Hinged Bulkhead Fluid Retention Device with Toggle Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid retention devices with floating folding bulkheads require complex actuator systems and pose risks of false activation and injury, especially during vehicle passage, and have high installation heights and thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivotally mounted knee lever and gas pressure springs that uses buoyancy to automatically lift and seal the bulkhead, eliminating the need for complex actuators and ensuring a low installation height and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex actuator systems are used to move the bulkhead, then the bulkhead can be reliably positioned, but the device complexity increases and false activation risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead system activates itself automatically through buoyancy when water level rises, eliminating the need for external complex actuator systems. The toggle lever mechanism converts the buoyant force directly into bulkhead elevation, making the system self-activating and fail-safe against false activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex actuator systems entirely from the design, retaining only the essential toggle lever mechanism that works passively with buoyancy forces. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the device while maintaining reliability through automatic activation.
2Ease of operation
If the bulkhead is positioned low in standby to allow vehicle passage, then accessibility is improved, but the installation height becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead transitions from a static low position in standby to an elevated blocking position when activated. The toggle lever mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the bulkhead to maintain a low profile during normal conditions while providing sufficient height when needed for flood protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead is positioned low in the vertical dimension during standby to allow vehicle passage, but when activated, it elevates vertically to create the necessary barrier height. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction between low standby profile and sufficient blocking height.
3Extent of automation
If floating bodies are used to raise the bulkhead, then automatic activation is achieved, but the risk of injury from moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of moving parts into a benefit by using the toggle lever mechanism to create a self-locking action. The geometry of the toggle lever ensures that once activated, the bulkhead is securely held in position without requiring continuous mechanical actuation, reducing injury risks from moving parts.
4Force
If the actuator is positioned far from the pivot axis to increase leverage, then the bulkhead can be lifted more easily, but the installation height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle lever mechanism acts as a mechanical counterweight system that amplifies the buoyant force. By positioning the actuator at an optimized distance and using the toggle lever's geometric advantage, sufficient lifting force is achieved without requiring the actuator to be positioned far from the pivot axis, thus maintaining low installation height.
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 device is simple, reliable, and fail-safe, automatically triggered by rising water levels, preventing false activations and maintaining a low profile, allowing vehicle passage without thresholds and efficient flood or extinguishing water retention.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating drive, in particular a first gas pressure spring, is provided which engages at one end on the folding bulkhead and at the other end on the folding bulkhead holder to set the folding bulkhead into the shut-off position
Implementation Method 2
which is inserted into the trough-shaped folding bulkhead holder in its standby position and wherein at least one actuating drive... to set the folding bulkhead into the shut-off position
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for retaining a fluid is described, comprising a floating hinged bulkhead (4) pivotably mounted on a hinged bulkhead receptacle (3) about a horizontal pivot axis (2) between a lying ready position and a standing shut-off position, which in its ready position is inserted into the trough-shaped hinged bulkhead receptacle (3) and wherein at least one actuating drive (5), in particular a first gas spring, is provided for setting up the hinged bulkhead (4) into the shut-off position, which acts at one end on the hinged bulkhead (4) and at the other end on the hinged bulkhead receptacle (3).In order to create advantageous installation conditions, it is proposed that a toggle lever (6) be provided to assist in lifting the hinged bulkhead (4) from the ready position, which is pivotably mounted at both ends in the area of the hinged bulkhead receptacle (3) and whose knee (7) is positioned against a starting surface (8) of the hinged bulkhead (4) to lift the hinged bulkhead (4) from the ready position.