Patent ID: 12195937

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 toFIGS.1A and1B, an overview of a dynamically deployable cofferdam system100is shown. The dynamically deployable cofferdam system100includes a plurality of dynamically deployable cofferdam units100a-n.FIG.1A, for example, depicts a plurality of cofferdam units100a-narranged end-to-end and substantially in a line to form an elongated wall.FIG.1B, on the other hand, depicts a plurality of cofferdam units100-a-narranged end-to-end and at angles with respect to each other to form a fully enclosed barrier that provides a protected area112against 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 units100a-nmay be attached, for example, to a structure such as a sidewalk, surge wall, seawall, or other infrastructure. Upon deployment, the cofferdam units110a-nmay 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 units110a-nuse 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 system100is designed to remain anchored in an undeployed (i.e., substantially flat position) along or around a perimeter of a location. The system100thereby allows for usable space (e.g., a sidewalk, seawall top, surge wall top, and the like) when not deployed. As a result, the system100may 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 and2Bprovide more detailed views of an example of a dynamically deployable cofferdam unit200.FIG.2Aillustrates a plan view ofFIG.2Billustrates a side view of cofferdam unit200a. The illustrated cofferdam unit200amay be readily substituted for cofferdam units100a-nin cofferdam system100, as discussed above with respect toFIG.1. In the illustrated examples, the cofferdam unit200ahas a substantially rectangular shape and includes a first planar component210that forms a resilient top or upper cofferdam member, a second planar component220that forms a resilient bottom or lower cofferdam member, and an inflatable hermetic bag member230or airbag having one or more internal chambers to receive a volume of air. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the inflatable hermetic bag member230includes a plurality of internal chambers each having its own valve232a-nin order to improve reliability due to a breach of one chamber. The inflatable hermetic bag member230is disposed between the first planar component210and the second planar component220. The first planar component210is moveable between an undeployed position that is substantially flat (SeeFIG.4A) and a deployed position that has a selectable height dimension (SeeFIG.4B).

Cofferdam unit200aalso includes a plurality of connection members240a-nthat form attachments between the first planar component210(i.e., upper cofferdam member) and the second planar component220(i.e., lower cofferdam member). The plurality of connection members240a-nmay 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 members240a-nbeing composed of any suitable resilient material that falls within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure.

The plurality of connection members240a-nmay 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 component210and the second planar component220across the contact surface or interface of the inflatable hermetic bag230. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the plurality of connection members240a-nshould be attached to both sides of the first planar component210and the second planar component220at 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 bag230. The plurality of connection members240a-nmay thereby facilitate the formation of a watertight seal at each respective contact surface or interface between the inflatable hermetic bag230, the first planar component210(i.e., the upper cofferdam member), and the second planar component220(i.e., the lower cofferdam member) through the application of pressure therefrom.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, one or more pumps250a-nserve as air sources to inflate the inflatable hermetic bag member230via one or more valves232ato a desired pressure to thereby raise the first planar component210to a desired height. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the one or more pumps250a-nmay be disposed within the inflatable hermetic bag230. Alternatively, the one or more pumps250a-nmay be separate component(s) provided by an operator during deployment of the system100.

The plurality of connection members240a-nmay 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 members240a-nis adjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure across the contact surface or interface of the inflatable hermetic bag member230and 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 anchors260(e.g., treated metal buckles, D-rings, or hooks)) may be used to adjustably secure the connection members240a-nto the first planar component210and the second planar component230. The strap anchors260may be include a hinge or serve as a hinge member. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the second planar component220includes one or more anchor members222a,222bto attach the lower cofferdam members to a base support surface such as for example, a sideway, seawall, surge barrier, and the like. The anchor members222a,222bmay be selected and disposed in a variety of arrangements to secure the cofferdam unit200.

As illustrated inFIG.2B, a plurality of cofferdam units200a-nmay be joined together to form a dynamically deployable cofferdam system such as system100discussed hereinabove with respect toFIGS.1A and1B. The cofferdam units200a-nmay be modular, and thus, designed, sized, and selected as appropriate to address a particular deployment environment. As a result, the cofferdam units200may 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 units200a-nmay have first planar components210a-n(i.e., upper cofferdam members), a second planar components220a-n(i.e., lower cofferdam members), and an inflatable hermetic bag230that all have substantially rectangular cross-sections that are sized to form a seal235along the contact interfaces with the inflatable hermetic bag230and along contact interfaces with corresponding components of an adjacent cofferdam member. The resulting seals235help to ensure that cofferdam system200is substantially watertight.

As illustrated inFIG.3, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a cofferdam unit300may have a first planar component310(i.e., upper cofferdam member), a second planar component320(i.e., lower cofferdam member), and an inflatable hermetic bag330that all have substantially curvilinear cross-sections. As with components of cofferdam units200a-n, the component of cofferdam unit300are also sized to form a seal along an interface with the inflatable hermetic bag330and along an interface with corresponding components of an adjacent cofferdam member. The curvilinear shape allows cofferdam unit300to be used in curved and contoured arrangements to provide greater deployment utility in a wide range of environments. While cofferdam units200,300have 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 system100, may be deployed to be permanently installed as a sidewalk, sidewall, sea wall, or surge wall overlaying system that retains the inflatable hermetic bag230under 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 component210may 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 unit200or cofferdam system100. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dynamically deployable cofferdam system100provides a permanent flood mitigation solution that is readily available when needed and has a low visual impact when not in use.

The cofferdam units200disclosed herein may be made of a variety of suitable materials. With respect to cofferdam unit200, for example, the first planar member210and the second planar member220may 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 bag230may 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 pumps250a-nused in the cofferdam units200may be commercial grade, low-pressure air pumps enclosed in watertight compartments and connected to each valve232a-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 pumps150a-nconnected 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 pumps250a-nto the inflatable hermetic bag member230, 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 member230acts 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 & 6′ height), the force of inflatable hermetic bag member230is 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 member240a-n(i.e., polyester strap) varies according to the material Young's modulus (1-10 gPa), change in strap length to original length (5-6 feet), and the cross-sectional area of the connecting member240a-n. Assuming the use of polyester straps with 3 gPa Young's modulus, 0.001 ft2cross 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 toFIGS.4A-4B, cofferdam unit400is shown in undeployed (FIG.4A) and deployed (FIG.4B) states. Cofferdam unit400includes the same components as cofferdam unit200, discussed in more detail above, and may be substituted therefor.FIG.4Ashows the cofferdam unit400in an undeployed state prior to the unit being unlocked and deployed. In the undeployed state, cofferdam unit400remains substantially flat. The first planar member410(i.e., cofferdam top) and the second planar member420(i.e., cofferdam bottom) are visible, while the inflatable hermetic bag member430remains disposed between the first planar member410and the second planer member420along with the other components associated with the bag member. Due to the low profile afforded by the cofferdam unit400while in the undeployed position, the cofferdam unit400substantially blends into existing infrastructure to which it is attach. The cofferdam unit400thereby affords unobstructed views while also providing usable space (e.g., a sidewalk, seawall top, surge wall top, and the like) when not deployed.FIG.4Bshows the cofferdam unit in a deployed state. Cofferdam unit400may be moved from an undeployed state to a deployed state by inflating the inflatable hermetic bag member430via, for example, air pumps250a-n. Upon inflation, the first planar member410moves from a substantially flat position (i.e., adjacent the second planar member420) to a desired distance or height away from the second planar member420. The distance or height that the first planar member410travels or moves is determined, at least in part, by an adjustment of the plurality of connection members440a-n. Upon the detection of an upcoming flood, the plurality of connection members440a-nmay be adjusted, for example, via the plurality of strap anchors460, to allow the plurality of strap anchors260may be adjusted to allow the inflatable hermetic bag member430to be inflated to a sufficient height to address the condition. As a result, the cofferdam system400substantially reduces or eliminates the need for deployment labor and storage, while also allowing for constant availability in the event of a flood.

FIG.5is a schematic of an example of a physical architecture of a pneumatic cofferdam system according to an embodiment. Pneumatic cofferdam system500has three main components including a top component510, a base component520and a pneumatic system component530A. The top component510may be, for example, the first planar member210and includes an anchor component510(e.g., plurality of strap anchors260). The base component520may be, for example, the second player member220and includes an anchor component (e.g., plurality of strap anchors260) and unit lock component524. In accordance with one or more embodiments the plurality of connection members240a-nand/or the plurality of anchors260may serve as unit lock components524. 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 component530A may include an airbag component530(e.g., inflatable hermetic bag member230), an air valve component532(e.g., air valves232a-n), and a strap component540(e.g., plurality of connection members240a-n). In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dynamically deployable cofferdam system500utilizes the various disclosed components to perform the functions described herein.

In the illustrated examples ofFIGS.6and7, a flowchart of a method600of manufacturing a flood mitigation barrier and a method700of forming a flood mitigation barrier are respectively provided. In one or more examples, the respective flowcharts of the methods600and700may be implemented by one or more processors21of the computing system disclosed herein. For example, the one or more processors21are configured to implement the methods600and700using 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 system810provides functionality described or illustrated herein. In particular, software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium)) executing by the one or more processors820is configured to perform one or more processing blocks of the methods600and700set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein, or provides functionality set forth, described, and/or illustrated.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.6, illustrated process block602includes 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 method600may then proceed to illustrated process block604, 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 method600may then proceed to illustrated process block606, which includes attaching the one or more resilient lower cofferdam members to a base support surface. The method600may terminate or end after execution of process block606.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.7, illustrated process block702includes dynamically detecting a potential flood condition.

The method700may then proceed to illustrated process block704, which includes determining whether a potential flood condition exists.

If “No,” i.e., there is no potential flood condition, the method700may returns to process block702.

If, “Yes,” i.e., there is a detected potential flood condition, the method700may then proceed to illustrated process block706, 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 method700may then proceed to illustrated process block708, 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 method700may terminate or end after execution of process block708.

As illustrated inFIG.8, an example dynamically deployable cofferdam system800includes a computing system810serves as a host, main, or primary control system of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system800. The computing system810may include one or more processors820. 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 processors820may 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 processors820may 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 processors820, such processors820may work independently from each other, or one or more processors may work in combination with each other.

An I/O hub840may be operatively connected to other systems and subsystems of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system800. The I/O hub840may 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 system800to input one or more data input signals relating to operation of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system800. The operator may be located on site of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system800, or located in a location remote from dynamically deployable cofferdam system800. 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 system800. 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 system800. 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 system800may serve as both a component of the input interface and a component of the output interface.

One or more data stores830are provided for storing one or more types of data. The dynamically deployable cofferdam system800may include interfaces that enable one or more systems thereof to manage, retrieve, modify, add, or delete, the data stored in the data stores30. The data stores830may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory. Examples of suitable data stores830include 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 stores830may be a component of the processors820, or alternatively, may be operatively connected to the processors820for 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 system810may be configured to receive one or more data signals via a wireless network interface850. The wireless network interface850is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the computing system810and one or more external source devices. In one or more example embodiments, the computing system810may 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 system810from sources external to the computing system810. 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 system810is 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 system810may 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 system810may be implemented as computer readable program code that, when executed by a processors820, implement one or more of the various processes set forth, described, and/or illustrated herein. The computing system810may be a component of the processors820, or alternatively, may be executed on and/or distributed among other processing systems to which the processors820are operatively connected. The computing system810may include a set of logic instructions executable by the processors820. Alternatively or additionally, the data stores830may 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 system810may be configured to facilitate, via the wireless network interface850, dynamic detection of a current weather forecast in the immediate area of the dynamically deployable cofferdam system800.

In accordance with one or more embodiment, one or more of the computing system810and the one or more of the processors820are operatively connected to communicate with the one or more pumps860. For example, the one or more of the processors820are in communication to send or transmit one or more command output signals, and/or receive data input signals from the I/O hub840, and wireless network interface850to selectively control the pumps860in 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.