Arc-Shaped Flood Protection Panel with Flexible Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window protection devices are complex to install, require specialized technicians, and often fail to withstand water pressure and ensure watertight sealing during heavy rains or floods, leading to significant damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular, arc-shaped protection device with flexible side and base sealing elements and a reversible bending mechanism that can be easily installed by anyone, distributing water pressure and maintaining a self-locking seal without the need for masonry work or specialized tools, and can be adapted to various opening sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex articulated devices with adjustable locking clamps or frames are used, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel contains integrated sealing and locking features, allowing the system to protect openings of various sizes without requiring complex articulated mechanisms or adjustable clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically engage when panels are assembled. The sealing elements automatically conform to the opening frame, eliminating the need for specialized adjustment procedures or specialized technician intervention.
2Reliability
If air-pumping means are used to inflate sealing elements, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic inflation systems with mechanical compression sealing. Flexible sealing elements are compressed directly against the opening frame through mechanical pressure from the panel structure and adjustable tensioning members, eliminating air-pumping means and associated energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses flexible membrane-like sealing elements that can conform to the opening frame geometry. These thin flexible films are tensioned mechanically to create effective sealing contact, providing reliable sealing without requiring inflation systems.
3Reliability
If doors are made completely watertight, then protection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces separate removable protection panels with integrated sealing systems that interface with the existing door or opening. These panels act as intermediary watertight barriers that can be installed without modifying the original door structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving complete watertight protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The watertight protection system is segmented into modular panels with integrated sealing edges. Each panel can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled to create a complete watertight barrier across the opening, avoiding the complexity of manufacturing a single large custom-fitted watertight door.
4Reliability
If protection devices require specialized technicians for installation, then installation reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device incorporates self-aligning features, pre-configured sealing elements, and intuitive connection mechanisms that allow anyone to install the system without specialized training. The modular panels automatically align and lock into place, providing reliable installation through user-friendly design rather than expert intervention.
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 device effectively resists high water pressure, ensures watertight sealing, and can be easily installed and adapted for different opening sizes, providing a simple and effective solution for protecting doors and windows from flooding without requiring complex installations or specialized expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-like main body (2) and has a substantially arc-like shaped transversal profile... the arc-like shape is so as to define a convex region (CX) and a concave region (CV)... the concave region (CV) is the one directed towards the outside of the building and therefore exposed to the water pressure
Implementation Method 2
at least the main body (2) of the device (1) is made of a flexible material... the side portions (4) comprise respective side sealing elements (6)... the base portion (3) has a base sealing element (8)... the extension (9) could get deformed in contact with the planking level, thus implementing an optimum sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a protection device for doors, windows or, more general, openings of a building, in particular openings placed at a planking level.