Hinged Flap Sluice Gate for Leak-Tight Sediment Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sluice gates face issues such as difficulty in sealing, foreign matter fixation, leakage, and the need for complex structures or hydraulic systems, which lead to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A sluice gate design that incorporates a hinge unit, a flap gate, a fan-shaped pull string pulley, and a pull string system, allowing the flap gate to rotate vertically and open or close the discharge port, utilizing water pressure for sealing and eliminating the need for a separate crushing apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding structure is used for the sluice gate, then the gate can open and close smoothly, but sealing becomes difficult and foreign matter gets fixed to the sliding structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing smoothnessVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional sliding mechanical structure with a rotational flap gate mechanism. The gate rotates around a hinge shaft instead of sliding, eliminating the sliding structure that causes foreign matter fixation and sealing difficulties. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational smoothness through rotation while improving sealing through the flap gate's geometry and water pressure action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a hydraulic apparatus is used to drive the flap gate, then the gate can be opened and closed, but the structure becomes complex and oil leakage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service mechanism where water pressure from the reservoir itself provides the driving force to open the flap gate. When water level rises, the pressure automatically pushes the gate open without requiring external hydraulic apparatus. This eliminates complex hydraulic systems and associated leakage risks while maintaining operational capability through the gate's hinge mechanism and buoyancy effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a conventional sliding sluice gate is used, then the structure is relatively simple, but sealing force is insufficient and water leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsealing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water pressure (which can cause leakage in sliding gates) into a beneficial sealing force. The flap gate design allows water pressure to press the gate against the sealing surface, enhancing the seal. The hinge mechanism and gate geometry are designed so that water pressure naturally improves sealing rather than compromising it, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Productivity

If sand and slurry are allowed to precipitate at the bottom of the water reservoir, then water storage is efficient, but blockage occurs when the gate is opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater storage efficiencyVSAvoiddischarge smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the rotational motion of the flap gate as a form of mechanical action to disturb and move precipitated sand and slurry. When the gate rotates open, it creates turbulence and flow patterns that prevent blockage by keeping sediments in motion. The gate's movement stirs up settled materials, ensuring smooth discharge without blockages while maintaining efficient water storage during closed periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

The design achieves effective sealing without leakage, reduces energy consumption, eliminates the need for complex structures, and facilitates easy maintenance, while also allowing for the efficient discharge of slurry by crushing precipitated sand and slurry.

Implementation Method 1

there is no water leakage because there is a definite sealing force caused by action of water pressure of water of a water reservoir unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a fan-shaped pull string pulley which is formed in a fan shape and attached and coupled to the flap gate capable of opening or closing the discharge port by converting horizontal motion into rotational motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion conversion: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS20250109798A1Sluice gate
Publication Date: 2025.04.03 LEE MISUK
  • US20250109798A1 patent drawing
  • US20250109798A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sluice gate includes: a hinge coupled to the top of the discharge port of a sidewall of the water reservoir unit; a flap gate coupled to the hinge unit and rotating up and down around the hinge unit, wherein the flap gate is rotated downward to close the discharge port when overlapped with the sidewall of the water reservoir unit and is rotated upward to open the discharge port; a fan-shaped pull string pulley coupled to an upwardly facing surface of the flap gate when the flap gate is horizontal; a pull string lifting means installed above the water reservoir unit; and a pull string having one end connected to the pull string lifting means and the other end coupled to the flap gate, wherein a portion of the pull string is wound around the outer periphery of the pull string pulley that moves the flap gate.