Retractable Flood Barrier Piles Using Buoyant Self-Rising Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing flood barriers are hindered by permanently visible piles that obstruct visibility and traffic when open, necessitating a solution that minimizes these obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A pile mechanism for self-closing flood barriers that automatically adjusts its position below ground when the water level is low, rising above ground only when needed, using a central float and well system to support water barrier elements and form a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piles are continuously above ground to support water barrier elements, then the flood barrier can provide protection, but the piles obstruct visibility and traffic when the barrier is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the piles movable rather than stationary. The piles are equipped with buoyant elements that enable them to automatically rise above ground when water levels increase and submerge below ground when water levels decrease, allowing the flood barrier to transition between open and closed states without permanent obstructions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic operation of the piles. The buoyant elements on the piles cause them to self-adjust their position in response to water level changes without requiring external control or manual intervention, enabling the system to respond autonomously to flooding conditions
2Length of stationary object
If intermediate piles are used to segment a long flood barrier, then structural support is provided, but the piles create visual disturbance and traffic hindrance when open
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate piles are made dynamic with buoyant elements that enable automatic vertical movement. When the flood barrier is open and water levels are low, the intermediate piles submerge below ground level, eliminating visual disturbance and traffic hindrance. When flooding occurs and water levels rise, the piles automatically rise to provide structural support for the water barrier elements
3Stability of the object's composition
If piles remain stationary above ground, then they provide stable support for water barrier elements, but they cannot adapt to varying water levels and ground altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The piles transition from a static to a dynamic configuration, equipped with buoyant elements that enable automatic vertical adjustment in response to water level changes. This allows the piles to maintain stable support for water barrier elements when needed while adapting to varying water levels and ground altitudes throughout the year
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the change in water level as a triggering parameter. The buoyant elements respond to changes in water level parameters, automatically adjusting the vertical position of the piles to maintain optimal support while adapting to different operational conditions
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 solution allows for a long, segmented flood barrier that adapts to varying ground altitudes and angles without obstructing traffic or visibility, providing effective flood protection without permanent above-ground piles.
Implementation Method 1
a central float that is suited to cause the pile to rise at a water level above ground level
Data Source
AI summary
A pile mechanism to support water barrier elements in a self-closing flood barrier is described. The pile mechanism includes a pile that is arranged substantially beneath ground level when the water level is below the ground level, and that is automatically positioned above the ground level when the water level rises above the ground level. In some embodiments, the pile mechanism has a central float that is suited to cause the pile to rise at a water level that is higher than the ground level, a cover element suited to provide a water-tight seal between the pile and at least one water barrier element of the self-closing flood barrier, and a well having at least one flotation compartment from which the pile rises by means of the central float positioned in the flotation compartment.