Self-filling Modular Flood Barrier with Tapered Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood barriers are inflexible in terms of height adjustment, inefficient in space usage during transit and storage, and limited in interconnection options, making them inadequate for unpredictable flood situations and large volumes of floodwater.
Innovation Solution
A modular flood barrier system with units that can be stacked vertically for efficient storage and transportation, featuring tapered connection slots and pieces for enhanced sealing and multiple interconnection options, allowing for flexible barrier configurations and adjustable height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height flood barrier is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the barrier cannot adapt to unpredictable flood volumes and may be insufficient in height
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into multiple modular units that can be stacked vertically to create barriers of different heights. Each unit has standardized connection features allowing them to be assembled in various configurations, enabling the barrier to adapt to different flood volumes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system transitions from a fixed-height structure to a dynamically adjustable height system. Units can be stacked to different heights based on predicted flood levels, and the tapered connection features allow for quick assembly and disassembly to adjust the barrier configuration as needed.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional flood barrier units are used, then the interconnection method is simple, but the units cannot be efficiently stacked for storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier units are designed to nest within one another during storage and transportation, with each unit containing recesses that accommodate adjacent units. This nesting arrangement dramatically reduces the space required for storage and transport while the tapered connection features enable straightforward assembly by allowing units to be pushed together and locked into place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If end-to-end connection only is used, then the connection method is straightforward, but the barrier depth is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are designed with universal functionality, where the same tapered connection slots and pieces can accommodate multiple connection configurations including end-to-end, side-by-side, and angled connections. This multi-functional connection system allows the barrier to be assembled in various depths and configurations without requiring different connection mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enhancing flexibility.
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 modular system provides a flexible, efficient, and adaptable flood barrier that can be easily assembled to various heights and configurations, effectively containing large volumes of floodwater and reducing damage from flooding.
Implementation Method 1
the connection slots and connection keys are tapered, so that a component of the weight of the unit acts to compress the unit onto the connection key and thereby improve the seal between them
Implementation Method 2
the unit includes at least one self-filling hole to allow flood water to enter it while it is deployed
Data Source
AI summary
A flood barrier unit having a base and at least one side wall is provided. The walls of the unit are tapered such that it is capable of being stacked vertically with other such units when not in use. The unit preferably includes at least one connection slot on each wall, wherein each connection slot is adapted to sealingly accept a connection piece. A plurality of such units may be connected together to form a watertight flood barrier, where adjacent units are adapted to be connected together in a watertight manner using one connection piece. Additional connection pieces suitable for sealingly engaging a vertical structure such as the wall of a building are also provided.