Removable Flood Cover System for Underground Vents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground facilities such as subway systems, basements, and electrical facilities are vulnerable to flooding due to water ingress through openings during heavy rains and storm surges, with existing solutions failing to effectively prevent water entry.
Innovation Solution
A cover system comprising waterproof panels with seal gaskets and clamping devices that securely attach to the periphery of openings, creating a watertight seal to prevent water entry, and are designed to be quickly deployable, removable, and transportable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent flood control structure is installed at the opening, then water ingress is prevented, but the structure becomes fixed and cannot be removed or transported
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from static permanent structures to dynamic removable covers. The clamping devices with movable jaws that can be tightened or loosened allow the cover to be easily installed and removed, providing both reliable water protection and adaptability for different flood events.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system is divided into separate modular components including panels, clamping devices, and seal gaskets. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in parts and assembled at the opening, combining the reliability of a complete seal with the versatility of modular deployment and removal.
2Reliability
If complex securement devices are used to ensure watertight seal, then water ingress prevention is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices are designed to be self-contained units that combine the sealing function and securing function in one component. The movable jaw mechanism allows the same device to both clamp the cover securely and compress the seal gasket, eliminating the need for separate complex installation procedures while maintaining reliable watertight sealing.
3Reliability
If heavy-duty clamping devices are used to secure panels during floods, then water ingress prevention is improved, but the devices require special tools for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual screw mechanism is replaced with a cam-actuated or lever-based mechanical advantage system in the clamping device. This substitution provides heavy-duty securing capability through mechanical leverage while allowing operation by hand without requiring special tools, making the system both reliable and easy to deploy during emergency flood events.
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 cover system significantly reduces water ingress into underground facilities, is easily installable without special tools, and can be temporarily used during floods before being stored, ensuring facility safety and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
Clamping or other securement devices are provided that engage the panel and the periphery of the opening and/or structure extending over and attached to the opening (e.g., a grate or a ledge) to clamp the panel over the opening and compress the seal gasket.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover system for covering an opening, e.g., to an underground facility, watertight, includes one or more waterproof panels and a seal gasket for each panel, or a seal gasket common to a plurality of panels, configured to extend peripherally relative to the panel(s) and the opening, and adapted to be positioned between the panel(s) and the periphery of the opening, and one or more clamping devices for each panel which engage the respective panel and the periphery of the opening and/or structure extending over and attached to the opening to clamp the respective panel over the opening and compress the respective seal gasket.