Segmented Flood Vent Panel for Hydrostatic Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood vents are deficient in allowing equalization of hydrostatic forces during flooding events, especially when flooding fluids carry debris or when the openings in the vents are too small or closed.
Innovation Solution
A flood vent panel comprising a plurality of insulation pieces positioned together with a panel frame, configured to uncouple when a predetermined pressure is applied, allowing fluids and objects to pass through once the pressure is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a panel with openings is used to block fluid passageway, then objects and fluids are prevented from passing through, but when debris accumulates or openings are too small, sufficient fluid flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple insulation pieces that can independently uncouple from the frame. This segmentation allows individual pieces to be dislodged by debris or pressure differentials, preventing complete clogging while maintaining overall panel functionality for pest prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic uncoupled state when subjected to sufficient pressure differential. This dynamic behavior allows the panel to adapt to flooding conditions, opening passages for fluid flow when hydrostatic pressure exceeds the retention force of the insulation pieces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid panel is used to prevent objects from passing through, then pest exclusion is improved, but fluid flow and hydrostatic equalization are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The panel employs dynamic uncoupling behavior where insulation pieces remain attached during normal conditions to exclude pests, but automatically detach when hydrostatic pressure differential reaches a threshold, enabling floodwater flow and hydrostatic equalization during flooding events.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel's effective opening size changes based on pressure differential parameters. Under normal pressure, the insulation pieces maintain a closed configuration for pest exclusion. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold, the pieces uncouple and create open passages, allowing the panel to adapt its permeability to environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If openings in the panel are made larger to allow fluid flow, then hydrostatic equalization is improved, but objects and pests can pass through more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The panel uses multiple separate insulation pieces instead of a single large opening. This segmentation allows individual pieces to be small enough to block pests while collectively forming a configuration that can uncouple to create sufficient total opening area for fluid flow during flooding events.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel employs multiple insulation pieces that may partially uncouple rather than requiring complete panel failure. This partial action allows sufficient fluid flow for hydrostatic equalization while maintaining some barrier function, and the distributed uncoupling prevents any single large pest passage from forming.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces positioned together, and a panel frame surrounding the plurality of insulation pieces. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled to a frame positionable on a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the other insulation pieces of the plurality of insulation pieces. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the panel frame.