Flood Protection System With EPDM Membrane and Termination Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood protection systems for individual homes are impractical due to high installation costs, land use impact, and difficulties in addressing irregularities and leakage, with most systems requiring extensive excavation and lacking effective drainage and repair methods.
Innovation Solution
A flood protection system using a waterproof EPDM membrane mechanically attached to the home's foundation with a termination bar and drainage system, featuring a sheet drain and sump pump setup for efficient water removal, and innovative installation methods for handling protrusions and corners, ensuring a reliable and leakproof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof membrane is attached to the footing of the home using tar adhesive and stored in an underground box, then flood protection is provided, but extensive excavation is required which greatly increases installation cost and impacts land use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the membrane storage function from an underground box and relocates it to above-ground storage. The membrane is stored in a convenient location above ground and manually deployed when needed, eliminating the need for extensive excavation and underground storage structures while maintaining the flood protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-installed hooks on the home's walls during construction or preparation phase. These hooks are ready in advance to receive the membrane during a flood event, allowing for quick deployment without requiring complex installation procedures at the moment of need.
2Reliability
If the lower edge of the waterproof liner is anchored in concrete, then the liner is secured, but it becomes difficult to monitor and repair issues in this critical seal area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of anchoring the membrane lower edge into concrete as was done in previous systems, the patent inverts the approach by attaching the membrane to the pre-installed hooks on the walls. This reversal makes the critical seal area accessible and easy to monitor and repair, while still providing reliable securing.
3Reliability
If a waterproof membrane system is installed around the entire home, then flood protection is achieved, but the system does not have drainage to capture and remove leakage and rainwater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drainage system as an intermediary component that captures and removes leakage and rainwater from the membrane system. This drainage function acts as a mediator between the waterproof membrane and the environment, preventing water accumulation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the flood protection system.
4Reliability
If traditional flood protection systems are used, then protection is provided, but they do not describe methods to adequately address irregularities such as pipes exiting walls, AC lines, gutter downspouts, and fencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specific installation methods and details for handling irregularities such as pipes exiting walls, AC lines, gutter downspouts, and fencing. Each irregularity is addressed with tailored approaches that maintain the integrity of the membrane system while accommodating the unique requirements of each feature.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved flood protection system for a home or other building. The flood protection system includes a waterproof membrane that is positioned on the exterior of the building. The membrane has first and second horizontal edges. A sealant is applied to the foundation between the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the foundation of the building. A termination bar mechanically attaches to the foundation, pressing the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the sealant toward the foundation to create a watertight seal.