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 often prevent fluids from passing through when carrying debris, and may allow pests to enter or exit due to inadequate opening sizes or absence of openings.
Innovation Solution
A flood vent design featuring a frame and panel with connectors that uncouple at specific pressure levels, allowing fluid passageway equalization even when debris is present, and preventing pests by blocking until predetermined pressure is applied, which then reduces blockage and allows fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen or grille is used to prevent pests from entering or exiting the structure, then pest protection is improved, but fluid flow is blocked when debris is present
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to dynamically change its state based on applied pressure. At normal pressures, the panel remains coupled to the frame providing pest protection through its screen or grille structure. When flood-level pressure (0.5-5.0 PSI) is applied, the connectors uncouple the panel from the frame, allowing the panel to move away and enable unrestricted fluid flow even with debris present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on pressure conditions. The connectors are designed with specific pressure thresholds (0.5-5.0 PSI) that trigger a state change from coupled to uncoupled. This parameter change allows the flood vent to adapt between two operational modes: pest protection mode at low pressure and flood equalization mode at high pressure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel is made solid or with small openings to prevent pests, then pest protection is improved, but hydrostatic force equalization is insufficient when openings are too small or closed
Solution Approach 1:
The panel transitions from a static pest-blocking barrier to a dynamic flood-equalizing component. When flood pressure activates the uncoupling mechanism, the panel moves to a different position that allows adequate fluid flow for hydrostatic equalization, resolving the contradiction between pest protection and flood equalization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors act as intermediaries that mediate between the panel and frame based on pressure conditions. They allow the panel to maintain its pest-protection function during normal conditions while enabling flood equalization when activated by sufficient pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between the two opposing requirements.
3Reliability
If a traditional flood vent allows unrestricted fluid flow, then hydrostatic equalization is improved, but pests can enter or exit the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The flood vent system dynamically adjusts its opening state based on pressure conditions. During normal conditions, the panel remains coupled to the frame in a position that restricts access while allowing minimal flow. During flood conditions, the panel uncouples and moves to a position that enables adequate fluid flow for hydrostatic equalization, thus resolving the contradiction between pest protection and flood equalization.
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
Ensures effective equalization of hydrostatic forces during flooding by allowing fluid passage even with debris, while preventing pests until sufficient pressure is applied, thus addressing the limitations of traditional flood vents.
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 includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. 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, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel.