Inflatable Seal Lid for Underground Sump Water Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for secondary access points in underground systems fail to effectively prevent water penetration due to the lack of a self-contained inflatable seal mechanism, leading to infiltration issues caused by water finding paths of least resistance and structural compromises from freeze/thaw cycles and erosion.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical lid with an integrated pressurized air tank and pneumatic expandable seal, controlled by an air flow regulator, which creates a watertight seal by conforming to the access opening's surface when inflated, and can maintain constant pressure despite ambient temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cover is used to enclose the access point, then access restriction is improved, but water penetration prevention deteriorates due to water finding paths of least resistance and structural compromises from freeze/thaw cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible pneumatic seal (thin film) that can deform and conform to irregular surfaces, creating a reliable watertight barrier. The seal expands to fill gaps and adapt to surface variations, preventing water infiltration while maintaining access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressure as a controllable parameter to activate and deactivate the seal. By inflating the pneumatic seal with pressurized air, the system transitions from an open to a sealed state, providing dynamic control over water penetration prevention while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If an inflatable seal is added to prevent water penetration, then water tightness is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for pressurized air tank and flow regulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressurized air tank, flow regulator, and pneumatic seal into a single self-contained unit mounted on the lid. This merging of components simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for external inflation mechanisms, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable water tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an automatic pressure maintenance mechanism where the flow regulator continuously monitors and adjusts air pressure to maintain optimal seal inflation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while ensuring consistent water tightness.
3Reliability
If the pneumatic seal is used to create watertight barrier, then water penetration restriction is improved, but pressure maintenance becomes challenging under varying ambient temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pneumatic seal inflation pressure and provides feedback to the flow regulator. This closed-loop control system automatically adjusts air supply to maintain constant pressure despite temperature fluctuations, ensuring reliable water penetration restriction across varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulator dynamically adjusts the air pressure parameter in response to temperature changes. By modifying the pressure input to the pneumatic seal based on ambient conditions, the system maintains optimal seal performance and water tightness across different thermal environments.
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 effectively restricts water penetration into underground systems by maintaining a consistent air pressure within the pneumatic seal, ensuring a reliable watertight barrier that prevents infiltration even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized tank contained within an interior of lid between the top and bottom plates and is coupled in fluid communication with the pneumatic expandable seal
Implementation Method 2
when inflated the seal conforms to the sleeve surface, creating a water tight seal between the lid and sump
Implementation Method 3
The flow regulator is coupled in line between the pressurized tank and the pneumatic seal to control the amount and pressure of air delivered to the pneumatic seal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing a water impenetrable barrier between an underground duct and an access opening. The apparatus is particularly well suited to cover a secondary opening in a containment sump of an underground storage tank or the manway of a sanitary sewer, catch basin or other manhole system. The apparatus includes a lid, inflatable seal and pressurized tank contained within the lid to inflate the seal. When sealed to the access opening, the lid restricts the inflow of water or other debris into the interior of the underground duct and restricts removal of the lid.