Patent Application
20200063389
The present invention relates to a system for controlling floods and flood control through the use of a convertible sea wall.
Floods have become a predominant weather hazard in various locations throughout the world. An increase in hurricane and storm activity is causing more flooding, which can be destructive in many ways in coastal towns and cities. Some flood control techniques have been developed in the form of sea walls, that may be constructed to help prevent storm surges related to floods. However, further development and implementation of more automated and urgent sea wall protection is necessary.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a convertible sea wall system that may be extended from a retracted position to break storm surge associated with flooding.
The present invention relates to a system for flood control that includes: a water sensor; a control panel, where the water sensor is connected to the control panel; and a convertible sea wall, where the convertible sea wall is adapted to toggle between an extended position and a retracted position. The system for flood control may further include a steel base structure, wherein the steel base structure houses the convertible sea wall when the convertible sea wall is in a retracted position. The steel base structure further includes hydraulic lifts within the steel base structure that lift and extend the convertible sea wall into the extended position and allows for the retraction of the sea wall to the retracted position.
The present invention relates to a system that includes a water sensor assembly used in conjunction with a convertible sea wall construction aimed at preventing and blocking an approaching storm surge according to the present invention. The system according to the present invention includes a water sensor extending from a base toward a body of water. Sensors are provided along the vertical length of a sensor extension in order to provide signals to a control panel. The control panel detects these signals and may activate the convertible sea wall according to present invention as needed based upon sensor readings.
The sensor assembly 50 preferably includes a concrete base 20 that includes a sensory extension 22. As shown the sensory extension 22 extends vertically and then horizontally and descends vertically at the distal end thereof. The distal end includes a series of water level sensors 28 that detect water levels and transmits signals regarding water level through a wire 25 to a control panel. This sensor system is placed upon a coast associated with a body of water, and therefore provides a system to detect water levels. The sensor assembly 50 works in conjunction with sea wall assembly 100. Sea wall assembly 100 includes a steel base structure 37 that is surrounded by a concrete wall 10. This provides a sturdy base for a wave breaker 47 as shown in the extended condition in
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
