Ventilation Shaft Closure Panels 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, with current solutions like raising gratings or using sandbags being costly, labor-intensive, and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A manual, operable closure assembly is installed in ventilation shafts, comprising panels that can be rotated to close the passage from the atmospheric opening to the underground duct, preventing water entry during flooding threats, using a support structure with panels that gravitationally fall to block water ingress and include self-actuating drain closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ventilation gratings are raised above sidewalk level to prevent flooding, then flood protection is improved, but construction cost and loss of sidewalk area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable closure assembly that can dynamically open and close based on flooding conditions. The closure includes panels that can be manually or automatically actuated to block the ventilation shaft when flooding is detected, and opened when safe. This dynamic mechanism provides flood protection without requiring permanent structural modifications like raising gratings, thus avoiding high construction costs and sidewalk area loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure assembly is pre-installed in the ventilation shaft with panels positioned to automatically close when flooding occurs. The system includes pre-configured manual operation mechanisms and automatic actuation systems that activate before water enters the shaft, preventing flooding without requiring permanent infrastructure changes.
2Reliability
If sandbags and plywood covers are used to block ventilation gratings, then flood protection is improved, but labor intensity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is designed to be self-actuating through multiple mechanisms: automatic sensors detect water levels and trigger closure panels to drop automatically; gravity-assisted mechanisms allow panels to fall into place when flooded; and manual operation mechanisms enable quick deployment without specialized equipment. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive sandbagging and plywood covering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical barriers (sandbags, plywood) with an engineered closure system featuring automated actuators, sensors, and mechanical linkages. The system uses gravity, springs, and automatic triggers to deploy closures, substituting human labor with mechanical and automated systems that respond instantly to flooding conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing drainage systems are used to handle storm water, then infrastructure utilization is maintained, but drainage capacity is overwhelmed during heavy rains
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation shaft closure system segments the drainage function by creating separate pathways: the closure assembly blocks the ventilation shaft during flooding, while the grating allows normal ventilation. This segmentation prevents water from entering the ventilation system and overwhelming existing drainage infrastructure, allowing the drainage system to handle storm water without being compromised by ventilation shaft infiltration.
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
Effectively prevents flooding by manually closing ventilation passages from surface water entry, allowing for efficient drainage and reducing the need for costly infrastructure changes or labor-intensive preparations, enhancing flood protection for underground structures.
Implementation Method 1
A panel assembly for blocking a passage in a ventilation shaft includes a plurality of panels which are movable between a raised position and a lowered position in which the panels block the passage
Data Source
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 sidewall.