Embedding Tubular Body in Paved Surface Construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying communication lines, such as fiber optic cables, are inefficient and costly due to the need for extensive trenching, heavy materials, and significant disruption of infrastructure, which increases installation costs and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for embedding a tubular body, like a communication line, within a paved surface by applying it during the road-building process, using a tubular body deployment apparatus that integrates with road-building equipment to embed the tubular body within or beneath the surface layers, reducing the need for trenching and minimizing disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication cables are installed using traditional trenching or micro-trenching methods, then the cables can be deployed over long distances and protected from the environment, but the installation process causes significant disruption to roadway infrastructure, increases installation costs, and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable installation process with the road construction process by integrating a cable laying apparatus into the road building equipment. This allows both the road surface and communication cables to be created simultaneously in a single operation, eliminating the need for separate trenching and installation activities that cause roadway disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs cable installation in advance during the road construction phase, before the road is opened for use. By embedding cables within the road structure during its formation, the cables are installed proactively without requiring subsequent disruptive activities such as trenching or micro-trenching after the road is operational.
2Reliability
If heavy armor and protective materials are used on communication cables, then the cables gain enhanced protection from the environment, but the weight, fabrication cost, and installation footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from traditional heavy cable armor and transfers it to the road structure itself. The road layers (asphalt, concrete, base materials) serve as the protective enclosure for the cables, eliminating the need for separate heavy protective jackets and armor that would increase cable weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The road structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the driving surface for vehicles and concurrently acts as the protective conduit for communication cables. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated protective cable structures, reducing overall system weight and complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If micro-trenching is used to install communication cables, then the installation footprint is reduced compared to full trenching, but the cutting process still adds expense and time, and risks damaging existing utility lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs cable installation during the initial road construction phase, eliminating the need for subsequent time-consuming cutting and trenching operations. By laying cables as the road is being built, the entire process is completed in advance without requiring additional installation time after road completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cable laying operation with the road building operation into a single integrated process. This combination eliminates the sequential steps of road construction followed by separate cable installation, thereby reducing total installation time and avoiding the need for damaging cutting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for building a surface with an embedded tubular body includes applying a first layer of a first material to a first surface and applying a tubular body. The tubular body can be applied at a top surface of the first layer or the tubular body can be applied at a top surface or within the first surface.