Float-Controlled Flap Valve Vent for Automatic Flood Water Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-brick vents in buildings allow water ingress during floods, and existing solutions such as sandbags or periscope-like devices are labor-intensive, costly, or require prior warning and removal, while complex float-controlled valves are expensive due to numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A vent with a simple design comprising a body, air flow channels, and a float-controlled flap valve that pivots to seal the channel in the presence of water, made from a few 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 numerous components is used to prevent water ingress, then water protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the float mechanism and valve function into a single integrated component. The float-controlled valve comprises a single piece with an integrated float portion and valve portion, eliminating the need for separate float and valve components. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining water protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece float-controlled valve performs multiple functions: the float portion detects water level, the valve portion seals the aperture, and the hinge portion provides pivotable connection. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces the overall number of parts needed in the vent system.
2Reliability
If sandbags or pre-filled sandbags are used to prevent flood water entry, then water protection is improved, but labor time and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vent device provides automatic water protection without requiring human intervention. The float-controlled valve automatically detects rising water levels and seals the aperture, then automatically reopens when water recedes. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual sandbag placement and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent is pre-installed in the wall during construction, with the float-controlled valve already positioned and configured. This preliminary installation ensures immediate water protection capability without requiring last-minute preparation of sandbags or other temporary barriers.
3Reliability
If periscope-like devices are fitted to air-bricks to raise air inlet level, then water protection is improved, but installation complexity and removal requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the float-controlled valve directly into the vent body structure, combining the valve mechanism with the vent housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate periscope-like extension devices and simplifies both installation and removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent device is designed as a complete, self-contained unit that can be easily installed and removed as needed. The simple construction with fewer components makes it more economical and easier to handle than complex periscope devices, allowing for flexible installation and removal without specialized tools or procedures.
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 with a reduced component count, lowering manufacturing costs and labor, while being easy to install and remove, and allowing air circulation and drying of damp spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member also includes a float member, for example an air space or a foamed material, provided within the material of the plate. The float member reduces the specific gravity of the valve member to a value less than that of water so that the valve member tends to rise when immersed in water.
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 with 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.