Non-Invasive Inflatable Flood Valve for Pipe Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood protection devices for pipe systems require invasive installation, are expensive, and need external pressure sources or electricity, making them costly and inconvenient to install and remove.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive flood protection device using an inflatable blocking member activated by a gas cartridge with compressed gas, such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen, which can be easily installed and removed without damaging the pipe system, and operates without external power or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an invasive installation method is used (installing sewer valve into pipe system), then the flood protection device can be securely installed, but the installation becomes irreversible, expensive, and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The flood protection device is divided into separate modular components: the blocking member with inflatable bladder, the actuation mechanism with water-activated piston, and the gas cartridge. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled non-invasively within the pipe system, eliminating the need for invasive installation while maintaining functional integrity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member utilizes an inflatable bladder made of flexible material that can be inserted through the pipe and expanded internally to create a seal against the pipe walls. This flexible shell approach enables secure, reversible installation without cutting or drilling, as the bladder conforms to the pipe interior and creates an effective blockage when inflated
2Reliability
If an external pressure source is used to inflate the blocking member, then the blocking can be achieved, but the device requires external power source and becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is designed to be self-activating through water contact. When floodwater enters the pipe, it automatically triggers the piston mechanism which releases the gas cartridge to inflate the bladder. This self-service approach eliminates external power sources, sensors, and control systems while maintaining reliable automatic blocking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a gas cartridge containing compressed gas (CO2 or nitrogen) that is released upon water activation to inflate the bladder. This pneumatic system provides reliable blocking power without electrical components or external pressure sources, simplifying the device while maintaining effective flood protection
3Ease of operation
If a water-activated actuation mechanism is used, then the device can operate automatically without electricity, but the device requires specific activation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism detects water presence through physical contact parameters - when floodwater rises to a certain level, it triggers the piston mechanism. This parameter-based activation (water level contact) provides automatic operation while adapting to various flood scenarios, as the device responds to the fundamental parameter of water presence rather than requiring specific electrical or mechanical signals
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 solution provides a quick, efficient, and reliable way to block water ingress in various pipe geometries, saving time and money by eliminating the need for invasive procedures and external power sources, while being easily removable and adaptable to different pipe structures.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive flood protection device using an inflatable blocking member activated by a gas cartridge with compressed gas, such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
an actuation mechanism operable upon contact with water or manually, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to activate the actuation device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The flood protection device configured to prevent water ingress through a pipe member is disclosed. The flood protection device comprises: a blocking member configured to block pipe member, an actuation device, - an actuation mechanism operable upon contact with water (or another liquid) or manually, where the actuation mechanism is configured to activate the actuation device and hereby make the blocking member block the pipe member. The flood protection device is configured to be arranged in the pipe member and be removed from the pipe member without damaging the pipe member. Accordingly, the flood protection device can be arranged in pipe member in a non-invasive way and still prevent water ingress through a pipe member. The flood protection device can easily be arranged in and be removed from a pipe system.