Seawater Intrusion Duct Shut-off Apparatus with Interlocked Hinged Doors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Seawater intrusion into air conditioning ducts of buildings during sea wave attacks leads to significant damage, even if the building remains standing, as existing systems fail to effectively shut off water flow through ductwork.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with two hinged door bodies, a support device, and a water intrusion detection system that closes the air conditioning duct by interlocking the door bodies and using water pressure to seal them against airtight rubber, preventing seawater intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the building structure is made strong with reinforced concrete to resist sea wave attacks, then the building stability is improved, but seawater can still intrude through air conditioning ducts causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning duct is segmented into multiple sections by installing shut-off door bodies at specific locations. These door bodies divide the continuous duct into separate zones, allowing water to be blocked in one section while other sections remain functional. The segmentation enables localized protection without compromising the entire duct system.
Solution Approach 2:
Airtight rubber seals are introduced as intermediary elements between the door bodies and the duct walls. These rubber seals act as mediators that create the actual water-tight barrier, while the door bodies provide the mechanical structure. The rubber seals accommodate dimensional variations and ensure complete sealing even under pressure differentials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If door bodies are installed to close air conditioning ducts during sea wave attacks, then seawater intrusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweights are attached to the door bodies to automatically counterbalance their weight and the force of water pressure. When water intrudes into the duct, the increased pressure on the door bodies is offset by the counterweights, allowing the doors to remain closed without requiring complex active control systems or powerful motors. This passive balancing mechanism simplifies the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off system is designed to operate automatically using the water pressure itself as the driving force. When seawater intrudes into the duct, the pressure differential automatically pushes the door bodies into the closed position, and the counterweights maintain this position. The system serves itself by utilizing the harmful water pressure as the actuating force, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple door bodies are used to ensure complete sealing, then watertightness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple door bodies are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. The door bodies are connected through a common support structure and control mechanism, allowing them to open and close simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of independent components that need to be manufactured and installed separately, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes while maintaining the watertight sealing function.
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
Effectively prevents seawater from entering the building by automatically closing the air conditioning ducts when seawater is detected, enhancing watertightness and protecting against water intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
a water intrusion detection device configured to detect intrusion of water into the air conditioning duct
Implementation Method 2
The two upper and lower closed door bodies are horizontally moved by water pressure in a direction in which the water pressure is applied, and are thus pressed against airtight rubber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for shutting off the flow of water through ductwork is disclosed that is installed in an air conditioning duct in a building and closes the air conditioning duct in the event of the attack of seawater. Two upper and lower hinged door bodies disposed in the inside of the air conditioning duct are supported by a support device in the state in which the inside of the air conditioning duct is open. The opening and closing operations of the upper door body are interlocked with the opening and closing operations of the lower door body by a chain. A water intrusion detection device releases the supporting of the two upper and lower door bodies in the event of the intrusion of water. The two upper and lower door bodies are horizontally moved in the direction of water pressure when the inside of the air conditioning duct is closed.