Rotatable Ventilation Grating for Underground Flood Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground ventilation systems, such as subway tunnels and chambers, face flooding issues due to surface storm waters entering through ventilation ducts, overwhelming existing drainage systems and causing flooding, especially in low-lying areas like New York City, where traditional solutions like raising gratings or using sandbags are costly, labor-intensive, or insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A manual, operable ventilation shaft closure assembly that includes rotatable panels which can be raised to allow ventilation and lowered to seal the passage, preventing water entry during flooding threats, using a support structure with hinges and lift arms for easy operation and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ventilation gratings are raised above sidewalk level, then flooding protection is improved, but sidewalk area for pedestrians is reduced and implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation grating is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one that can rotate between a raised position (providing flood protection) and a lowered position (preserving sidewalk area). The grating is hinged at the bottom edge, allowing it to be rotated to different angles depending on flood risk conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of raising the grating vertically which consumes sidewalk space, the solution uses rotational movement around a horizontal hinge axis. This changes the dimension of movement from vertical displacement to angular rotation, allowing the grating to clear the sidewalk area while providing protection.
2Reliability
If sandbags and plywood covers are used to prevent flooding, then flooding protection is improved, but labor intensity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation grating system is designed to be self-protecting against flooding through its rotational capability. When flood risk is present, the grating can be rotated to a protective position without requiring external materials like sandbags or plywood covers, and without requiring manual labor for installation.
3Reliability
If a fixed closed position is used for flood protection, then flooding protection is improved, but ventilation functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The grating system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing rotation between different positions. In normal conditions, the grating remains in a lowered position allowing full ventilation. During flood events, it rotates to a raised position providing protection while still allowing some air passage, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
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 provides a rapid, cost-effective, and efficient means to prevent flooding in underground ventilation systems by allowing ventilation while ensuring water does not enter during heavy rains or storm surges, maintaining system functionality without sacrificing sidewalk space.
Implementation Method 1
one or more panels held in an upright home position that allows ventilation as usual but is releasable to rotationally gravitate to a lower sealing position
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A panel drain automatically closes when the panel is raised to home position. A releasable latching system between panel and a suspension member holder catches rising panels to hold them in home position. The suspension member may include end keys received in keyed supports so a specific panel faces a specific sidewalk