Flood Vent Door with Float-Actuated Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood vent access door systems do not automatically adjust to rising water levels, potentially leading to inadequate ventilation and structural damage in high water table or seasonal high tide areas.
Innovation Solution
A flood vent access door assembly with a frame and door that can be automatically released to pivot when a fluid reaches a predetermined level, featuring corrosion-resistant pivot pins, a latching/release mechanism, and door support arms for easy access, compatible with various building materials and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flood vent access door system is designed to automatically open at predetermined water levels, then ventilation and structural protection are improved, but device complexity increases due to the latching/release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flood vent access door system uses a self-activating latching/release mechanism that automatically responds to water level changes without external control. The mechanism utilizes the force of rising water itself to trigger the release, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for complex external sensors or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching/release mechanism employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles where rising water creates pressure or buoyant force that directly actuates the release mechanism. This physical coupling between water level and mechanism activation simplifies the overall system while ensuring reliable automatic opening at predetermined levels.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If corrosion-resistant pivot pins are used, then durability in wet environments is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot pins are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or other composite materials that combine strength with corrosion resistance. This material selection extends the service life of the pivot pins in wet, corrosive environments while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs through the use of established corrosion-resistant alloys.
3Ease of operation
If the door can pivot freely when opened, then access to underside of structure is improved, but control over door position becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The door system transitions from a static, fixed-position door to a dynamic, freely pivoting door that can assume multiple positions. This dynamic design allows the door to be opened fully for access while the pivot mechanism naturally manages door position through its mechanical properties, eliminating the need for complex position control systems.
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 system ensures automatic opening of flood vents at predetermined water levels, providing enhanced ventilation and access while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with diverse building materials and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the flood vent access door is capable of being automatically released to freely pivot when a fluid meets a predetermined level relative to the flood vent access door
Implementation Method 2
the pivot pins comprise corrosion-resistant pivot pins
Data Source
AI summary
A flood vent access door assembly having a frame assembly defining a fluid entrance aperture; a door pivotally mounted in said frame assembly, where in the door includes at least one ventilation opening formed through the door; and at least one latching/release mechanism for releasably maintaining the door in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly if a level of fluid is not above a determined level and releasing the door to pivot relative to the frame assembly if the level of fluid is above the determined level, wherein the at least one latching/release mechanism comprises a float means coupled to an elongate release arm for determining the level of fluid and releasing a latch of the at least one latching/release mechanism.