Modular Flood Barrier Panel with Sealed Entryway Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flood defense systems are often costly, time-consuming to construct, prone to failure, and unsuitable for private homes or businesses, while also obstructing natural views and landscapes.
Innovation Solution
A selectively engaged flood barrier system with a barrier portion, frame, gasket, and brace assembly that seals entryways using fasteners to prevent water infiltration, featuring a double-faced steel panel with a polyurethane core and rubber seals for effective water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If city-wide flood protection structures (levies, flood gates, steel barriers, concrete walls) are constructed, then flood protection capability is improved, but construction time, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flood protection system is divided into modular barrier panels that can be independently assembled and installed at specific locations rather than constructing entire city-wide infrastructure. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses affordable, easily replaceable barrier panels made from cost-effective materials such as vinyl-coated fabric or rigid panels with aluminum frames. These panels can be deployed temporarily during flood events and removed or replaced as needed, eliminating the need for permanent expensive infrastructure.
2Reliability
If permanent flood barriers are installed, then flood protection is improved, but aesthetic quality and natural landscape views deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - panels can be installed only when flood conditions exist and removed when not needed. This allows the structure to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining aesthetic quality during normal periods while providing protection during flood events.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels can be discarded (removed) from view during non-flood periods and recovered (reinstalled) when flood protection is needed. This reversible deployment strategy preserves natural landscapes and views while maintaining flood protection capability.
3Reliability
If traditional flood barriers are used, then water retention is improved, but ease of installation and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier panels are pre-assembled with attached seals, gaskets, and connection hardware before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex on-site assembly operations, allowing rapid installation by simply positioning and securing pre-configured units to building openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier panels are designed as universal components that can be installed on various types of building openings (doors, windows, garage doors) using standardized attachment mechanisms. The same basic panel design works across different applications, simplifying installation procedures and reducing the need for specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are described for a flood defense system having a barrier portion which is selectively engaged with a frame of an entryway. A seal on the interior barrier portion engages a gasket on the frame to provide a barrier for flood waters entering a structure.