WO2021044182A1

WO2021044182A1 - Protective module for liquid barrier with float control filling

Info

Publication number: WO2021044182A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/001043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luc NGUYEN VAN
Original assignee: Cuirassier
Priority date: 2019-09-06
Filing date: 2019-09-06
Publication date: 2021-03-11

Abstract

A module (2) for implementing a protective barrier (1) against liquid runoff and/or flooding, comprising a box (3) having an interior space adapted to be filled with a liquid (e.g. the flooding liquid) to anchor or to weight the module (2) to the ground, a retention member (4) configured to retain the liquid on one side of the protective barrier, an intake port (39) with an intake valve (19), for supplying liquid into the box, the intake valve being selectively controlled by a float (8) arranged in the interior space of the box, via a control mechanism, with a float, a linkage and a cam system.

Description

Protective module for liquid barrier with float control filling

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention pertains to the field of protective barriers against water runoff and flooding.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such rivers, lakes, or oceans. In some conditions, the water happens to overtop or breaks levees, resulting in some of that water escaping its usual boundaries.

Surface runoff (also known as overland flow) may occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground in an areal flood. This might occur because soil is saturated to full capacity, because rain arrives more quickly than soil can absorb it, or because impervious areas (roofs and pavements) send their runoff to surrounding soil which cannot absorb all of it.

A barrier may be placed temporarily around a specific area to keep floodwaters or water runoff from entering an area to be protected.

Various systems exist for creating barriers to protect homes (or other buildings or grounds) against the risk of flooding, or water run-off, especially of water or sludge, or industrial liquid.

Advantageously, the barrier may be constituted of several modules. The modules can be conveyed separately and assembled to each other on site. This way, they make it possible to obtain a protective barrier against surface flows of water. Also, disassembly and stowing is made easier with these modular solutions compared to monolithic solutions.

In some existing systems such as the one disclosed in WO2018024969, it is considered to load the module with incoming water, so that stability and anchoring effect are obtained naturally by the weight of the liquid entering and staying in a module. However, in the existing module, ingress and flow of liquid into the box is not really controlled, the liquid can reflow out of the module if the water level evolves over time. Also, draining the module before disassembling the whole system is not easy in such existing systems. Furthermore, in the known art when emptying the module the liquid pours on the feet of the operator which is not desirable in some cases.

The present disclosure promotes an improved solution in view of the known systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is proposed a module (2) for implementing a protective barrier (1) against liquid runoff and/or flooding, the module comprising:

- a retention member (4) configured to retain liquid on one side of the protective barrier,

- a box (3) having an interior space adapted to be filled with a liquid to be retained (e.g. the flooding liquid) to anchor or to weight the module (2) to the ground, the box and the retention member being assembled rigid with one another in a working position,

- an intake port with an intake valve (19), for supplying liquid into the box, the intake valve being selectively controlled by a float (8) arranged in the interior space of the box, via a control mechanism.

Thanks to this arrangement, there is provided a good control of the filling of the box, from maximum flow at starting up to smooth closing at filled state. Once filled, the water remains in the box until the float is pushed down voluntarily by an operator, from the dry side of the barrier. Said otherwise, the liquid intake system with such float control is an efficient and reliable solution to trap incoming liquid up to filling the box, that contributes to an anchoring effect onto the ground.

It shall be understood that the control mechanism linking the intake valve with the float can be of any type; it can be very simple without any intermediate part or more elaborate with one or more intermediate parts.

In various embodiments, one may possibly have recourse in addition to one and/or other of the following arrangements, taken alone or in combination.

According to one aspect, the control mechanism may comprise a linkage (9) and a cam (14), the cam or the linkage being configured to interact with the intake valve. Whereby, using a float, linkage and cam to interact with the valve is a sturdy and reliable solution, it does not require maintenance, this simple mechanical solution is cost-effective.

According to one aspect, the linkage has a first end (91) attached to the float, and the linkage has a second end (92) to which the cam is attached or made integral with. Thereby, the linkage can be formed as a simple rod with one end attached to the float and controlled by the float height, and the second end selectively causes opening or closing of the intake valve.

According to one aspect, the first end (91) of the linkage is rotatably attached to the float. Therefore, in case the float is a flat plate having a small dimension in the vertical direction, the float can remain aligned with the upper level of liquid since the float can freely journal about the first end of the linkage. Such a flat float favors conservation of liquid by decreasing evaporation.

According to one aspect, preferably, the first end is attached substantially at a middle position of the float, close to the center of gravity of the float, and thereby there is no askew torque in the effort transmitted by the float to the linkage.

According to one aspect, the linkage may be adjustable in length, namely in practice linkage may comprise two parts in a sliding arrangement, the two parts being configured to be moved away from one another to increase the length of the linkage or to be moved toward one another to decrease the length of the linkage.

Therefore, the volume of liquid necessary to cause a closure of the intake valve via the float can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the linkage.

According to one aspect, preferably, the second end (92) is rotatably attached either to piston (18) of the intake valve or to a wall of the box (e.g. at bearing 95 on Fig 5 A, 5B).

According to one aspect, the float exhibits horizontal dimensions (length, width) much greater than the vertical dimension (height); e.g. L8+W8 > 10 x H8.

Advantageously, the float may not protrude outside the box even when at the top position and with the intake valve closed. Thereby, it is possible to place objects flat on top of the box without disturbing the behaviour of the float and intake valve. Also, such flat float can prevent liquid evaporation on the medium/long run.

According to one aspect, the intake valve closes when liquid level is 95% to 99% of the total capacity of the box, when lying flat. Therefore, the system only closes the intake valve when the box is substantially completely filled with liquid.

According to one aspect, the intake port (39, 49) is arranged at a low area of the retention member (i.e. close to the ground). Thereby advantageously, the filling of the box with incoming water starts as early as there is water coming on the ground from the wet side (A).

According to one aspect, the intake valve seat is annular. This forms a simple and cost- effective solution for the valve itself and valve seat.

According to one aspect, the intake valve is configured to rotate about an axis of the intake port (A2). According to a complementary aspect, also the linkage and the float rotate accordingly, together with the intake valve. Thereby if the box is set on an inclined ground, the water surface remains horizontal and there is an angular deviation between the float 8 and the floor 30 of the box. In such case, the float, the linkage, the intake valve or rotate the same way around the axis of the intake port.

According to one aspect, wherein there may be provided additional side panels, to be used in case of inclined ground.

According to one aspect, the box at least partially open at the top side to allow pushing back the float for draining the box. As a matter of fact, the box must be watertight at the bottom face and all the lateral faces to retain correctly liquid, and by contrast the top face remains fully or partially open to let air enter or escape according to the liquid volume violation inside the box. Additionally the access from the topside allows an operator to push down the float, thereby letting the liquid escaping via the intake port, when it is decided to empty the box(es) and uninstall the protective barrier.

According to one aspect, there are provided, in a parallel arrangement, several floats and intake ports. Having more than one intake port and float in parallel can provide a higher flow capacity to feel the box. Each intake port as its own intake valve; the valves are controlled by a single float or as many floats and linkage as there are intake valves.

According to one aspect, there is provided filter/seave (79) to prevent ingress of solid objects. Thereby, no waste or dirty object can enter the box and after use there is no need to remove such object; only rinsing the box with water is sufficient in case liquid was dirty before uninstalling and storing the modules.

According to one aspect, the float covers the linkage on a major length of the linkage. Thereby the float forms a mechanical protection for the linkage.

According to one aspect, there is provided a groove (90) at the bottom face of the float, said groove accommodating major part of the linkage. Additionally to the protection the groove can provide guidance for the linkage, so that the position of the float is well-controlled including when the ground is inclined.

According to one aspect, there are provided in the box two vertical wells (37) configured to receive anchoring rods (73). According to operational condition, it can be decided to complement the anchoring effect by the weight of liquid present in the box by mechanically anchoring the module thanks to the anchoring rod(s) inserted in the vertical well(s).

According to one aspect, the vertical wells are watertight cylinders so that there is no liquid communication possible between the interior space of the box and the interior of the wells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention appear from the following detailed description of some of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic rear perspective view of a protective barrier comprising several modules according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

- Figure 2 shows a side elevation section view of a module of the present disclosure, - Figures 3A and 3B show diagrammatically side section views of the module, respectively before assembly in a stowing configuration, and after assembly in a stowing configuration,

- Figure 4 shows a front elevation view of a module of the present disclosure,

- Figures 5A and 5B show diagrammatically side section views of the module, respectively in an empty configuration, and after filling with flooding liquid,

- Figure 6 shows diagrammatically the module in three components,

- Figure 7 shows diagrammatically two modules arranged one atop another, in a stowing configuration, for optimizing storage volume,

- Figure 8 shows a functional block diagram a schematic illustrating view of a system to obtain information on the protective barrier,

- Figure 9 shows a rear view of a module, in one embodiment with relief valves,

- Figure 10 shows a side view of an attachment device comprising two relief valves,

- Figure 11 shows a front view of the attachment device of figure 10 comprising two relief valves,

- Figure 12 shows a view of an example of sensor module,

- Figures 13 to 15 illustrate a variant embodiment, Fig 13 shows a stowed configuration, Fig 14 and 15 show a working configuration,

- Figure 16 illustrates a detail of the control of the float/linkage system

- Figure 17 illustrates the retaining plate alone,

- Figure 18 illustrates an example of float/linkage system viewed from below,

- Figure 19 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the intake valve,

- Figure 20 illustrates a detailed view of an orifice in the retaining plate at the intake port area,

- Figure 21 illustrates a variant embodiment regarding the control mechanism linking a float and an intake valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the figures, the same references denote identical or similar elements, unless stated otherwise. For sake of clarity, some elements may be represented intentionally not at scale.

System overview and module

It is now referred to [Fig. 1] which illustrates a protective barrier 1.

The protective barrier 1 is adapted to retain a non-gaseous liquid so as to prevent any runoff or flooding on one side of the protective barrier 1. By “non gaseous liquid”, it is understood essentially liquid, more or less viscous fluids, such as water, sludge, or industrial liquid, referred to as liquids hereafter.

The protective barrier 1 can be used in a wide variety of situations, to protect a specific area, a building and the like.

The protective barrier 1 can be advantageously installed temporarily, in emergency cases.

The protective barrier 1 can be installed according to different configurations which may depend on its specific use.

[Fig. 1] describes a partial perspective view of the protective barrier 1 that extends in a main direction X, to prevent liquid located or arriving in a front zone denoted A from entering in a rear zone denoted B located on the opposite side of the protective barrier 1.

A transversal direction Y is also defined that is perpendicular to the main direction X. Liquid pressure is mainly exerted along transverse axis Y. Said otherwise, protective barrier 1 along axis X delimits zone A from zone B.

The ground on which the protective barrier 1 is installed extends substantially in parallel to a plane comprising both main and transversal directions X, Y.

Other configurations are possible, such as a curved or loop implementation of the protective barrier 1 to allow channeling or temporary storing liquid. Ground may not be plane.

Therefore there is provided two or more degrees of freedom in the module assembly to follow the ground and the desired overall shape of the protective barrier.

The protective barrier 1 comprises a plurality of modules 2. The modules 2 are independent from one another but can be assembled together to form the protective barrier.

Generally speaking, it is preferred that the module has a size and a weight compatible by its handling by a single person. Practically, the weight of the module 2 (in a state void of water) is less than 30 kg, preferably less than 25 kg, more details will be given later.

Each module 2 comprises at least a base 3 and wall 4.

In the following in the present document, the wall 4 is also called “retention plate” or “retention member” 4. Similarly, the base 3 is also called “box” 3 in the present document.

The base 3 is adapted to anchor or weight the module 2 to the ground, so that the module 2 can be held in place even when liquid is applying pressure on the front side of the module 2.

According to an embodiment, the base 3 can be a liquid-filled holding tank/box that extends in the plane XY. The surface of the base 3 that is in contact with the ground can also have a high friction coefficient (or a specific claws arrangement) so as to avoid or limit any movement of the module 2 during use.

According to another embodiment, the base 3 is anchored to the ground, by using any anchoring means, such as posts, screws, or the like.

The base 3 can be parallelepiped, with a rectangular or square basis, but any other shape is possible.

In the illustrated example, the base is formed as a box with a floor 30, a front wall 3a, a rear wall 3b, a right wall 3c, a left wall 3d. In the illustrated example, there are provided, at the exterior sides of the wall, one or more recess 33, that serves as a gripping means for handling the box by staff. In the illustrated example, there is provided a drainage plug 35 at the bottom of the back wall 3b.

The wall 4 is attached to the base 3 and is adapted to retain the liquid on the front side of the protective barrier 1, illustrated by zone A on [Fig. 1] The attachment is preferably a removable attachment configuration as will be detailed later on.

The wall 4 extends substantially from the base 3 in a vertical direction Z. Also, the wall 4 comprises two opposite faces 4a, 4b of generally rectangular shapes. As illustrated on [Fig. 2], one face 4b is adapted to come into contact with the liquid that is located in front zone A. The opposite face 4a is located towards rear zone B, also called dry zone.

The wall 4 can have a height H4 comprised between 60 cm and 120 cm preferably higher than 70cm, and more preferably about 80 cm. More generally, the wall 4 has a height that is sufficient enough to prevent any ingress of liquid coming from over the protective barrier 1.

Advantageously a somewhat 80 cm height can retain a large amount of water and still people can walk or jump across the barrier; therefore even though such a barrier is installed, it does not preclude people from passing in case it’s necessary, people safety is thus not jeopardized.

Each module can be manufactured in strong plastic material such as HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene). Further, each module can be manufactured in PVC, PP, ABS, or any equivalent sturdy and cost-effective plastic material.

The wall and the base can be manufactured separately, or as a single piece as an alternative. The part(s) can be obtained by moulding or roto -moulding.

Regarding the base 3, the weight of the base is preferably less than 25 kg, more preferably less than 20 kg.

Regarding the wall 4, the weight of the wall is preferably less than 8 kg more preferably less than 5 kg.

As a result there is no need to use a crane or hoisting means when a team of operators install or uninstall such modular protective barrier.

Regarding overall dimensions, H4 denotes the height of the wall 4 (retention plate) in its working position, H3 denotes the height of the box 3 along vertical axis Z,

L4 denotes the width of the wall 4 along X, L3 denotes the width of the box 3 along X. E4 denotes the thickness of the wall 4. D3 denotes the depth of the box 3 along Y.

Each module 2 (except for the end modules of the protective barrier 1 ; not illustrated) can be assembled to two other directly adjacent modules 2, in a liquid-tight manner.

By “assembled in a liquid-tight manner”, it is to be understood that no liquid can flow through the junction between two modules.

[Fig. 1] describes an embodiment in which one module 2b is assembled to two other modules 2a, 2c on opposite sides. The assembled modules 2a, 2b, 2c, with other modules (not illustrated), form the protective barrier 1 that extends according to the main direction X.

To allow assembling two modules 2 with each other, each module 2 can comprise at least one lateral attachment device 5.

Even though it is preferred that the mechanical interface between two modules rely on such attachment device, it is not excluded to envision a solution where two modules are attached directly to one another.

The lateral attachment device 5 may be a flexible, rigid or articulated element. It may comprise flexible portion(s), bending portion(s), for level portion(s). The lateral attachment device 5 can be made of plastics.

In one embodiment the attachment device is flexible and allows a different angular position according to axis Y between the two contiguous modules.

In one embodiment the attachment device is flexible and allows a different angular position according to axis Z between the two contiguous modules.

Regarding the case where the ground is not even, the base is preferably fitted with a sealing joint 27 extending along the X-axis border.

The lateral attachment device 5 is of generally rectangular shape whose length in the vertical direction Z corresponds to the height of the wall 4.

Regarding overall dimensions, H5 denotes the height of attachment device 5 in its working position, L5 denotes the width of the attachment device 5 along X. E5 denotes the thickness of the attachment device 5 along Y.

The lateral attachment device 5 is generally made in a flexible material so it can be deformed to adapt to some slight or substantial non alignment between two consecutive modules. Non-alignment between two consecutive modules can be due to the ground being not flat, or can be due to the desired path of the protective barrier, which in some cases is not straight, but curved or even it may include right angle turns. Non-alignment between two consecutive modules can also be due to inaccurate positioning of modules during installation.

Non-alignment between two consecutive modules can be either an angular difference around axis Z, an angular difference around axis Y. An angular difference around axis X can also be considered (twist along X); slight translational offsets can also be considered as well.

The sides of the lateral attachment device 5 comprise fastening means to be assembled to the walls 4 of two adjacent modules 2. To this end, the lateral attachment device 5 can be brought in interlocking connection with the walls 4 of the adjacent modules 2.

The mechanical interface between the lateral attachment device 5 and the retaining wall can be of several types. There may be provided a slider arrangement.

There may be provided grooves 51 along Z in one of the part, with complementary protrusions/beads 52 in the counterpart.

There may be provided a dovetail section in either the attachment device or the wall 4.

Installation of a lateral attachment device 5 in the retaining wall can be made by a sliding along vertical direction Z.

There may be provided pins in the lateral attachment device 5, such pins are configured to enter into corresponding through holes provided in the retention wall.

The pins may be mushroom type, with a head larger that the rod.

There may be provided a secondary locking device, as a slider which locks the heads of the mushroom type lugs.

Any type of tight and lockable interface can be considered for engaging/interfacing the lateral attachment device 5 with the retaining wall 4.

The lateral attachment device 5 has also a sealing joint 28 extending along the X-axis border. The sealing joint 28 is flexible enough to compensate for irregularities of the ground in the working position.

When being linked together by the lateral attachment device 5, the module 2 forms the protective barrier 1 that prevents any ingress of liquid from zone A to zone B.

A sealing joint 27 is arranged at the base of the wall 4. Alternatively the sealing joint 27 is arranged at the base of the box. Each of this sealing joint 27 is followed along longitudinal axis X by another already mentioned sealing joint 28 provided at the lateral attachment device

5.

Scnsor(s)

The protective barrier 1 also comprises at least one or several sensors 6. Sensors 6 can be useful to obtain information in real-time on the behavior of the protective barrier 1 or on the properties of the retained liquid.

By “in real time”, it is to be understood instantly or almost instantly, and at least during the use of the protective barrier 1.

As illustrated at figure 9. sensor may be arranged in a specific sensor module 60. Sensor module can also be called sensor stick / sensor rod / sensor sub-assembly.

We note here that the sensor assembly is not necessarily present on every attachment device or on every module.

According to preferred configuration, sensor module 60 can be housed in the attachment device 5. However sensor module could also be housed elsewhere in the module 2.

A sensor 6 can be adapted to measure different information.

According to an embodiment, the sensor 6 is adapted to measure a movement of the module 2.

By “measure a movement”, it is to be understood that the sensor 6 can measure acceleration or velocity of the displacement of the module 2.

Such movement of the module 2 can occur along the main direction X, the transversal direction Y and/or the vertical direction Z. Movements along the vertical direction Z can relate to vibrations due to friction on the ground when the base 3 is displaced.

The sensor 6 may measure an acceleration of the module 2 lower than 20 m.s2 (meter per second squared).

According to another embodiment, the sensor 6 is adapted to measure a pressure applied on the module 2. Such pressure can correspond to the liquid force that is exerted on the face 4b of the wall 4.

The sensor 6 can measure the pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure. To this end, the sensor 6 can for instance be a differential pressure sensor, or comprise a secondary sensor to measure atmospheric pressure.

The sensor 6 may measure a pressure on the module 2 that is lower than 10 kPa (kiloPascal) relative to the atmospheric pressure.

According to another embodiment, the sensor 6 is adapted to measure a liquid level hw according to the vertical direction Z.

Several methods are possible to this end.

For instance, the sensor 6 can measure a pressure, as described above, to obtain information on the liquid level hw. The relationship between liquid level hw and pressure P depends on the liquid volume weight. This volume weight can be approximate by water volume weight. To obtain a one-millimeter resolution, it is thus necessary to get a pressure resolution of at least 10 Pa (pascal).

The relationship between liquid level hw and pressure depends on the liquid volume height.

In one embodiment, the module 2 may comprise geolocation means. The geolocation means can be a GPS sensor and receiver. Alternatively, the geolocation means can be a Galileo or a Glonass receiver.

As illustrated on figures 9 and 12. sensors 6 can be mounted, more preferably attached, to the already mentioned sensor module which is in turn inserted into the lateral attachment device 5. The sensors can be glued, welded, or clipped onto the sensor module 60.

Float / linkage / filling

As for another example, the module 2 comprises at least a float 8 adapted to move in the vertical direction Z relative to the module 2, by remaining at the liquid surface. The position of the float is governed by the balance between buoyancy and gravity.

There is provided an intake port which is a passage placing in communication the interior area of the box with the external area of the box. The intake port is arranged to selectively let liquid into the box.

In the illustrated example, the intake port comprises two orifices, preferably aligned; one orifice 49 is provided at the low portion of the retention member 4. A second orifice 39 is provided in the front lateral side of the box 3.

There is provided an intake valve 19 for selectively closing or opening the passage of liquid through the first and second orifices 39, 49.

The intake valve 19 comprises a valve piston 18 and a valve body 16.

There is provided a valve seat 17, on which the valve body 16 comes in abutment.

The valve body and the valve seat are preferably annular as shown in the illustrated example. However any other shapes are also possible. The float 8 is manufactured in a material having a density lower than 1, so that good buoyancy is ensured for the float 8; for example an expanded foam of polyurethane.

For the float 8, according to an alternative solution, the float is a hollow body, i.e. a closed shell with empty interior space.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intake valve 19 is selectively controlled by a float 8 arranged in the interior space of the box, via a control mechanism.

Said control mechanism is formed as a cam 14, a linkage 9 and possibly a cam follower.

Linkage has a first end 91 attached to the float, preferably a journal attachment (axis A8). The attachment of the first end of the linkage at axis A8 lies close to the center of gravity of the float 8.

As illustrated in figures 13 to 19. the linkage has a second end 92 to which the cam 14 is attached. The second end 92 of the linkage is rotatably mounted on the plunger/piston 18 of the intake valve 19, at axis A9. Further, optionally as shown, the second end 92 of the linkage is rotatably mounted with respect to cam 14 and intake valve 19 at axis A7 via a pin 13. Plunger 18 is slidably received along axis A2 in a cylindrical bearing 38 arranged in the front wall 3a of the box 3. There may be provided cam follower 94 in correspondence with a cam 14, to fine tune the control of the intake valve from the buoyancy and gravity movement of the float 8.

According to one embodiment the float can be provided at the bottom portion with a recess 90 for protecting and guiding the linkage 9.

As illustrated in figures 5 A and 5B. for a variant embodiment of the valve/float system, the second end 92 is rotatably attached to the front wall 3a of the box via a bearing denoted 95. A further part 96 rigid with the linkage 9 acts as a cam pushing or pulling on the end of the piston of the intake valve 19. This journal mount at the bearing 95 is about axis A9, parallel to X.

In the shown example, the float exhibits an overall parallelepiped shape (let the groove alone), with the following dimensions: length along Y is denoted L8, width along X is denoted W8, height along Z is denoted H8.

In the proposed configuration, the float is substantially flat, namely the height H8 is much smaller than the two other dimensions, this provides a good control of the linkage whatever the density of the float may be (provided it is < 1).

According to one possible choice, H8 < 0.2 (L8+W8). According to another possible choice, H8 < 0.1 (L8+W8).

With such a flat and thin float, even though an object is placed (intentionally or not) on top of the box it does not prevent the float from raising enough to close the intake valve, see figure 5B. For example, one can place a ballast weight upon the box to increase the anchoring effect, for example wood board with sandbags thereupon can form typically such ballast weight.

Since the float is flat, it may occupy a large area of the upper liquid surface, and this limits the evaporation of the liquid.

When the flood is finished, and the protective barrier is to be dismantled/uninstalled, there is first a need to empty the box 3 filled with liquid. This is made very simple since an operator has only to push down the float 8 in order to open the intake valve; under such condition, the liquid that was trapped into the box flows back outside via the intake valve.

In addition the box may be emptied via the above-mentioned drainage plug 35.

According to one option, there may be provided a bias element to open the intake valve by default of force exerted by the float in the linkage.

Other examples of interaction between linkage 9 and intake valve 19 are possible.

As illustrated in figure 21. the intake valve is similar to what is described above. However the float arrangement is different here, as there is no linkage per se. A float 8 is mounted on an inclined slider 88. One face of the float is arranged opposite the plunger of the intake valve, this face 87 is vertically arranged, but due to the inclination of the slider 88, as the float moves up the face moves away from the intake valve and therefore allows the spring 89 to close the intake valve. Conversely, when the float moves down, the vertical face 87 of the float pushes the plunger of the intake valve to the right against the biasing effect of the spring thereby opening the passage for the liquid. The free end of the plunger may comprise a rounded end or a roller.

Besides the three shown examples, any configuration for a control mechanism where a mechanical cooperation exists between a float and an intake valve is encompassed in the present disclosure. According to one embodiment there are provided in the box two vertical wells 37 configured to receive anchoring rods 73. The circumstantial operation of the barrier may require that some or all the modules may be anchored mechanically to the ground. In such case, an operator can insert an anchoring rod 73 into one of the vertical well 37 and hits the anchoring rod 73 down into the ground. The interior area of the well 37 is liquid-tight with respect to the rest of the box.

In the illustrated example, there are provided two grooves 46 at the side 4a of the wall 4, and there are provided corresponding beads/protrusions 36 at the top end of the lateral walls 3c, 3d of the box 3. Cooperation between the protrusions and the grooves 46 help locating properly the plate onto the box.

There may be provided filter 48 to prevent ingress of solid object into the intake valve and intake port.

The weight of the liquid staying in the box participates to the anchoring effect, with the rugged lower face of the box and if placed the anchoring rods into the anchoring wells (see above).

One or more additional intake valve can be provided, for example up to three intake valve as illustrated at figures 4,13,15. with one or more additional float(s) 81 to control such additional intake valve(s).

Control unit & Communication

[Fig. 8] describes a schematic view of a system comprising various sensors 6A, 6B, 6C,

6D.

The sensors 6 are adapted to send the information measured to a control unit 7. The control unit 7 is adapted to interface with the sensors 6 and to store the information that has been previously measured.

The control unit 7 is for example a microchip, microprocessor, and/or electronic memory, where appropriate mounted and interconnected on a flexible or rigid printed circuit board and operatively connected to the sensors 6 via wired connections. The control unit 7 is adapted to be mounted on the lateral attachment device 5, for example as described above for the sensors 6. The control unit 7 is a “local” control unit by contrast to any remotely arranged control entity or computer.

A communication coupler 75 adapted to send the information, once treated by the control unit 7, to an external device, such as a remote server 15. The communication coupler 75 is adapted to be mounted on the lateral attachment device 5, for example as described above for the sensors 6. There may be provided, additionally to the communication coupler, a communication antenna 74.

Communication link 45 to remote server can be made thanks to any network providing enough bandwidth, low-priced, and having a satisfactory communication range while consuming a small quantity of energy. This way, the system can be autonomous without having to be wired to a remote energy source. The communication coupler 75 may advantageously be a wireless communication coupler 75, for example a module implementing a protocol such as Sigfox, LoRa, Bluetooth Mesh, Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) or LTE-M.

To provide energy to the sensors 6 and the control unit 7, the system can further comprise a disposable or non-disposable battery 78. The battery 78 may be capable of supplying power to the sensors 6, the control unit 7, and where appropriate a memory and the communication coupler 75. The battery 78 is preferably adapted to supply power for several hours without recharging. The battery 78 is adapted to be mounted on the lateral attachment device 5, for example as described above for the sensors 6.

The system is advantageously mounted the lateral attachment device 5. This way, in the event that the system needs to be replaced, only the lateral attachment device 5 can be removed from the protective barrier 1 and substituted with other lateral attachment devices 5 comprising some other types of sensors 6.

The protective barrier 1 is therefore easily adaptable without imposing particular constraints and without having to disassemble/assemble the whole protective barrier 1 to set up other types of sensors.

However, this embodiment is non- limitative and the sensor module 60 could be located on any other part of a module 2, such as the base 3 or the wall 4 of the module 2.

Relief Valve

As illustrated on [Fig. 9], [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11], the module 2 may also comprise a relief valve 10. The valve 10 is adapted to allow discharge or dump of liquid from the front side to the rear side of the protective barrier 1, notably in specific cases when the integrity of the protective barrier 1 is at stake / can be jeopardized.

The valve 10 can be located, more preferably attached, to the lateral attachment device 5. Such discharge valve 10 can be particularly useful to deal with liquid overflow, when liquid is in excess on the front side of the protective barrier 1.

Alternatively, the valve 10 can be located in the wall 4 of the module 2. It can be also useful when the protective barrier 1 may break because of a too high pressure exerted by the liquid. Using the valve 10 thus permits a controlled discharge of the liquid instead of a sudden flood in the protected zone B due to an unexpected burst of the protective barrier 1.

The valve 10 can be of any type such as a guillotine valve, a poppet valve, of the membrane type, an iris valve.

As illustrated more particularly on [Fig. 9] and [Fig. 11], the lateral attachment device 5 can comprise two valves 10,101 one above the other in the vertical direction Z.

Each valve 10,101 can be controlled thanks to a simple or double acting motor 11,11a so that the opening 12 of the valve may be actuated alternately in an open or a closed position to let, or not, liquid to flow through the valve 10. In the closed position, a closing element, such as a cover, can be placed in a liquid-tight manner in front of the opening 12.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a protective barrier 1, advantageously in real time. In a first step, information on the protective barrier 1 or on the retained liquid are acquired. In a second step, this information is processed by the unit control 7 or by a remote server. In a third step, relief valves 10 can be actuated based on the information acquired, in order to discharge some liquid from one side to another of the protective barrier.

More particularly, if the information shows that there is a risk that the protective barrier may not resist (because the liquid pressure exerted by the liquid level is too high, so that the protective barrier may break), the valves 10 are actuated to be in the open position.

Wall / Base coupling

According to one aspect illustrated in particular figure 2, 3A, 3B. there are provided two main configurations for the respective assembly of the retention plate with regard to the box. Firstly there is provided a working position for the retention plate, wherein the retention plate is configured to be removably attached to the box at a front portion of the box, so to retain the liquid body on the front area of the protective barrier.

As a result, the reference plane P of the retention plate is arranged substantially vertically and adapted to retain the liquid on a front side A of the protective barrier.

Secondly there is provided a stowed position, in which the reference plane of the retention plate is arranged substantially horizontally (denoted P’), and in which the retention plate is removably fixed/attached to the box at a back/rear portion. More precisely as illustrated at Figure 14. there is provided on the retention plate a left snap-fit protrusion and a right snap-fit protrusion 41, 41a, 41b each configured to be received respectively in a least a left retention recess 42,43 and a least a right retention recess arranged in the box 3. Left and right retention recess denoted 42, 42a, 42b are used for the working position whereas by contrast left and right retention recess denoted 43, 43a, 43b are used for the stowing position.

Each of the left and right snap-fit protrusion is formed as at least an elastic tongue 41a.

For optimizing respective sizes versus the stowing capacity, it may be considered that the height H4 of the retention plate is substantially equal to the transverse length D3 of the box. Also for the same purpose it may be considered that the width L4 of the retention plate is substantially equal to the width L3 of the box.

We note that the rear portion of the box is beveled at the rear portion 34 of the box. This is beneficial when the barrier exhibits and overall curvature with a center of curvature located in the rear side (dry zone B).

Claims

1. A module (2) for implementing a protective barrier (1) against liquid runoff and/or flooding, the module comprising:

- a box (3) having an interior space adapted to be filled with a liquid to be retained (e.g. the flooding liquid) to anchor or to weight the module (2) to the ground, the box (3) and the retention member (4) being assembled rigid with one another in a working position,

- an intake port (39, 49) with an intake valve (19), for supplying liquid into the box, the intake valve being selectively controlled by a float (8) arranged in the interior space of the box, via a control mechanism.

2. The module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the control mechanism comprises a linkage (9) and a cam (14), the cam or the linkage being configured to interact with the intake valve.

3. The module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the linkage has a first end (91) attached to the float, and the linkage has a second end (92) to which the cam is attached or made integral with.

4. The module (2) according to any of claims 2-3, wherein the first end (91) of the linkage is rotatably attached to the float.

5. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the linkage is adjustable in length, the linkage may comprising two parts in a sliding arrangement, the two parts being configured to be moved away from one another to increase the length of the linkage or to be moved toward one another to decrease the length of the linkage.

6. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the intake port is arranged at a low area of the retention member.

7. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the intake valve seat (17) is annular.

8. The module (2) according to claim 7, wherein the intake valve is configured to rotate about an axis of the intake port (A2).

9. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the box at least partially open at the top side to allow pushing back the float for draining the box.

10. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-9, wherein there are provided several floats and intake ports.

11. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein there is provided filter/seave (79) to prevent ingress of solid objects.

12. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the float covers the linkage on a major length of the linkage.

13. The module (2) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein there are provided in the box two vertical wells (37) configured to receive anchoring rods (73).

14. A protective barrier (1) comprising a plurality of modules (2) according to any of the preceding claims.