Composite Flap Gate Using Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional flap gates made of steel are heavy, inflexible, prone to damage under extreme weather conditions, and require significant installation efforts and water pressure to operate, leading to reduced effectiveness and shorter lifespans.

Innovation Solution

A flap gate constructed from composite materials, such as recycled epoxy fiberglass with up to 70% glass, combined with a stainless steel suspension arrangement and a glass-filament rope for noise reduction, providing flexibility, resistance, and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional steel or cast iron materials are used for flap gates, then strength and resistance are improved, but weight increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials consisting of a plastic matrix reinforced with glass fibers or other suitable reinforcements. This composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining the necessary structural strength while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional steel or cast iron flap gates, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If traditional steel or cast iron materials are used for flap gates, then strength is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to extreme weather conditions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material structure combines a plastic matrix with fiber reinforcement, creating a material that is both strong and flexible. This allows the flap gate to adapt to extreme weather conditions and various fluid environments while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If more material is used to make flap gates stronger, then strength is improved, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material provides high strength with reduced material quantity and weight. The lighter weight of the composite flap gate compared to traditional steel or cast iron constructions makes installation easier and reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If heavier flap gates are used, then strength is improved, but the water pressure required to open the valve increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidopening pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material construction significantly reduces the weight of the flap gate while maintaining structural strength. This weight reduction decreases the gravitational force acting on the valve, thereby reducing the water pressure required from the discharge pipe to open the flap gate, resolving the contradiction between strength and opening pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

5Strength

If traditional materials are used for flap gates, then initial strength is improved, but lifespan and resistance to weathering and fluids deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidlifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic matrix combined with glass fiber or other reinforcements creates a composite material that is highly resistant to weathering, corrosion, and degradation from fluid exposure. This enhances the lifespan and reliability of the flap gate compared to traditional steel or cast iron materials that are prone to rust and deterioration, resolving the contradiction between initial strength and long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 results in a flap gate with a longer lifespan, enhanced resistance to extreme weather and fluids, reduced noise, and easier manual installation, while maintaining effective operation under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

said plate comprises composite material including up to 70% of glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

The glass-fibre reinforced material from which the plate is made is very resilient and relatively flexible, such that the plate may be exposed to severe wave action, twisting and high impact without causing damage to the plate. Furthermore the material does not bend out of shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3108163B1Flap gate

Publication Date: 2018.10.10 DANNOZZLE HLDG NEW APS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a flap gate (1) for opening and closing on the discharge end of a pipe, said flap gate (1) comprising a plate (2) shaped to match an opening of a pipe, wherein said plate (2) comprises composite material including up to70% of glass and has a thickness of at least 4mm.