Inflatable Dam Double-Layered Membrane Puncture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable dams made of rubber membranes are susceptible to punctures from sharp debris and vandalism due to their thin structure, which compromises their durability and reliability in blocking water flow.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inflatable dam with a double-layered flexible membrane structure, where an inner membrane is surrounded by an outer membrane with a reinforcement element, such as a metallic mesh or high-strength polymeric material, to enhance puncture resistance and durability, and secured to a foundation with an anchor line system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a thin rubber membrane is used for the inflatable dam, then the construction cost is reduced and installation is simplified, but the dam becomes susceptible to punctures from sharp debris and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a rubber membrane with a reinforcement layer made of metallic mesh, fiberglass, or other high-strength materials. This composite structure maintains the flexibility and ease of installation of the rubber membrane while adding puncture resistance through the reinforcement layer, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested structure where the reinforcement layer is embedded within or attached to the rubber membrane, creating a multi-layered composite wall. The inner rubber membrane provides flexibility and sealing, while the outer reinforcement layer provides puncture resistance, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising either ease of manufacture or reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If the rubber membrane is made thinner to reduce material cost, then construction material cost decreases, but the dam's durability and resistance to sharp objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using composite materials with a thin rubber membrane combined with a reinforcement layer, the patent achieves both cost effectiveness and durability. The thin membrane reduces material cost while the reinforcement layer compensates for the reduced thickness by providing the necessary puncture resistance and durability against sharp objects and vandalism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the reinforcement materials at critical areas where puncture resistance is most needed, such as the front surface exposed to debris and vandalism. This allows the membrane to remain thin and cost-effective in non-critical areas while providing enhanced durability where required.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable dam sized to secure to a foundation structure. The inflatable dam includes a double layered flexible membrane extending with an inner membrane and an outer membrane, the double layered flexible membrane including a port configured to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inner membrane such that, upon inflation of the inner membrane, the outer membrane is configured to expand with inflation of the inner membrane, the outer membrane including a reinforcement element embedded therein.