Adjustable Flood Barrier Panel With Central Threaded Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood barrier technologies face challenges in efficient installation, removal, and effective sealing, particularly at door and window openings, due to design inefficiencies and difficulties in sealing corners and edges.
Innovation Solution
A laterally adjustable frame with a central adjustment linkage and vertical threaded shaft, combined with a carrying handle for easy installation and removal, and an improved edge seal with splayed flanges and soft foam inserts for enhanced sealing, along with a guard panel to protect the expansion mechanism and optional central mullions for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laterally adjustable frame with expansion mechanism is used, then the barrier can effectively seal door and window openings, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is received within a laterally extensible envelope, with the adjustment mechanism accessible from the top of the envelope. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple components (frame, envelope, adjustment mechanism) into a compact unit that is easier to handle and install while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded shaft serves dual functions: it acts as the adjustment mechanism for lateral expansion of the frame and provides a carrying handle for transporting the barrier panel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made laterally extendable to fit different openings, then adaptability increases, but the difficulty of installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be laterally extendable through a threaded shaft mechanism that allows adjustment between retracted and extended configurations. This dynamic adjustability enables the same barrier panel to fit various opening sizes while the top-access adjustment mechanism keeps installation and removal straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier panel is designed with the adjustment mechanism accessible from the top in the retracted configuration, allowing users to make width adjustments after positioning the panel in the opening. This preliminary setup simplifies the installation process as no complex on-site adjustments are needed.
3Quantity of substance
If the envelope is made extensible to accommodate the frame, then the barrier can be stored compactly, but the envelope may slip off the frame when retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope is designed with a fold-over flap at the top that prevents the envelope from slipping off the frame when the frame is in a retracted configuration. This design feature creates a stable connection between the envelope and frame across different states, ensuring the barrier remains ready for deployment without requiring constant monitoring or adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient and effective sealing of openings, with improved handling and installation efficiency, enhanced corner sealing, and increased durability against flood pressures, allowing for wider opening protection.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical threaded shaft extending through an upper element of the frame and projecting upwardly somewhat beyond the top of the frame
Implementation Method 2
soft foam inserts are provided in grooves in the perimeter seal, at the corner extremities, to further enhance the sealing capabilities at such corner extremities
Implementation Method 3
The edge seal advantageously is formed with side flanges which are splayed slightly outward in their normal configuration and spread laterally when subjected to pressure during the installation of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
An Adjustable flood-resistant barrier for removable installation in a window or door opening or the like. A laterally adjustable frame is received within an elastic envelope and can be laterally expanded to engage the sides and bottom of the opening. An adjusting mechanism includes a shaft, which projects upward above the top of the frame, approximately in the center thereof, and mounts a handle for both carrying the panel and rotating the shaft to effect width adjustments of the panel. An improved peripheral seal minimizes the likelihood of leakage at the corners. For wide openings, mullions are provided to support central areas and to increase downward sealing pressures in the center of the panel. Mullions can also be positioned between an opposed pair of barrier panels for closing off unusually wide openings.