Weep Hole Flap Valve for Flood Blocking and Moisture Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weep holes in building walls are prone to allowing floodwater ingress, causing damage, and existing solutions for insect barriers are inconvenient to install and remove during flood risks.
Innovation Solution
A closable throughflow member with a pivotable flap valve and mesh-covered housing that prevents water ingress during floods by using a valve plate with a specific gravity less than water, which seals against internal lips or recesses within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable cover is provided for weep holes, then floodwater ingress is prevented, but convenience of operation deteriorates due to the need to manually install and remove covers
Solution Approach 1:
The flap valve automatically responds to water flow conditions by opening for moisture escape and closing for flood protection, eliminating the need for manual operation by occupants
Solution Approach 2:
The flap valve transitions from a static removable cover to a dynamic automated mechanism that changes state based on water flow pressure, adapting to different weather conditions
2Productivity
If conventional weep holes are provided in walls, then moisture escape is enabled, but floodwater ingress occurs causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The weep hole system has different functional zones: the mesh screen filters insects while allowing moisture passage, the flap valve allows normal moisture escape but closes under flood pressure, and the housing directs water away from the building
Solution Approach 2:
The system responds to changes in water flow parameters by opening the flap valve for normal moisture escape and closing it when flood-level pressure is detected, automatically adjusting to protect the building
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mesh coverings are added to exclude insects, then insect exclusion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh insect screen is integrated into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate component, combining insect exclusion with the structural framework of the weep hole assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, integrates the mesh screen for insect exclusion, houses the flap valve mechanism, and directs water flow away from the building
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 floodwater from entering buildings while allowing moisture and air circulation, while also excluding insects through mesh coverings and secure positioning within brickwork.
Implementation Method 1
a valve plate pivotably mounted about a lower edge thereof and bearing in use against a sealing lip formed on an internal face of the top of the housing. In such a case the specific gravity of the valve plate may be less than that of water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A closable throughflow member comprises a housing (1, 101) which defines a flow path for moisture and/or liquid through the housing. A check valve (17, 117) is provided within the housing and is adapted to close in the event of substantial liquid flow in one direction.