Modular Water Shielding Barrier with Interlocking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water protection barriers are complex to assemble, time-consuming, and require numerous parts, making them inefficient for rapid deployment and impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A protective module with complementary connecting elements, including protruding portions and slots, allows for quick and secure locking between modules, enabling rapid assembly and forming a robust, impact-resistant barrier without additional fixing parts, and includes a sealing membrane for watertight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional barriers made of multiple separate parts are used, then the barrier can be formed with basic protective function, but the assembly work becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into modular protective modules that can be independently handled and assembled. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated connecting elements, allowing for standardized assembly operations that significantly reduce the time and complexity compared to traditional multi-part barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are integrated directly into the protective modules themselves rather than being separate components. The first and second connecting elements are formed as part of the module structure, eliminating the need for additional fixing parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate parts and fixing parts are used, then the barrier can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes unwieldy and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The protective modules are designed with self-aligning and self-locking characteristics through the complementary connecting elements. The insertion part and locking part geometry allows modules to automatically find their correct position and secure themselves during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and additional fixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are pre-formed and integrated into the protective modules during manufacturing. The complementary geometries of the insertion and locking parts are prepared in advance, allowing for rapid on-site assembly without the need for additional preparation or complex assembly steps.
3Reliability
If conventional connecting methods are used, then panels can be joined, but the connection is not secure and requires additional fixing parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements feature asymmetric geometries where the insertion part and locking part have complementary but non-symmetric shapes. This asymmetric design ensures that modules can only be connected in the correct orientation, providing inherent alignment and secure locking without requiring additional symmetric fixing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion part fits into the locking part in a nested configuration, where one component is received within the other. This nested connection geometry creates a secure interlocked joint that eliminates the need for external fixing parts while maintaining strong and reliable connection between modules.
4Adaptability or versatility
If barriers are designed to be extendable, then the barrier can adapt to different areas, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protective modules are designed with universal connecting elements that can interface with identical modules in multiple configurations. The same first and second connecting elements can be used to join modules horizontally, vertically, or at angles, allowing the barrier to be extended and adapted to various shapes and sizes without requiring different connection mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective module for use as a water shielding part of a barrier (50), said barrier (50) being adapted to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The protective module (10) has a main plane and a first (10a), second (10b), third (10c) and fourth (10d) side, which sides (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) define a main surface of the protective module (10), in the main plane of the protective module (10), the first (10a) and second (10b) sides being arranged opposite each other. The protective module (10) further has at least one first connecting element (11) on the first (10a) side and at least one second connecting element (12) on the second (10b) side. The first connecting element (11 ) and the second connecting element (12) are complementary to each other, the first connecting element (11 ) being arranged to be connected to a corresponding second connecting element (12) of another corresponding protective module (20) and the second connecting element (12) being arranged to be connected to a correponding first connecting element (11 ) of yet another corresponding protective module (30). The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a protective module (10) according to the invention. The invention further concerns a barrier (50) made up of interconnected protective modules (10) and a barrier system comprising two or more protective modules (10), the protective modules being adapted to be joined together in such a manner as to form a barrier (50).