Self-Actuating Storm Surge Barrier Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and bulkheads, are vulnerable to storm surge overtopping, which can cause flooding and require human intervention or electrical power to deploy effective barriers, and existing self-actuating buoyant gates are ineffective in maintaining an upright position against strong waves.
Innovation Solution
A construction and method that includes a water trap system adjacent to the shoreline barrier, trapping overtopping storm water to create a pool that impounds water, using buoyant forces and hydrostatic pressure to rotate a normally horizontal gate to a fully upright position, effectively blocking storm surges without human intervention or electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If self-actuating buoyant gates are used to block storm surges, then the gate can be erected without human intervention or electrical power, but the gate cannot maintain an upright position against strong waves and rushing water
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system transitions from a static horizontal position to a dynamic upright position in response to changing water conditions. The gate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to respond dynamically to the forces exerted by storm surge waves and maintain stability only when necessary for blocking water.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and position parameters of the gate based on water level and wave conditions. When water rises to a critical level, the buoyant force changes the gate's orientation from horizontal to vertical, transforming its blocking capability from inactive to active in response to parameter changes in the environment.
2Reliability
If permanent tall walls are installed to block storm surges, then overtopping is prevented, but the view of the waterscape is obscured and recreational use of beaches is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single continuous permanent wall, the protection system is segmented into discrete gate units that can be independently deployed. These gates are positioned at specific intervals and only erected when needed, breaking the visual continuity barrier while maintaining protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic deployable structure. The gates remain horizontal and invisible during normal conditions, then rotate to vertical positions only when storm surge threatens, providing protection temporarily while preserving the aesthetic view during calm periods.
3Reliability
If manually erected foldable walls are used, then the barrier can be deployed when needed, but human intervention and electrical power are required which may not be available during storms
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system is designed to deploy itself using the natural forces of the storm surge rather than requiring external human intervention or powered machinery. The rushing water and wave action directly provide the force needed to rotate the gates from horizontal to vertical positions, making the system self-actuating and independent of external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful rushing water and wave forces that characterize storm conditions into the beneficial driving force for gate deployment. The same water that threatens to flood the area is harnessed to erect the protective barrier, transforming a harmful element into the activation mechanism for protection.
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 low-cost, effective barrier against storm surges, maintaining the gate in an upright position through sustained hydrostatic pressure, preventing flooding and preserving the aesthetic view of the waterscape, even in the absence of human intervention or electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
A method and construction for protecting the shore side of a shoreline barrier from flooding by a storm surge overtopping the barrier... trapping storm water overtopping the barrier to a depth effective to buoy and rotate an normally horizontal gate
Implementation Method 2
impounding the water between the gate and the barrier to a depth producing a hydrostatic force against the gate effective to rotate the gate to a fully upright position
Data Source
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AI summary
The shore side of a shore line water barrier is protected from flooding caused by storm surge over-topping the barrier. Water overtopping the barrier, such as from wind waves crashing against the barrier, is trapped, impounded and accumulated between a parapet atop the barrier and walls on the sides of a buoyant gate unit taller than the parapet and walls and normally resident below grade on the shore side of the barrier, hinged about an axis generally parallel to the barrier and spaced from the parapet by a distance not less than the height of the gate unit. The accumulated overtopping water is applied to rotationally float the gate unit from the horizontal position initially principally by buoyancy and then principally by hydrostatic pressure to drive the gate unit to an upright position to oppose storm surges having a water level higher than the parapet.