Float-Controlled Flap Valve Vent for Automatic Flood Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vents, such as those with float-controlled valves, are complex and costly to manufacture due to numerous components, and existing flood prevention methods like sandbags or periscope-like devices are labor-intensive and require prior warning or removal after flooding.
Innovation Solution
A vent with a simple design comprising a vent body, air flow channels, and a float-controlled flap valve that pivots to seal the channel in the presence of water, made from a small number of components, including a mesh-covered apertured plate and a float member to reduce specific gravity, allowing easy assembly and efficient water exclusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a float-controlled valve with multiple components is used, then water ingress is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body, float, and sealing elements into a single integrated float valve assembly that is inserted as one unit into the vent housing. This merging of components simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the water prevention function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a water seal, an air valve, and a flood detection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable water ingress prevention.
2Reliability
If sandbags are used as a flood barrier, then water ingress is prevented, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The float-controlled valve operates automatically in response to flood conditions without requiring human intervention. When water rises, the float automatically triggers the valve to close, providing self-service flood protection that eliminates the labor-intensive sandbagging process while maintaining reliable flood prevention.
3Ease of operation
If a periscope-like device is fitted to raise air inlet, then air circulation is maintained, but installation complexity and prior warning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air circulation function and flood protection function into a single vent unit. The float valve assembly is built into the vent housing itself, eliminating the need for separate periscope-like extensions and reducing installation complexity while maintaining air circulation capabilities.
4Reliability
If multiple components are assembled to form a vent, then water sealing is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body, float mechanism, and sealing elements into a pre-assembled float valve assembly that is manufactured as a single integrated unit. This assembly is then inserted into the vent housing in one step, significantly reducing assembly labor and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective water sealing through the integrated 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
The vent effectively prevents water ingress during floods while being economical to manufacture and easy to install, with a design that allows for easy removal and reinstallation, minimizing labor and material costs.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may include at least one float member, for example provided on that face of the plate remote from the planar face
Data Source
AI summary
A vent comprises a vent body (1) having at least one air flow channel through the body between a front face and a rear face (2) of the body. At least one float controlled flap valve (13) is pivotably mounted within the body, the or each valve having a first, normal position in which air is permitted to flow through an air flow channel and a second position in which the valve pivots in the presence of water to seal the air flow channel.