Pressure-Uncoupling Flood Vent Panel for Hydrostatic Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flood vents are deficient in allowing equalization of hydrostatic forces during flooding events, as they either prevent fluids from passing through due to clogged openings or allow unwanted objects to enter when openings are too large.
Innovation Solution
A flood vent design featuring a frame and panel with connectors that uncouple at specific pressure levels, allowing fluid passageway equalization while preventing objects from passing until a predetermined pressure is applied, which reduces blockage and facilitates fluid flow even with debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel has small openings to prevent objects from entering, then object entry is prevented, but fluid passage is blocked when openings are clogged or too small
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple separate insulation pieces that can be individually uncoupled, allowing fluid to pass through the gaps between pieces when pressure is applied, while still maintaining object prevention capability when coupled together
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed to dynamically transition from a coupled state (preventing object entry) to an uncoupled state (allowing fluid passage) based on applied pressure, enabling the panel to adapt its function according to flood conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel is firmly coupled to the frame to prevent object entry, then object entry is prevented, but fluid flow is restricted when openings are closed or clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-configured with a predetermined uncoupling pressure threshold, allowing them to automatically transition from coupled to uncoupled state when flood pressure exceeds the threshold, ensuring reliable hydrostatic force equalization during flooding events
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling strength of the connectors is designed to change based on applied pressure, transitioning from a strong coupled state during normal conditions to a weak or uncoupled state during flooding, allowing the system to respond to changing pressure parameters
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel blocks the fluid passageway to prevent object entry, then object entry is prevented, but hydrostatic force equalization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic uncoupled state when pressure is applied, allowing it to perform both object prevention and hydrostatic force equalization functions at different times based on flood conditions
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 design ensures effective equalization of hydrostatic forces by allowing fluid passage while preventing objects from entering until the pressure uncouples the panel, addressing issues of clogged openings and unwanted entry.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.