Modular Waterproof Barrier Panels for Rapid Flood Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting structures from water ingress, flooding, wind, and other natural disasters are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and ineffective in preventing damage, often leading to water leakage and structural harm.

Innovation Solution

A temporary protective barrier system comprising support elements and attachment mechanisms for securing waterproof panels around structures, using pressurized tubing to create a water-tight seal with extruded seals and automated deployment systems for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sandbags are used to create a temporary dike or barrier, then water ingress can be prevented, but the system becomes labor intensive, time consuming, and expensive to construct and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater ingress preventionVSAvoidconstruction and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently assembled and deployed. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated sealing and support structures, allowing rapid assembly without requiring manual stacking like sandbags. The segmented design enables parallel installation across different sections of a structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier panels are pre-fabricated with integrated support structures, sealing mechanisms, and attachment elements before deployment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site construction and assembly during emergency situations, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining reliable water ingress prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If sandbags are used to create a temporary dike or barrier, then water ingress can be prevented, but the system becomes labor intensive and expensive to construct and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater ingress preventionVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are merged into single integrated components. Each panel combines the barrier function, sealing mechanism, support structure, and attachment elements into one unified module. This integration simplifies manufacturing and deployment while maintaining effective water ingress prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If sandbags are used to create a temporary dike or barrier, then water ingress can be prevented, but leakage through or between sandbags and stormwater accumulation inside the barrier may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater ingress preventionVSAvoidwater leakage and accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing extrusion element acts as an intermediary component between adjacent panels and between the panel and the structure. This sealing element fills gaps and prevents water leakage through or between panels, eliminating the stormwater accumulation problem that occurs with sandbag barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier panels utilize flexible waterproof membrane materials that conform to the structure and create continuous water-tight barriers. These flexible shells prevent water ingress while accommodating structural irregularities, eliminating leakage paths present in rigid sandbag constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If a temporary protective barrier system is implemented, then protection against flooding and wind-driven rain is provided, but the system requires automated deployment mechanisms for easy installation and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoiddeployment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system incorporates dynamic deployment mechanisms that allow the panels to be quickly installed and removed as needed. The panels can be rapidly positioned and secured using automated or semi-automated systems, enabling easy response to changing emergency conditions while maintaining reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier panels are designed with self-aligning and self-sealing features that reduce the skill level and time required for deployment. The integrated sealing extrusions automatically engage when panels are positioned, and the support structures self-adjust to ensure proper fit, making the system easy to operate while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12534908B2System and method for protecting structures

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 OUIMETTE DONALD

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for protecting structures. In example embodiments, one or more waterproof barrier panels are sealed to one or more exterior walls of the structure. In other example embodiments, the barrier system comprises a plurality of sealing elements, protective panels and, optionally, tracks comprising shackles or hooks for suspending the protective panels. The barrier panel optionally comprises a thermoplastic olefin, and further optionally comprises a fire-resistant material.