Segmented Conduit for Pre-installed Dark Fibre Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and labor-intensive process of installing and expanding fibre optic networks, particularly in urban areas, due to the need for frequent splicing and storage of surplus cable, as well as the difficulty in accommodating back-haul lines within narrow trenches, hinder efficient network expansion and service delivery to new customers.
Innovation Solution
A system of narrow sub-surface conduits with internal dividers and removable segments allows for the storage and routing of fibre optic cables, enabling easy extraction of dark cables for branch lines without splicing, and includes a protective housing for junctions, facilitating multi-staged installations and accommodating different fibre diameters within a single trench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cable-laying systems are used to install fibre optic cables, then cables can be installed within trenches, but considerable additional excavation and labour are required to install junction boxes and form splices at branch junction locations
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into multiple compartments by internal dividers, with each compartment capable of holding separate cables. This segmentation allows different cables (lit and dark) to be organized and accessed independently, reducing the complexity of cable management and installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Dark cables are pre-installed within the conduit alongside lit cables during the initial installation phase. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future excavation and splice installation at branch junction locations, as cables are already in place and can be simply extracted when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dark line is pre-installed at suitable locations within the cable network, then future customers can be serviced more easily, but it is difficult to conveniently store suitable lengths of dark line within the network at suitable locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the storage function with the conduit structure itself. Dark cables are stored within the same conduit that carries lit cables, utilizing the existing infrastructure for dual purposes. This eliminates the need for separate storage locations and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit utilizes vertical space by creating stacked compartments with internal dividers. This dimensional organization allows multiple cables to be stored vertically within the same horizontal footprint, maximizing space utilization and enabling convenient storage of dark line at various locations along the network.
3Productivity
If multiple cables including back-haul lines are installed within a single trench, then excavation work is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate all cables within the narrow trench space
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is segmented into multiple compartments by internal dividers, creating separate spaces for different cables within the same conduit structure. This segmentation allows multiple cables including back-haul lines to be accommodated in an organized manner within the narrow trench space.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cables are nested within the single conduit structure, with each cable occupying its own compartment. This nesting approach allows numerous cables to be contained within the footprint of a single trench, significantly reducing the total excavation required compared to installing separate trenches for each cable.
4Ease of operation
If conventional junction boxes are installed at branch junction locations, then cable splicing can be performed, but extensive excavation and labour are required
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are pre-positioned within the conduit system during initial installation, with dark cables stored alongside lit cables at potential future branch locations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future excavation and junction box installation, as cables are already accessible through the conduit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the cable access function from traditional junction boxes and integrates it directly into the conduit structure. Cables can be extracted directly from the conduit at any location without requiring separate junction boxes, simplifying the overall system and reducing installation time and labour requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fibre optic network system for a multi-staged installation to a plurality of present and future user locations includes an aggregation point, a trunk line with a plurality of optic fibre cables leading from the aggregation point and at least one branch junction location to serve a future cable user. The trunk line includes at least one dark cable having a free end for removal from the branch junction location. The trunk line includes a trunk conduit having opposing side walls defining an interior space between the side walls for housing the cables. The conduit is configured to permit withdrawal of the length of dark cable from the conduit at a stage subsequent to installation of the trunk line to form a branch leading to the future user location. The dark cable stored within the interior of the conduit has sufficient length to reach the location of the future user.