MUMBAI, India, Sept. 28 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641111002 A) filed by Pragati Engineering College on September 16, 2026, for Self Deploying Roadside Flood Depth Marker With Progressive Mechanical Height Indication.
Inventors include Dr. Vemuri Sailaja; Mr. V V N Sarath; Mr. Bomma Bharath Kumar; and Mr. Y Vijay Kumar.
The application for the patent was published on September 25, 2026, under issue no. 39/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a self deploying roadside flood depth marker configured to provide a direct, mechanically generated indication of floodwater depth at low-lying road crossings without requiring any battery, sensor electronics, or external power supply. The marker comprises a base assembly anchored adjacent to a flood-prone roadway, a protective outer sleeve having water-inlet apertures and a debris-excluding guard, a buoyant float member slidably positioned within the sleeve, and a telescopically nested graduated indicator assembly mechanically coupled to the float. As floodwater rises around the marker, the buoyant float progressively drives the telescopically nested indicator sections upward and outward from the protective sleeve in proportion to the water depth, exposing colour-coded and retroreflective graduation markings that provide an immediate visual indication of the current flood level and hazard severity to approaching motorists. A one-way ratchet-and-pawl peak-retention mechanism permits upward extension of the indicator while preventing downward retraction as the floodwater recedes, thereby retaining a visible physical indication of the maximum flood depth reached during the flood event. A manually operable release lever disengages the retention mechanism to allow authorised personnel to retract the indicator assembly into the protective sleeve and reset the marker for subsequent use. The integrated mechanical arrangement provides a compact, power-independent, low-maintenance flood depth warning system that remains protected in a retracted condition during dry periods, progressively deploys during flooding, and retains an inspectable high-water mark after the flood recedes.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
