The Brazilian Education and Research Network (RNP) just submitted another application for a Utility Model (UM), the first to be done independently, at the Brazilian Industrial Propriety Institute (INPI). The innovation is applicable to the telecommunications segment. Titled “Constructed device introduced at a Modular Curb”, the structure uses the drilled curbs, fitted into one another, allowing for the passage of ducts and conduits, mainly those of optical fiber, on the inside of holes and slots created. Thus, it is possible to remedy common problems in cities, such as the large number of aerial installations and underground congestion.

“It is a simple solution, easy to manufacture and to deploy in streets, avenues and roads. The concrete blocks will fall into place, as if they were large Lego pieces. An abundant raw material in the market is used, and recycled materials may also be used, in addition to the possibility of lower costs for the installation. “It is a landmark for RNP, which has been striving to encourage the proposition of inventions and treatment of intellectual property generated in the organization”, says Eduardo Grizendi, director of Engineering and Operations.

Initially, starting from the pre-molded block, the basic material is concrete, but there is the possibility of manufacturing with other materials, still under research. The installation is no different from the practices known and used in the country. However, there is the need of adequacies for the production and installation of the product, but the viability of this type of infrastructure would meet the standards already designed by the City Hall, of grounded infrastructure, decreasing visual pollution.

The next steps include looking for partners to develop prototypes and perform tests, model the business and transfer the technology for the commercialization of the product.

The idea arose in RNP’s Directorate of Engineering and Operations and was registered in the organization’s Intellectual Asset Portfolio Management System (GPAI). RNP’s Network Engineering analysts Helmann Strobel Penze and Marco Aurélio Montouro Filho are also part of the roster of inventors of the Modular Curb.