Flood Vent Panel With Pressure-Release Sections for Debris Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical 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 objects to enter when openings are too large, and do not effectively manage debris carried by flooding fluids.
Innovation Solution
A flood vent design featuring a frame and panel with connectors that uncouple under specific pressure, allowing fluid passageway equalization even when debris is present, by using pressure-activated mechanisms such as raised bumps, velcro, mechanical fasteners, or perforations to reduce blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel openings are made small to prevent objects from entering, then object prevention is improved, but fluid passage is worsened due to clogging and insufficient flow
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple small openings that can independently function. When debris blocks some openings, others remain open to maintain fluid passage. The panel can be segmented into removable sections that can be cleaned or replaced without replacing the entire flood vent assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a static state with fixed opening sizes to a dynamic state where the panel can be removed or reconfigured. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between preventing object entry (panel in place) and allowing fluid passage (panel removed or reconfigured).
2Productivity
If the panel openings are made large to allow sufficient fluid passage, then fluid passage is improved, but object entry prevention is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flood vent system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the panel can be moved between coupled and uncoupled states. This allows the system to adapt its characteristics based on flood conditions, switching between object prevention mode and fluid passage mode as needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the panel is made solid to completely block objects, then object entry prevention is improved, but fluid passage is worsened due to complete blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with the anticipation of debris accumulation. The panel can be removed or reconfigured before complete clogging occurs, preventing the harmful effect of complete blockage. This preliminary action maintains fluid passage efficiency even when debris is present.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the connectors are made strong to keep the panel securely coupled, then panel stability is improved, but pressure-activated uncoupling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a pressure threshold parameter. Under normal conditions, the connectors maintain strong coupling for stability. When flood pressure exceeds the threshold, the connector geometry causes uncoupling, allowing the panel to be removed or reconfigured. This parameter-based design resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces coupled together to form at least a portion of the flood vent panel. The flood vent panel further includes one or more insulation piece connectors coupled to the plurality of insulation pieces, and configured to couple the plurality of insulation pieces together. 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 one or more insulation piece connectors are further configured to uncouple one or more of the plurality of insulation pieces from the panel when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the flood vent panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid.