system that synchronizes multiple conveying apparatuses to install a continuous reel of cable through a duct in a single pass, utilizing a control unit and local controllers to optimize installation settings and reduce the need for figure-eight cable laying, incorporating AI and ML for route planning and real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the installation is divided into multiple shorter runs with figure-eight cable laying, then the cable can be installed in stages, but the installation time increases significantly and the cable is prone to microbending and point loading damage
Solution Approach 1:
The duct route is divided into multiple segments with conveying apparatuses positioned at different locations. Each apparatus handles a specific segment, allowing continuous cable installation through the entire route without figure-eight laying. The segments are coordinated to work together as an integrated system, eliminating the need to stop and lay cable in figure-eight patterns between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conveying apparatuses act as intermediaries positioned at different locations along the duct route. These apparatuses work in sequence to propel the cable through each segment of the duct, allowing continuous installation without requiring the cable to be laid in figure-eight patterns on the ground between installation points.
2Productivity
If multiple conveying apparatuses are used to install cable through multiple duct segments, then single-pass installation is achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple components requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conveying apparatuses are merged into a coordinated system where each apparatus operates as part of an integrated whole. The control unit combines the operations of all apparatuses, synchronizing their actions to install cable through multiple duct segments in continuous sequence. This merging allows the complex multi-apparatus system to function with the simplicity of a single coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying apparatuses are designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing their operation to be adjusted and synchronized in real-time based on cable position and duct conditions. The system transitions from static, independent apparatus operations to dynamic, coordinated operations where each apparatus adapts its behavior based on system-wide requirements, enabling seamless multi-segment installation.
3Quantity of substance
If figure-eight cable laying is performed between installation stages, then cable can be temporarily stored, but the process takes 90 minutes to 2 hours per segment and increases labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The figure-eight cable laying step is extracted and eliminated from the installation process. Instead of laying cable in figure-eight patterns on the ground for temporary storage, the system uses multiple conveying apparatuses to continuously propel cable through duct segments, keeping the cable in motion throughout the entire installation process and eliminating the need for ground-based temporary storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable installation process maintains continuous useful action throughout, with the cable being constantly propelled through the duct by coordinated conveying apparatuses. There are no interruptions for figure-eight laying or temporary ground storage, as the system seamlessly transitions cable from one duct segment to the next without stopping the installation flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying system that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The conduit includes at least a first segment and a second segment. The segments are evaluated to determine a full route including the routes of the first and second segments, and an installation plan is generated based at least in part on the full route. The transmission line conveying system includes two or more transmission line conveying apparatuses, a first that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the first segment, and a second that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the second segment. The transmission line conveying system controls and synchronizes the operation of the transmission line conveying apparatuses according to the installation plan so that the transmission line can be continuously installed through the full length of the conduit in a single pass.