Synchronized Cable Advancement Through Long Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission line installation methods face challenges in efficiently installing cables over long distances, particularly in preexisting conduits like oil pipelines, due to insufficient advancement force and the need for multiple access points, which increases costs and risks of faults.
Innovation Solution
A transmission line advancement system utilizing a control unit, advancement devices, and synchronized local controllers to install transmission lines into conduits, including fiber optic cables and electrical lines, over long distances with reduced access points, using a combination of line pushers, pullers, and blowers, and synchronized speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used for long-distance transmission lines, then multiple access points are required, but this increases installation costs and the likelihood of faults
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line installation system is divided into multiple advancement devices that can work independently or in coordination. Each advancement device can be installed at separate locations and pushed or pulled through the conduit to advance the transmission line, eliminating the need for multiple access points while maintaining installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as pushers, pullers, and blowers that enable the transmission line to be advanced through the conduit without requiring access at both ends. These intermediaries transfer force through the transmission line, allowing installation through minimal access points.
2Force
If advancement force is increased to install transmission lines over long distances, then installation capability improves, but control and stability become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The advancement devices are designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing the advancement force to be adjusted during operation. The system can transition between different force levels and modes (pushing, pulling, blowing) based on real-time conditions, making high-force installation controllable and stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the advancement process and adjust the applied force accordingly. This ensures that sufficient force is applied to move the transmission line over long distances while preventing excessive force that could cause instability or damage.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple advancement devices are used to install transmission lines over very long distances, then installation reach improves, but synchronization between devices becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple advancement devices are merged into a coordinated system where they work together to advance the transmission line. The devices can be synchronized to apply force simultaneously or in sequence, and can communicate to maintain proper spacing and force distribution, enabling installation over very long distances while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning and pre-coordinating multiple advancement devices before initiating the transmission line advancement. This preliminary setup establishes synchronization protocols and force distribution patterns that simplify the subsequent long-distance installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a transmission line installation system including a control unit comprising a processing device, a computer-readable storage device, a communication device, a display device, and at least one input device. The control unit is configured to display status information and to receive input from a user. A transmission line source is configured to supply a transmission line to an advancement device drive assembly. A are configured to receive a transmission line at a drive assembly first end and advance the transmission line into a conduit at a drive assembly second end, wherein the plurality of advancement devices comprise a sensor for measuring a speed of the transmission line as it is advanced by the plurality of advancement devices. A local controller is configured to communicate with local controllers positioned in other advancement devices via a global controller, wherein the local controllers are configured to communicate the measured speed of the transmission line as it is advanced through each of the plurality of advancement devices to each of the other plurality of advancement devices via the global controller. The local controllers are configured to receive the measured speed of each of the other local controllers via the global controller and synchronize the speed of the transmission line as it passes through each advancement device.