Patent Publication Number: US-2022213662-A1

Title: Dynamically deployable low-visibility pneumatic cofferdam system, method and apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/010,263 filed on Apr. 15, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its complete entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to pneumatic cofferdams. More particularly, embodiments relate to a dynamically deployable, low visibility pneumatic cofferdam for flood mitigation and prevention. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Relative sea levels have increased by about 2-5 mm per year over the last several decades due to global warming. This pattern has resulted in a global increase of land surface temperature, the melting of glacial ice masses, and thermal expansion. As a result, events that normally would not cause nuisance flooding (e.g., storm surges, heavy winds, tides and heavy rains) increasingly present the risk of causing flooding events that pass over the nuisance flooding threshold limit. 
     Further, rising sea levels bring many low-lying areas of land under increased threat of water damage due to flooding. These low-lying areas often include populated areas such as coastal cities, towns and associated infrastructure, thereby exposing those areas to flood vulnerabilities. Coastal communities across the United States and throughout the world are experiencing a significant rise in nuisance flooding events. Some estimates suggest a two hundred percent (200%) increase over the next two decades. These flooding events create negative financial impacts on community members, and are expected to increase greatly in frequency over the next two decades. In addition, businesses in these communities are experiencing an increase in store closures and property damage while losing consumer visits due to these flooding events. Homeowners in these communities are also experiencing an increase in property and asset damages associated with flooding. At the same time, communities experiencing flooding are seeing a decline in tourism and are at risk of permanently damaging existing buildings and infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, utilities, storm surge walls or seawalls, and other public infrastructure), some of which was designed and built to address flooding at a current threshold level. Insurance funds to repair such damage are under considerable stress. City storm drain pumping stations present one way to remediate this problem. However, when a seawall is below the storm surge level, the pumping stations simply cycle the water back into the saturated system, resulting in an ineffective solution. 
     Cofferdams may be used to provide temporary barriers for blocking water when construction projects or other activities are adjacent to or within bodies of waters, such as ponds, lakes, streams, oceans, run-off, flooded regions and similar venues where water interferes with the project or activity. Cofferdams prevent water from entering work zones on or near bodies of water, such as where excavation, concrete pouring, drilling, or other tasks are being conducted. Cofferdams typically function by restraining water and permitting a relatively dry area for construction projects and other activities because water does not enter the work zone or area that is protected by the barrier of the cofferdam. Cofferdams may also be used as diversion barrier controls that include water exclusion enclosures adjacent to river banks, within a river or lake, or water exclusion areas that have been dewatered by damming an upstream channel and creating a bypass ditch or pipe to deliver the diverted flow downstream beyond the work area (e.g., pipe trench location). Diversion barrier controls also prevent work zone sediment from entering the water system. Further, many existing temporary cofferdams are difficult to store and are not suitable to erect as storms change course and intensity at an increasing rate. 
     Permanent or temporary cofferdams may offer one solution to deal with water levels that are above a current seawall height. Another conventional approach for flood mitigation is a self-closing flood barrier (SCFB). The SCFB is a floating entrenching wall that remains recessed in-ground during normal non-flood conditions. However, many communities find permanently installed higher seawalls as obstructive, unsightly and aesthetically undesirable. Similarly, SCFBs are also often found to be unsightly and aesthetically undesirable. These systems are also very expensive, difficult to assemble and deploy, are built to only be deployed temporarily, and require a large amount of space to store when not being used. There remains considerable room for improvement. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, a dynamically deployable cofferdam system includes one or more of the following: a plurality of first planar components forming resilient upper cofferdam members that are moveable between an undeployed position and a deployed position; a plurality of second planar components forming resilient lower cofferdam members; a plurality of inflatable hermetic bag members, defining internal chambers to receive a volume of air, disposed between the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members; a plurality of connection members to form an attachment between the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members and facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member; and one or more pumps serving as air sources to inflate the inflatable hermetic bag members to a desired pressure, wherein the plurality of connection members facilitate movement of the upper cofferdam members from the undeployed position to the deployed position at a desired height to form a flood mitigation barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, a dynamically deployable cofferdam apparatus includes one or more of the following: a first planar component forming a resilient upper cofferdam member that is moveable between an undeployed position and a deployed position; a second planar component forming a resilient lower cofferdam member; an inflatable hermetic bag member, defining an internal chamber to receive a volume of air, disposed between the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member; and a plurality of connection members to form an attachment between the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member and facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member, wherein the plurality of connection members facilitate movement of the upper cofferdam member from the undeployed position to the deployed position at a desired height to form a flood mitigation barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method of manufacturing a flood mitigation barrier includes one or more of the following: arranging an inflatable hermetic bag member, defining an internal chamber to receive a volume of air, between a first planar component forming a resilient upper cofferdam member and a second planar component forming a resilient lower cofferdam member; attaching, via a plurality of connection members, the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member to facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member; and inflating, via one or more pumps as air sources, the inflatable hermetic airbag to a desired pressure such that the upper cofferdam member is moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position at a desired height. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various advantages of the one or more embodiments will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification and appended claims, and by referencing the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a dynamically deployable cofferdam system forming an elongated wall structure serving as a flood mitigation barrier in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a dynamically deployable cofferdam system forming an enclosed wall structure serving as a flood mitigation barrier in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate detailed views of a dynamically deployable cofferdam unit for use in a cofferdam system in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed view of a dynamically deployable cofferdam unit for use in a cofferdam system in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate examples of a dynamically deployable cofferdam unit during deployment in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of an example of a physical architecture of a pneumatic cofferdam system in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing a flood mitigation barrier in accordance with one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example method of forming a flood mitigation barrier in accordance with one or more embodiments; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example dynamically deployable cofferdam system, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an overview of a dynamically deployable cofferdam system  100  is shown. The dynamically deployable cofferdam system  100  includes a plurality of dynamically deployable cofferdam units  100   a - n.    FIG. 1A , for example, depicts a plurality of cofferdam units  100   a - n  arranged end-to-end and substantially in a line to form an elongated wall.  FIG. 1B , on the other hand, depicts a plurality of cofferdam units  100 - a - n  arranged end-to-end and at angles with respect to each other to form a fully enclosed barrier that provides a protected area  112  against flooding. These arrangements are suitable for arranging and anchoring along and/or around a perimeter of a location to be protected from flooding thereby creating a barrier of flood protection that can be instantly deployed in the event of an expected or imminent flood. The cofferdam units  100   a - n  may be attached, for example, to a structure such as a sidewalk, surge wall, seawall, or other infrastructure. Upon deployment, the cofferdam units  110   a - n  may be deployed from a substantially flat position (i.e., a position substantially similar to the existing infrastructure) to a deployed position (i.e., a position that provides supplemental height to the existing infrastructure) to thereby provide an increased level of protect against flooding. In at least one embodiment, the cofferdam units  110   a - n  use an air pump (not shown here) to inflate an airbag (not shown here) with sufficient pressure to raise the height of the airbag and associated components to protect an area from most nuisance flooding events, with the airbag acting as a barrier or protection component. In at least one embodiment, the system  100  is designed to remain anchored in an undeployed (i.e., substantially flat position) along or around a perimeter of a location. The system  100  thereby allows for usable space (e.g., a sidewalk, seawall top, surge wall top, and the like) when not deployed. As a result, the system  100  may substantially reduce or eliminate the need or deployment labor and storage, while also allowing for constant availability in the event of a flood. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  provide more detailed views of an example of a dynamically deployable cofferdam unit  200 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates a plan view of  FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of cofferdam unit  200   a.  The illustrated cofferdam unit  200   a  may be readily substituted for cofferdam units  100   a - n  in cofferdam system  100 , as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated examples, the cofferdam unit  200   a  has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a first planar component  210  that forms a resilient top or upper cofferdam member, a second planar component  220  that forms a resilient bottom or lower cofferdam member, and an inflatable hermetic bag member  230  or airbag having one or more internal chambers to receive a volume of air. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the inflatable hermetic bag member  230  includes a plurality of internal chambers each having its own valve  232   a - n  in order to improve reliability due to a breach of one chamber. The inflatable hermetic bag member  230  is disposed between the first planar component  210  and the second planar component  220 . The first planar component  210  is moveable between an undeployed position that is substantially flat (See  FIG. 4A ) and a deployed position that has a selectable height dimension (See  FIG. 4B ). 
     Cofferdam unit  200   a  also includes a plurality of connection members  240   a - n  that form attachments between the first planar component  210  (i.e., upper cofferdam member) and the second planar component  220  (i.e., lower cofferdam member). The plurality of connection members  240   a - n  may be, for example, straps, bands, or other fasteners formed of a resilient material such as a polymer or other similar materials. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and thus, this disclosure contemplates the connection members  240   a - n  being composed of any suitable resilient material that falls within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. 
     The plurality of connection members  240   a - n  may be selected in a number and size to maintain a sufficient amount of tension in a manner that facilitates an application of pressure to be applied and maintained by the first planar component  210  and the second planar component  220  across the contact surface or interface of the inflatable hermetic bag  230 . In accordance with one or more embodiments, the plurality of connection members  240   a - n  should be attached to both sides of the first planar component  210  and the second planar component  220  at appropriate distances (e.g., substantially symmetrically spaced apart) in order to facilitate the application of symmetric pressure across the contact surface or interface of the inflatable hermetic bag  230 . The plurality of connection members  240   a - n  may thereby facilitate the formation of a watertight seal at each respective contact surface or interface between the inflatable hermetic bag  230 , the first planar component  210  (i.e., the upper cofferdam member), and the second planar component  220  (i.e., the lower cofferdam member) through the application of pressure therefrom. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, one or more pumps  250   a - n  serve as air sources to inflate the inflatable hermetic bag member  230  via one or more valves  232   a  to a desired pressure to thereby raise the first planar component  210  to a desired height. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the one or more pumps  250   a - n  may be disposed within the inflatable hermetic bag  230 . Alternatively, the one or more pumps  250   a - n  may be separate component(s) provided by an operator during deployment of the system  100 . 
     The plurality of connection members  240   a - n  may facilitate movement of the upper cofferdam member from the undeployed position to the deployed position at a desired height to form a flood mitigation barrier. In various embodiments, the length of the plurality of connection members  240   a - n  is adjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure across the contact surface or interface of the inflatable hermetic bag member  230  and facilitate deployment of the upper cofferdam members to the desired height. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a plurality of strap anchor members or strap anchors  260  (e.g., treated metal buckles, D-rings, or hooks)) may be used to adjustably secure the connection members  240   a - n  to the first planar component  210  and the second planar component  230 . The strap anchors  260  may be include a hinge or serve as a hinge member. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the second planar component  220  includes one or more anchor members  222   a,    222   b  to attach the lower cofferdam members to a base support surface such as for example, a sideway, seawall, surge barrier, and the like. The anchor members  222   a,    222   b  may be selected and disposed in a variety of arrangements to secure the cofferdam unit  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , a plurality of cofferdam units  200   a - n  may be joined together to form a dynamically deployable cofferdam system such as system  100  discussed hereinabove with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The cofferdam units  200   a - n  may be modular, and thus, designed, sized, and selected as appropriate to address a particular deployment environment. As a result, the cofferdam units  200  may have a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be constructed of a range of materials depending on environmental and other requirements. In at least one embodiment, the cofferdam units  200   a - n  may have first planar components  210   a - n  (i.e., upper cofferdam members), a second planar components  220   a - n  (i.e., lower cofferdam members), and an inflatable hermetic bag  230  that all have substantially rectangular cross-sections that are sized to form a seal  235  along the contact interfaces with the inflatable hermetic bag  230  and along contact interfaces with corresponding components of an adjacent cofferdam member. The resulting seals  235  help to ensure that cofferdam system  200  is substantially watertight. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with one or more embodiments, a cofferdam unit  300  may have a first planar component  310  (i.e., upper cofferdam member), a second planar component  320  (i.e., lower cofferdam member), and an inflatable hermetic bag  330  that all have substantially curvilinear cross-sections. As with components of cofferdam units  200   a - n , the component of cofferdam unit  300  are also sized to form a seal along an interface with the inflatable hermetic bag  330  and along an interface with corresponding components of an adjacent cofferdam member. The curvilinear shape allows cofferdam unit  300  to be used in curved and contoured arrangements to provide greater deployment utility in a wide range of environments. While cofferdam units  200 ,  300  have been shown having components with rectangular and curvilinear cross-sections, respectively, other shapes may be employed without departing from the disclosure. For example, cofferdam units having components with substantially triangular, trapezoidal, and other similar cross-sectional shapes may used for form at least a part of a cofferdam system based on design and/or environmental requirements. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dynamically deployable cofferdam system, such as cofferdam system  100 , may be deployed to be permanently installed as a sidewalk, sidewall, sea wall, or surge wall overlaying system that retains the inflatable hermetic bag  230  under a walkway (e.g., an aluminum walkway). In at least one embodiment, the components may be dimensioned as approximately a four (4) foot wide by one (1) foot deep by forty (40) foot (4′×1′×40′) long section(s) having a walkway top. These sections may be bolted, for example, to an existing or modified concrete substrate with approximately one-quarter inch (¼″) anchors on approximately three (3) one (1) foot (1′) centers (or as deemed appropriate for the expected local storm surge load). The upper surface of the first planar component  210  may be designed, for example, as a four (4) foot (4′) aluminum walkway, or a separate four (4) foot (4′) aluminum walkway may be disposed on an upper surface of the cofferdam unit  200  or cofferdam system  100 . In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  100  provides a permanent flood mitigation solution that is readily available when needed and has a low visual impact when not in use. 
     The cofferdam units  200  disclosed herein may be made of a variety of suitable materials. With respect to cofferdam unit  200 , for example, the first planar member  210  and the second planar member  220  may be made of durable, weather resistant, and low maintenance materials such as treated Brazilian Ipe wood, galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum. The inflatable hermetic bag  230  may be made of flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or Hypalon® coated fabric that is particularly durable, resistant to abrasion, puncture, and deterioration. The one or more pumps  250   a - n  used in the cofferdam units  200  may be commercial grade, low-pressure air pumps enclosed in watertight compartments and connected to each valve  232   a - n.  In order to achieve rapid deployment of the recommended or desired dimensions in a desired or optimal period of time, such as approximately 12 minutes or less, an air pump of 10 or higher CFM airflow level may be used. The electrical load of a 120V circuit with all the air pumps  150   a - n  connected in parallel will be equal to  10  watts/linear feet. Electric current is calculated to be equal to 0.08 amperes per linear foot (0.08 A/LF) of the pneumatic cofferdam. 
     The pressure of air provided by the one or more pumps  250   a - n  to the inflatable hermetic bag member  230 , as discussed above, must be strong enough to effectively repel the force of water due to a flooding event. The force of the inflatable hermetic bag member  230  acts outward in all directions against opposing forces in contact with it, effectively acting against the water from the horizontal direction and the cofferdam top material and the force of the plurality of connection members (e.g., straps) acting downwards in the vertical direction. For example, in a 40 foot (40′) long system, the force of water with respect to the height of the cofferdam system has been determined to have a minimum force value equal to 1249 lbs. (approximately 0.2 psi), and a maximum force value equal to 79,928 lbs. (approximately 1.7 psi), ranging from 1 foot to 8 feet of water height. For a cofferdam unit of 10 linear feet (10 LF) (i.e., 4′ width &amp; 6′ height), the force of inflatable hermetic bag member  230  is calculated to be approximately 30,000 lbs. and the pressure in the bag member is calculated to be approximately 7 psi. The tension of each connecting member  240   a - n  (i.e., polyester strap) varies according to the material Young&#39;s modulus (1-10 gPa), change in strap length to original length (5-6 feet), and the cross-sectional area of the connecting member  240   a - n.  Assuming the use of polyester straps with 3 gPa Young&#39;s modulus, 0.001 ft 2  cross sectional area and a six percent (6%) stretching percentage, the tension value ranges from approximately 1,500 to 6,000 lbs. in a deployed state with strap widths ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches (1-4 in.). System analysis measuring airbag protective force vs. water force results in a strength safety factor of almost 5 folds. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , cofferdam unit  400  is shown in undeployed ( FIG. 4A ) and deployed ( FIG. 4B ) states. Cofferdam unit  400  includes the same components as cofferdam unit  200 , discussed in more detail above, and may be substituted therefor.  FIG. 4A  shows the cofferdam unit  400  in an undeployed state prior to the unit being unlocked and deployed. In the undeployed state, cofferdam unit  400  remains substantially flat. The first planar member  410  (i.e., cofferdam top) and the second planar member  420  (i.e., cofferdam bottom) are visible, while the inflatable hermetic bag member  430  remains disposed between the first planar member  410  and the second planer member  420  along with the other components associated with the bag member. Due to the low profile afforded by the cofferdam unit  400  while in the undeployed position, the cofferdam unit  400  substantially blends into existing infrastructure to which it is attach. The cofferdam unit  400  thereby affords unobstructed views while also providing usable space (e.g., a sidewalk, seawall top, surge wall top, and the like) when not deployed.  FIG. 4B  shows the cofferdam unit in a deployed state. Cofferdam unit  400  may be moved from an undeployed state to a deployed state by inflating the inflatable hermetic bag member  430  via, for example, air pumps  250   a - n.  Upon inflation, the first planar member  410  moves from a substantially flat position (i.e., adjacent the second planar member  420 ) to a desired distance or height away from the second planar member  420 . The distance or height that the first planar member  410  travels or moves is determined, at least in part, by an adjustment of the plurality of connection members  440   a - n.  Upon the detection of an upcoming flood, the plurality of connection members  440   a - n  may be adjusted, for example, via the plurality of strap anchors  460 , to allow the plurality of strap anchors  260  may be adjusted to allow the inflatable hermetic bag member  430  to be inflated to a sufficient height to address the condition. As a result, the cofferdam system  400  substantially reduces or eliminates the need for deployment labor and storage, while also allowing for constant availability in the event of a flood. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic of an example of a physical architecture of a pneumatic cofferdam system according to an embodiment. Pneumatic cofferdam system  500  has three main components including a top component  510 , a base component  520  and a pneumatic system component  530 A. The top component  510  may be, for example, the first planar member  210  and includes an anchor component  510  (e.g., plurality of strap anchors  260 ). The base component  520  may be, for example, the second player member  220  and includes an anchor component (e.g., plurality of strap anchors  260 ) and unit lock component  524 . In accordance with one or more embodiments the plurality of connection members  240   a - n  and/or the plurality of anchors  260  may serve as unit lock components  524 . In accordance with one or more embodiments, an operator would need to unlock these components prior to deployment of the cofferdam system. The pneumatic system component  530 A may include an airbag component  530  (e.g., inflatable hermetic bag member  230 ), an air valve component  532  (e.g., air valves  232   a - n  ), and a strap component  540  (e.g., plurality of connection members  240   a - n  ). In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  500  utilizes the various disclosed components to perform the functions described herein. 
     In the illustrated examples of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a flowchart of a method  600  of manufacturing a flood mitigation barrier and a method  700  of forming a flood mitigation barrier are respectively provided. In one or more examples, the respective flowcharts of the methods  600  and  700  may be implemented by one or more processors  21  of the computing system disclosed herein. For example, the one or more processors  21  are configured to implement the methods  600  and  700  using logic instructions (e.g., software), configurable logic, fixed-functionality hardware logic, etc., or any combination thereof. In one or more examples, software executed by the computing system  810  provides functionality described or illustrated herein. In particular, software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium)) executing by the one or more processors  820  is configured to perform one or more processing blocks of the methods  600  and  700  set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein, or provides functionality set forth, described, and/or illustrated. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 6 , illustrated process block  602  includes arranging an inflatable hermetic bag member, defining an internal chamber to receive a volume of air, between a first planar component forming a resilient upper cofferdam member and a second planar component forming a resilient lower cofferdam member. 
     The method  600  may then proceed to illustrated process block  604 , which includes attaching, via a plurality of connection members, the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member to facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member. 
     The method  600  may then proceed to illustrated process block  606 , which includes attaching the one or more resilient lower cofferdam members to a base support surface. The method  600  may terminate or end after execution of process block  606 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 7 , illustrated process block  702  includes dynamically detecting a potential flood condition. 
     The method  700  may then proceed to illustrated process block  704 , which includes determining whether a potential flood condition exists. 
     If “No,” i.e., there is no potential flood condition, the method  700  may returns to process block  702 . 
     If, “Yes,” i.e., there is a detected potential flood condition, the method  700  may then proceed to illustrated process block  706 , which includes moving one or more resilient upper cofferdam members from a undeployed position to a deployed position by inflating the one or more hermetic bag members arranged between the resilient upper cofferdam members and resilient lower cofferdam members attached thereto. 
     The method  700  may then proceed to illustrated process block  708 , which includes returning the one or more resilient upper cofferdam members to the undeployed position by deflating the one or more hermetic bag members. The method  700  may terminate or end after execution of process block  708 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an example dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800  includes a computing system  810  serves as a host, main, or primary control system of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . The computing system  810  may include one or more processors  820 . As set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein, “processor” means any component or group of components that are configured to execute any of the processes described herein or any form of instructions to carry out such processes or cause such processes to be performed. The processors  820  may be implemented with one or more general-purpose and/or one or more special-purpose processors. Examples of suitable processors include graphics processors, microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSP processors, and other circuitry that may execute software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium). Further examples of suitable processors include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an array processor, a vector processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuitry, and a controller. The processors  820  may comprise at least one hardware circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit) configured to carry out instructions contained in program code. In embodiments in which there is a plurality of processors  820 , such processors  820  may work independently from each other, or one or more processors may work in combination with each other. 
     An I/O hub  840  may be operatively connected to other systems and subsystems of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . The I/O hub  840  may comprise an input interface and an output interface. The input interface and the output interface may be integrated as a single, unitary interface, or alternatively, be separate as independent interfaces that are operatively connected. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, the input interface may be used by an operator of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800  to input one or more data input signals relating to operation of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . The operator may be located on site of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 , or located in a location remote from dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . The input interface is defined herein as any device, component, system, subsystem, element, or arrangement or groups thereof that enable information/data to be entered in a machine. The input interface may receive an input from the operator of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . In an example, the input interface may comprise a user interface (UI), graphical user interface (GUI) such as, for example, a display, human-machine interface (HMI), or the like. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and thus, this disclosure contemplates the input interface comprising any suitable configuration that falls within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. For example, the input interface may comprise a keypad, toggle switch, touch screen, multi-touch screen, button, joystick, mouse, trackball, microphone and/or combinations thereof. 
     The output interface is defined herein as any device, component, system, subsystem, element, or arrangement or groups thereof that enable information/data to be presented to the operator of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . The output interface may be configured to present information/data to the vehicle occupant and/or the remote operator. The output interface may comprise one or more of a visual display or an audio display such as a microphone, earphone, and/or speaker. One or more components of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800  may serve as both a component of the input interface and a component of the output interface. 
     One or more data stores  830  are provided for storing one or more types of data. The dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800  may include interfaces that enable one or more systems thereof to manage, retrieve, modify, add, or delete, the data stored in the data stores  30 . The data stores  830  may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory. Examples of suitable data stores  830  include RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard drives, or any other suitable storage medium, or any combination thereof. The data stores  830  may be a component of the processors  820 , or alternatively, may be operatively connected to the processors  820  for use thereby. As set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein, “operatively connected” may include direct or indirect connections, including connections without direct physical contact. 
     The computing system  810  may be configured to receive one or more data signals via a wireless network interface  850 . The wireless network interface  850  is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the computing system  810  and one or more external source devices. In one or more example embodiments, the computing system  810  may communicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), or a combination thereof. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and thus, this disclosure contemplates any suitable other suitable wireless network architecture that permits practice of the one or more embodiments. 
     The wireless network data comprises data communicated to the computing system  810  from sources external to the computing system  810 . Such externally sourced data comprises, but is not limited to, one or more of geographic map data, weather data, and crowdsourced traffic data. Accordingly, the computing system  810  is configured to receive information from one or more other external source devices to the and process the received information. Information may be received based on preferences including but not limited to location (e.g., as defined by geography from address, zip code, or GPS coordinates), history, news feeds, and the like. The information (i.e., received or processed information) may also be uplinked to other systems and modules for further processing to discover additional information that may be used to enhance the understanding of the information. The computing system  810  may also send information to other computing systems in a detected weather environment, and link to other devices, including but not limited to smart phones, smart home systems, or Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments, operation of the computing system  810  may be implemented as computer readable program code that, when executed by a processors  820 , implement one or more of the various processes set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein. The computing system  810  may be a component of the processors  820 , or alternatively, may be executed on and/or distributed among other processing systems to which the processors  820  are operatively connected. The computing system  810  may include a set of logic instructions executable by the processors  820 . Alternatively or additionally, the data stores  830  may contain such logic instructions. The logic instructions may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, state information that personalizes electronic circuitry and/or other structural components that are native to hardware (e.g., host processor, central processing unit/CPU, microcontroller, etc.). 
     The computing system  810  may be configured to facilitate, via the wireless network interface  850 , dynamic detection of a current weather forecast in the immediate area of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system  800 . 
     In accordance with one or more embodiment, one or more of the computing system  810  and the one or more of the processors  820  are operatively connected to communicate with the one or more pumps  860 . For example, the one or more of the processors  820  are in communication to send or transmit one or more command output signals, and/or receive data input signals from the I/O hub  840 , and wireless network interface  850  to selectively control the pumps  860  in a manner that controls the dynamically deployable cofferdams. 
     Additional Notes and Examples 
     Example 1 provides a dynamically deployable cofferdam system, including a plurality of first planar components forming resilient upper cofferdam members that are moveable between an undeployed position and a deployed position; a plurality of second planar components forming resilient lower cofferdam members; a plurality of inflatable hermetic bag members, defining internal chambers to receive a volume of air, disposed between the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members; a plurality of connection members to form an attachment between the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members and facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member; and one or more pumps serving as air sources to inflate the inflatable hermetic bag members to a desired pressure, wherein the plurality of connection members facilitate movement of the upper cofferdam members from the undeployed position to the deployed position at a desired height to form a flood mitigation barrier. 
     Example 2 includes the system of Example 1, wherein the upper cofferdam members have a substantially rectangular cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent one of the upper cofferdam members. 
     Example 3 includes system of Example 1, wherein the upper cofferdam members have a substantially curvilinear cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent one of the upper cofferdam members. 
     Example 4 includes the system of Example 1, wherein the lower cofferdam members include one or more anchor members to attach the lower cofferdam members to a base support surface. 
     Example 5 includes the system of Example 1, wherein the inflatable hermetic bag members have a substantially rectangular cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent one of the inflatable hermetic bag members. 
     Example 6 includes the system of Example 1, wherein the length of the plurality of connection members is adjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure on the inflatable hermetic bag members and facilitate deployment of the upper cofferdam members to the desired height. 
     Example 7 includes the system of Example 1, further comprising one or more hinge members attached to the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to secure the plurality of connection members. 
     Example 8 provides a dynamically deployable cofferdam apparatus, including a first planar component forming a resilient upper cofferdam member that is moveable between an undeployed position and a deployed position; a second planar component forming a resilient lower cofferdam member; an inflatable hermetic bag member, defining an internal chamber to receive a volume of air, disposed between the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member; and a plurality of connection members to form an attachment between the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member and facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member, wherein the plurality of connection members facilitate movement of the upper cofferdam member from the undeployed position to the deployed position at a desired height to form a flood mitigation barrier. 
     Example 9 includes the apparatus of Example 8, wherein the upper cofferdam member has a substantially rectangular cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent upper cofferdam member. 
     Example 10 includes the apparatus of Example 8, wherein the upper cofferdam member has a substantially curvilinear cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent upper cofferdam member. 
     Example 11 includes the apparatus of Example 8, wherein the lower cofferdam member includes one or more anchor members to attach the lower cofferdam members to a base support surface. 
     Example 12 includes the apparatus of Example 8, wherein the inflatable hermetic bag member has a substantially rectangular cross-section sized to form a seal at an interface with an adjacent inflatable hermetic bag member. 
     Example 13 includes the apparatus of Example 8, further comprising one or more pumps serving as air sources to inflate the inflatable hermetic bag member to a desired pressure. 
     Example 14 includes the apparatus of Example 8, wherein the length of the plurality of connection members is adjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure on the inflatable hermetic bag members and facilitate deployment of the upper cofferdam members to the desired height. 
     Example 15 includes the apparatus of Example 8, further comprising one or more hinge members attached to the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member to secure the plurality of connection members. 
     Example 16 provides a method of manufacturing a flood mitigation barrier, the method including arranging an inflatable hermetic bag member, defining an internal chamber to receive a volume of air, between a first planar component forming a resilient upper cofferdam member and a second planar component forming a resilient lower cofferdam member; attaching, via a plurality of connection members, the upper cofferdam member and the lower cofferdam member to facilitate formation of a watertight seal between the inflatable hermetic bag, the upper cofferdam members, and the lower cofferdam members through an application of pressure from the upper cofferdam members and the lower cofferdam members to the inflatable hermetic bag member; and inflating, via one or more pumps as air sources, the inflatable hermetic airbag to a desired pressure such that the upper cofferdam member is moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position at a desired height. 
     Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, further including attaching the lower cofferdam member to a base support surface. 
     Example 18 includes the method of Example 17, further comprising, before inflating the inflatable hermetic airbag, detecting a potential flood condition. 
     Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, wherein the inflatable hermetic airbag is inflated in response to the detection. 
     Example 20 includes the method of Example 19, further including deflating the inflatable hermetic airbag in response to a detection that the flood condition has subsided in a manner such that the upper cofferdam member is moved from the deployed position to the undeployed position. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the embodiments have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the embodiments should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.