Tunnel Service Duct Sections for Drainage, Lighting, and Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tunnel coatings in road tunnels are inadequate for rapid structural inspection, uniform water conveyance, and efficient lighting, while being costly and difficult to install on irregular surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising ducts mounted in the joints of the tunnel to collect and convey water, provide autonomous lighting, and allow easy inspection, using modular sections that adjust to the tunnel's curvature and incorporate LEDs and fire-fighting systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If service systems are installed in road tunnels, then road safety and serviceability are improved, but construction time and disruption to traffic flow increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad safetyVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tunnel is divided into multiple bays separated by recesses, with service systems installed in each bay. This segmentation allows construction to proceed in discrete sections rather than requiring complete tunnel closure, reducing overall construction time while maintaining safety standards through systematic installation across segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Service systems are pre-assembled in the recesses before being deployed into the tunnel bays. This preliminary preparation of components in accessible locations reduces on-site construction time and minimizes disruption to traffic flow during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If service systems are installed in road tunnels, then road safety and serviceability are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad safetyVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses serve multiple functions: they act as construction workshops for pre-assembling service systems, provide storage spaces for equipment, and function as maintenance access points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized structures, lowering overall construction costs while maintaining safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Service systems are nested within the recesses, which are integrated into the tunnel structure. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization, eliminates the need for additional external structures, and reduces material costs while ensuring safety requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If service systems are installed in road tunnels, then serviceability is improved, but maintenance accessibility worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tunnel is segmented into multiple bays with service systems distributed across them, and each bay is accessible through recesses. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific service systems in specific bays without needing to enter the entire tunnel, improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining comprehensive serviceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses serve as intermediary spaces between the tunnel interior and maintenance access points. These recesses provide safe, accessible work areas for maintenance personnel to service equipment without requiring them to work in the full tunnel environment, improving both safety and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4100623B1System for installing a service system in road tunnels
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 PELATI FRANCESCA
  • EP4100623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP4100623B1 patent drawingFigure 2~8
  • EP4100623B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~6

AI summary

A system (200) for installing a service system in a road tunnel, said system being suitable for collecting and conveying the leakage water that drips in the tunnel; said system comprising sections (1) fixed on the intrados (102) of the tunnel in such a way to form a duct for the flowing of water.