Flood Hinge Mechanism for Asymmetric Structural Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structures in flood-prone areas suffer significant damage due to inadequate resilience against flooding, resulting in substantial economic losses and challenges in disaster relief.
Innovation Solution
The Flood Hinge system, which includes a tethering system, a buoyancy system, and a coil spring, allows structures to vertically separate from their foundations during flooding, move asymmetrically, and return to their original position as floodwaters recede, while maintaining connection to underground utilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If structures are rigidly anchored to foundations, then structural stability is improved, but damage during flooding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, static connection between structure and foundation into a dynamic, movable connection. The flood hinge mechanism allows the structure to pivot and separate vertically from the foundation during flooding events, then return to its original position when flooding subsides. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to changing flood conditions rather than resisting them rigidly, thereby reducing flood damage while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the flood hinge mechanism and tethering system before flooding occurs. The coil springs are pre-compressed and the tethering system is pre-positioned to automatically engage and resist flood forces when water rises, rather than waiting for damage to occur. This preliminary preparation allows the structure to counteract flood forces proactively, minimizing damage before it happens.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If structures are allowed to move during flooding, then flood damage is reduced, but connection to foundation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle to create a connection system that is static during normal conditions (maintaining foundation connection) but becomes dynamic during flooding (allowing vertical separation). The flood hinge mechanism transitions from a fixed connection to a pivoting motion, and the tethering system transitions from a taut state to a relaxed state, allowing movement while maintaining connection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both stability and movement capability at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the physical state and properties of the connection system based on flood conditions. The coil springs change from a compressed state (providing rigid support) to an extended state (allowing movement). The tethering system changes from a taut configuration (maintaining connection) to a slack configuration (allowing separation). These parameter changes enable the system to maintain connection during normal operation while allowing movement during flooding.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but energy of impact is not absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing coil springs in the flood hinge mechanism that are compressed during normal operation. These springs are pre-positioned to absorb impact energy when the structure separates from the foundation during flooding, rather than allowing rigid impact. The tethering system is also pre-configured to gradually engage and absorb energy during the separation process, cushioning the structure against sudden impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to transform the rigid, non-energy-absorbing anchoring system into a flexible, energy-absorbing system. The coil springs change their mechanical properties from a rigid support state to an energy-absorbing compression state during impact. The tethering system changes from a rigid connection to a flexible, elongating connection that dissipates energy through deformation. These parameter changes enable impact energy absorption while maintaining structural stability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If structures are designed for flood resilience, then disaster losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flood resilience system into distinct functional components: the flood hinge mechanism (with coil springs), the tethering system, and the foundation connection points. Each component performs a specific function - the hinges enable pivoting motion, the springs provide energy absorption, and the tethers maintain connection. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and maintain, rather than a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the flood hinge mechanism to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it enables vertical separation from the foundation, absorbs impact energy through spring compression, maintains connection via the tethering system, and facilitates return to the original position after flooding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive flood resilience.
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 Flood Hinge system enables structures to remain intact and functional during flooding events, minimizing damage and ensuring uninterrupted utility services, thereby reducing economic losses and enhancing disaster resilience.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring configured: to be pressed or pulled but return to its former shape when released, and to absorb the energy of impact between the object and the foundation system when the object is transitioning its position between object at rest and separated object
Implementation Method 2
a buoyancy system configured to: allow the object to vertically separate from the foundation system
Data Source
AI summary
Flood Hinge is a novel system that allows a building to remain on its foundation in its normal resting position, to vertically and asymmetrically separate from the foundation upon application of an external force, while remaining securely tethered to the foundation, only to be guided to return to its original resting position as the external force subsides or is removed. This is accomplished by use of multiple parallel strut systems, each arranged in opposing positions. Each of these systems are anchored to the foundation on one end, and to the building on the other, effectively tethering the building to its foundation. Separation movement of the building from its foundation is freely allowed along the Z axis, but restricted to a narrow movement cone in both the X and Y axes. This movement cone exists for each parallel strut system.