Remote Culvert Gate Control for Multi-Reservoir Flood Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood control methods are impractical for managing large-scale water storage and flow control, particularly in areas where numerous reservoirs are needed, as they require manual intervention and lack efficient remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A flood control system utilizing a central computer to remotely control water flow through channels, pipes, and culverts via flow control gates equipped with inflatable bladders, solar-powered control units, and sensors, allowing for automated management of water levels and flow rates across multiple reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gates are used to control water flow in numerous reservoirs, then water flow control is possible, but the system becomes highly impractical and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical gate systems with an automated control system using inflatable bladders actuated by compressed air. The mechanical advantage is achieved through the bladder's ability to expand and block culverts remotely, eliminating the need for physical gate manipulation by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that automatically detect water levels and trigger bladder inflation when thresholds are exceeded, enabling self-regulating flood control without continuous manual intervention. The compressed air tanks provide self-contained actuation capability.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capability is implemented for water flow management, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors water levels via pressure sensors, communicates with the central server, controls bladder inflation/deflation, and manages compressed air distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that coordinates control signals across multiple reservoirs. The server receives data from pressure sensors, processes flood risk assessments, and sends standardized control commands to various control units, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If automated control systems are deployed across multiple reservoirs, then productivity and flood control efficiency improve, but initial system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modular units: pressure sensors, control units, inflatable bladders, and compressed air tanks can be deployed individually at each reservoir location. This segmentation allows for scalable implementation and simplified maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in water pressure as a detectable parameter to trigger automated responses. Pressure sensors monitor water level changes and convert them into control signals, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for automated flood control that scales across multiple reservoirs.
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
Enables efficient and automated management of water storage and release, reducing the risk of flooding by allowing for precise control of water levels and flow rates, optimizing water retention and release to prevent overflow and minimize flood damage.
Implementation Method 1
Each water shutoff valve may comprise an inflatable bladder or other structure, such as a motor-driven valve, linear actuated valve, a pump (such as a pump that does not allow water flow unless it is running), etc. If an inflatable bladder is used, the inflatable bladder can be positioned within a channel, such as a pipe or culvert and, when inflated, will block or reduce the flow of water through the channel.
Implementation Method 2
Each flow control gate may further comprise a solar panel adapted to charge a battery, wherein the battery provides electrical power to the control unit and the compressor.
Data Source
AI summary
A flood control system for remotely and automatically controlling flooding and water storage on reservoirs. The flood control system generally includes a central computer that controls the water level by controlling or communicating with flow control gates positioned near a number of culverts, wherein each flow control gate typically includes: (a) a control unit communicatively coupled to the central computer, the control unit capable of sending local condition data to the central computer via a wireless connection and further capable of receiving control commands from the central computer; (b) an input/output interface capable of receiving signals or data regarding physical conditions proximate the flow control gate, the input/output interface coupled to the control unit; and (c) a water shutoff valve controllable by the control unit and positioned to selectively allow or block the flow of water through each culvert, wherein each control unit controls each water shutoff valve.