Flap Gate Waterproof Panel Buoyancy Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevated air supply and exhaust ducts in buildings pose a challenge during tsunamis, as manual closure is complicated and time-consuming, exposing individuals to danger and allowing water influx.
Innovation Solution
A flap gate-type waterproof panel with a door body of lower specific gravity than seawater, attached between side door bumpers, which swings upwards using the vertically upward force of the tsunami to automatically close openings without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual closure mechanism is used for elevated openings, then closure can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes complicated and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door body automatically closes the opening by utilizing the upward force of the tsunami water itself, without requiring any external power source, motor, or complex mechanical actuation system. The system serves itself by using the harmful force (upward water pressure) as the driving mechanism for closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful upward force of the tsunami water, which could potentially push objects away or cause damage, into a beneficial closing force that automatically shuts the door. The same water force that poses a threat is harnessed to perform the protective function of sealing the opening.
2Reliability
If manual closure operation is performed, then openings can be closed, but people are exposed to danger and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The door body is pre-positioned and pre-configured in the opening, ready to close automatically when the tsunami arrives. The system requires no preparation or manual intervention at the moment of danger; the closure action is triggered automatically by the water force itself, eliminating the need for people to be present or exposed to the tsunami.
3Strength
If door body has high specific gravity, then structural strength is improved, but automatic upward swinging capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the specific gravity parameter of the door body material to be less than that of seawater. This parameter change enables the door to respond to the upward water force by swinging upward and closing the opening, while still maintaining sufficient structural strength through appropriate material selection and design.
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
Ensures automatic closure of openings, allowing occupants to focus on evacuation while preventing water infiltration and protecting assets from tsunami damage.
Implementation Method 1
a door body which closes the opening and which has a specific gravity lower than a seawater, and which is attached between the side door bumpers on both sides so as to freely swing upwards
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention utilizes a vertically upward force of a water when a tsunami smashes into a building to close openings that exist in an elevated location such as air supply and exhaust ducts, powerlessly and without a manual operation. The present invention serves as a disaster prevention panel which closes an opening 2a disposed in a wall of a building 2. A door bumper 3 is disposed on an outer peripheral wall of the opening 2a, and side door bumpers 4 are disposed on both sides of the door bumper 3. A door body 1, which closes the opening 2a and which has a specific gravity lower than a seawater, is attached between the side door bumpers 4 on both sides so as to freely swing upwards, with a lower portion of the door bumper 3 serving as a fulcrum.