Remote Culvert Gate Control for Multi-Reservoir Flood Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood control methods are impractical for managing large-scale water storage and flow control, particularly in areas where numerous reservoirs are needed to mitigate flooding.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled flood control system that utilizes existing channels like culverts and pipes, equipped with flow control gates comprising a control unit, input/output interface, and a water shutoff valve, allowing for centralized control of water flow and storage across multiple reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gates are used to control water flow through channels, then individual flow control is possible, but the system becomes highly impractical when a large number of reservoirs are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical gate operation with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect water levels and automatically activates pumps to control water flow. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while managing large numbers of reservoirs, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service automation where sensors continuously monitor water levels and trigger pump operations automatically without human intervention. Each reservoir's flow control is managed autonomously by its own sensor-pump combination, making the system practical for large-scale deployment while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If existing roads are used as levees to store water, then water storage capacity increases, but remote control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive road-levee system with an automated control system that uses water level sensors and electrically-controlled pumps. This substitution maintains the water storage capacity of using existing road infrastructure while adding remote control capability through automated sensing and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor water levels in reservoirs formed by road levees and automatically activate pumps when water reaches predetermined levels. This feedback mechanism enables remote control capability while preserving the water storage capacity of the existing road infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a large number of reservoirs are used to contain and store water, then flooding reduction increases, but manual management becomes highly impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where each reservoir is equipped with sensors that automatically detect water levels and trigger pump operations without human intervention. This automation makes it practical to manage large numbers of reservoirs simultaneously, reducing flooding impact while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual management of multiple reservoirs with an automated network of sensors and pumps that can be controlled remotely. This substitution enables efficient management of large-scale reservoir systems, reducing flooding impact while maintaining ease of operation through centralized or autonomous control.
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
Enables efficient and practical management of water flow and storage by allowing remote control of water levels in multiple reservoirs, reducing the amount of water that reaches rivers and minimizing flooding.
Implementation Method 1
each water shutoff valve may comprise an inflatable bladder or other structure... If an inflatable bladder is used, the inflatable bladder can be positioned within a channel, such as a pipe or culvert and, when inflated, will block or reduce the flow of water through the channel
Implementation Method 2
Each flow control gate may further comprise a solar panel adapted to charge a battery, wherein the battery provides electrical power to the control unit and the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A flood control system for remotely and automatically controlling flooding and water storage on reservoirs. The flood control system generally includes a central computer that controls the water level by controlling or communicating with flow control gates positioned near a number of culverts, wherein each flow control gate typically includes: (a) a control unit communicatively coupled to the central computer, the control unit capable of sending local condition data to the central computer via a wireless connection and further capable of receiving control commands from the central computer; (b) an input/output interface capable of receiving signals or data regarding physical conditions proximate the flow control gate, the input/output interface coupled to the control unit; and (c) a water shutoff valve controllable by the control unit and positioned to selectively allow or block the flow of water through each culvert, wherein each control unit controls each water shutoff valve.