Extensible Watertight Bulkhead with GSM Water Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building structures lack effective protection against extreme weather events, leading to flooding, as they are not equipped with adequate watertight solutions for doors and windows, especially in areas prone to increased precipitation due to climate change.
Innovation Solution
A watertight extensible bulkhead system with an integrated electronic device that detects water presence and communicates via GSM to prevent flooding, featuring a sliding module, coupling gaskets, convex side gaskets, and a special hinge mechanism to ensure watertight sealing and adaptability to various openings, with rivets for secure locking and a safety closure to prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional building structures are used without specialized flood protection, then construction simplicity is maintained, but they lack effective protection against extreme weather events leading to flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead is designed with an extensible mechanism that allows it to expand laterally when deployed. The frame includes expandable elements that can be compressed for storage and extended during flood events to engage with the building opening, providing adaptive protection rather than a fixed static structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead is divided into multiple modular components including a frame structure, an elastic envelope, sealing elements, and an electronic detection system. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained, while working together to provide comprehensive flood protection
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid fixed bulkhead is used, then watertight sealing is achieved, but adaptability to various opening sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead incorporates an elastic envelope that can flex and deform to conform to different opening geometries. The frame structure includes expandable and adjustable elements that can be configured to match various opening sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity and watertight sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead uses an elastic envelope as the primary sealing surface, which can flex and adapt to different opening contours. This flexible membrane approach allows the bulkhead to maintain watertight sealing across a range of opening configurations without requiring rigid custom-fitted structures for each opening
3Loss of information
If manual flood barriers are used without detection systems, then device simplicity is maintained, but timely detection and response to water threats is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead integrates electronic detection devices that continuously monitor for the presence of water. When water is detected, the system provides feedback through GSM communication to alert users, enabling timely response. The system creates a closed-loop monitoring and notification mechanism that enhances situational awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic detection and communication system between the physical water threat and the user. This intermediary layer includes sensors that detect water presence and GSM modules that transmit alerts, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between environmental conditions and user awareness
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention in question relates to an innovative watertight extensible bulkhead, at the top of which there is an articulated section conveniently equipped with an electronic device, placed at its inside, able to detect the presence of water and to report, thought a GSM device, the potential danger to the user applicable to all accesses (doors and windows) present in civil homes, public buildings, shops, warehouses, buildings used for commercial and industrial activities, in order to prevent, during extreme weather events, their flooding.