Flap Gate Drainage With Concave Surface And Angled Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flap gate technologies are limited in their ability to accommodate a variety of applications and do not effectively facilitate water flow and drainage, particularly in uniquely shaped spaces, and lack innovative configurations beyond basic head pressure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of flap gates with novel configurations, including doors coupled with hinges that form a continuous concave surface, allowing for fluid flow while resting against a wall, and featuring angled hinges and linkages that enable rotation between 10 and 80 degrees from horizontal, facilitating efficient drainage and water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flap gate designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications and spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flap gate is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be configured in different arrangements (single flap, double flap, multi-flap configurations). Each segment can be independently sized and shaped to fit specific application requirements, allowing the same basic design principle to adapt to various drainage scenarios without requiring entirely different structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different wall configurations and orientations. The hinge allows the flap gate to function in various positions and angles, making it suitable for both vertical and angled wall installations, thereby serving multiple application types with a single design family.
2Productivity
If basic head pressure mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but the effectiveness in facilitating water flow and drainage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flap gate incorporates curved or angled surfaces rather than purely flat configurations. The curvature is designed to optimize water flow patterns, allowing water to slide along the surface more effectively and reducing turbulence. This geometric optimization enhances drainage efficiency without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is positioned and angled to optimize the dynamic response of the flap gate to water pressure. The hinge allows the flap to rotate to optimal angles during operation, dynamically adjusting to varying flow conditions and maximizing drainage effectiveness across different operating scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinges are positioned at standard orientations, then the installation is straightforward, but the ability to accommodate uniquely shaped spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mounting is designed with asymmetric capabilities, allowing installation at various angles relative to the wall surface. The hinge bracket and mounting hardware are configured to accommodate non-standard orientations, enabling adaptation to uniquely shaped spaces and irregular wall configurations while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flaps with different configurations are used, then the versatility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented flap configurations where multiple flaps are connected through a standardized hinge mechanism. Each flap can be independently sized and positioned, but they all interface with the same basic hinge design, allowing configuration variety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
These designs enhance the versatility and effectiveness of flap gates in various applications by allowing for fluid flow even at low pressure and reducing the force required to open the gates, improving drainage efficiency and aesthetics in drainage systems.
Implementation Method 1
the door opens by rotating about an axis of rotation of the hinge. The axis of rotation is angled between 10 and 80 degrees from horizontal
Implementation Method 2
the first door and the second door together form a continuous concave surface... facilitating efficient drainage and water flow
Data Source
AI summary
Single-door flap gates and double-door flap gates are disclosed. A first flap gate includes a first door coupled with a first hinge, a second door coupled with a second hinge, wherein the first door and the second door together form a continuous concave surface, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge couple with a wall, and wherein, when in a closed position, the first door and the second door rest against the wall to cover an opening thereof. The opening may correspond to an end of a pipe that extends away from the first door and the second door. Further, the continuous concave surface may include a radius of curvature configured to be substantially similar to a radius of curvature of the wall, wherein the wall may be interior wall of a cylindrical structure.