Retractable Floodwall Panel with Buoyant Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floodwalls are permanent structures that do not aesthetically blend with their environment, obstruct pedestrian and automobile traffic, and lack easy testing mechanisms, while temporary flood protection systems relying on passive means are inefficient for reliability testing.
Innovation Solution
A retractable floodwall system with counterbalanced and deployable panels that can be raised using electric or hydraulic motors, or buoyant force, and remotely controlled, allowing for quick deployment and concealment, and featuring a plumbing system for water-based operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent floodwalls are used, then flood protection is provided, but aesthetic blending with environment is poor and traffic is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The floodwall system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic retractable structure that can change its state between deployed and retracted positions, allowing it to adapt to different conditions (flood risk vs. aesthetic/traffic needs)
Solution Approach 2:
The floodwall is divided into modular panels that can be independently deployed and retracted, allowing selective protection while maintaining aesthetic appearance and traffic flow in areas not requiring protection
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary flood protection systems are used, then aesthetic blending is improved, but reliability testing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses water from the flood itself as the actuating medium to raise the floodwall panels, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and allowing the system to test its own reliability using the actual flood condition
3Device complexity
If passive means are used to raise flood barriers, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability testing requires special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Water serves as an intermediary medium that both actsuates the floodwall system and enables reliability testing, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment by using the floodwater itself as the testing medium
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 system provides effective and aesthetically pleasing flood protection that can be easily tested and deployed, reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing disruption to traffic and scenery.
Implementation Method 1
The floodwall panel includes a buoyant hollow inner space located at a lower section of the floodwall panel. The hollow portion reduces the weight of the floodwall panel and increases its buoyancy.
Implementation Method 2
the floodwall system has a plumbing system to fill the housing unit with water, either from the flood itself or from a potable water source, to create buoyant force to raise the floodwall panel
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; and a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel. The foundation unit includes a first housing unit enclosing an actuator of the power system, and the floodwall panel includes a plurality of guides that mate with the guide tracks of the foundation unit.