Self-filling flood-protection bag with superabsorbent polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood-protection barriers face limitations in mobility, storage, and deployment due to firm anchoring requirements, irregular terrain adaptation, and health hazards associated with sand handling, leading to high costs and labor-intensive operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-filling flood-protection bag with a terminal yoke in the shape of a 'T' made of polyester fabric, containing water superabsorbents like cross-linked polyacrylate copolymers and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which can absorb and swell in water to form a stable, lightweight barrier without the need for firm anchoring, utilizing metal or plastic eyelets for reinforcement and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flood-protection barriers use firm anchoring elements for stability, then reliability is improved, but mobility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the filling material from solid (sand, soil) to superabsorbent polymer granules that transform from small compact particles to large gel structures upon water contact. This parameter change enables the bag to achieve stability through self-swelling rather than firm anchoring, resolving the contradiction between reliability and mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The flood-protection bag fills itself automatically when placed in water, eliminating the need for manual filling or complex anchoring mechanisms. The superabsorbent polymer autonomously absorbs water and expands to provide both stability and flood protection, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If sand bags are used for flood-protection, then effectiveness is improved, but health hazards and labor intensity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reusable sand bags with single-use polymer-filled bags that come pre-filled in a compact state. The polymer granules are contained in a biodegradable or reusable fabric pouch, eliminating direct contact with sand while maintaining flood-protection effectiveness. The health hazards are removed by substituting the filling material
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric pouch acts as an intermediary container that holds the superabsorbent polymer granules and prevents direct contact between users and the filling material. This mediator eliminates health hazards from sand handling while still providing the necessary flood-protection function
3Strength
If traditional barriers require massive framework and anchoring structures, then strength is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric pouch instead of rigid framework structures. The pouch is simple in design, consisting of a waterproof or water-resistant fabric container that holds the superabsorbent polymer. This eliminates complex anchoring systems while maintaining structural strength through the self-swelling gel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the massive framework and anchoring structures from the flood-protection system, retaining only the essential containing structure (fabric pouch). The structural strength function is transferred to the superabsorbent polymer gel itself, which provides rigidity when swollen, thereby simplifying the overall device
4Adaptability or versatility
If bags are filled with water for flood-protection, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but stability against puncture and higher water columns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a durable fabric pouch with superabsorbent polymer granules. The fabric provides puncture resistance and structural integrity, while the polymer provides adaptability through its ability to conform to terrain when swollen. This composite material system resolves the contradiction between adaptability and stability
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 enables rapid deployment, low-cost, and low-labor intervention, with bags expanding to full volume in minutes, being reusable, environmentally friendly, and suitable for various applications, while reducing storage and transportation burdens.
Implementation Method 1
containing water superabsorbents like cross-linked polyacrylate copolymers and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which can absorb and swell in water to form a stable, lightweight barrier
Implementation Method 2
bags expanding to full volume in minutes, being reusable, environmentally friendly, and suitable for various applications, while reducing storage and transportation burdens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Self filling flood-protection bag consists of two enclosed chambers (1), that are interconnected by terminal yoke (2) in form of letter "T" and that are made of polyester fabric with high water absorbing capacity. Chambers (1) are filled up with granular or jelly mixture of water superabsorbents (3) based on cross-linked polyacrylate (SAP). Terminal yoke (2) contains two handling metal eyelets (4).