Subterranean Floodwater Vault With Remote Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floodwater management systems lack an efficient method to redirect floodwaters from periodically flooded bodies of water to predetermined locations for irrigation and municipal use, often resulting in economic devastation and inefficient water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean vault system with integrated inlet and outlet pipes, a ball valve, and a remote-controlled ball valve control unit that directs floodwaters from flooded areas to arid regions for irrigation and municipal services, utilizing a pressure sensor to manage water flow and ensure efficient distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floodwater is stored in underground repositories, then water can be distributed to predetermined locations, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water storage function from complex underground repository systems and implements it using the naturally occurring floodplain depression. This eliminates the need for constructed storage facilities while maintaining the water redistribution capability, directly reducing system complexity while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the floodplain's natural depression and topography to provide passive water storage and redistribution. The elevation difference between the floodplain and surrounding areas creates automatic gravity-driven water flow, eliminating the need for active pumping infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
2Productivity
If pumping stations are used to move water, then water can be directed to predetermined locations, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the water storage depression at a lower elevation than the surrounding floodplain area, creating a gravitational potential difference. This elevation gradient enables water to flow automatically from higher to lower areas and back, eliminating the need for energy-consuming pumping stations while maintaining productivity.
3Speed
If floodwater is rapidly discharged, then water reaches predetermined locations quickly, but water level control and economic damage prevention become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled outlet structure as an intermediary between the floodplain and the water storage depression. This intermediary component regulates water flow rate and timing, enabling controlled discharge that maintains both speed and ease of operation by managing the transition of water from one location to another.
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 effectively redirects floodwaters to arid regions, mitigating economic devastation from flooding and providing a reliable water source for irrigation, while maintaining healthy water levels in the source body, thus addressing the inefficiencies of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
A ball valve is positioned within the subterranean vault to facilitate the water to flow into the outlet pipe
Implementation Method 2
A ball valve is positioned within the subterranean vault to facilitate the water to flow into the outlet pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A floodwater redistribution assembly for redirecting flood waters to a predetermined location for irrigation and municipal water service includes a subterranean vault that is positioned adjacent to a body of water known for periodic flooding. An inlet pipe is integrated into the subterranean vault to direct the water from the body of water into the subterranean vault. An outlet pipe is integrated into the subterranean vault to direct the water outwardly to a predetermined location for the purposes of irrigation and municipal water service. A ball valve is positioned within the subterranean vault to facilitate the water to flow into the outlet pipe. A ball valve control unit is coupled to the ball valve. The ball valve control unit is in remote communication with a remote control source and the ball valve control unit actuates the ball valve between an open position and a closed position.