System and methods employing non-newtonian fluids

Abstract

A system and method for temporarily filling surface voids, such as cracks, potholes or other surface breaches includes a flexible container, such as a bag. The bag is filled with an engineered viscosity fluid. The fluid properties are chosen in accordance with a particular application in accordance factors including hole properties, anticipated traffic properties and ambient temperature. A bag with appropriate properties is placed in a void, and provides a temporary travel surface. Embodiments include fluids with engineered viscosity properties, including non-Newtonian fluids. Additional embodiments include selectively filled, selectively drained, or multiple bags. Another embodiment includes tubular, flexible containers cut to size in accordance with hole characteristics.

1 . A method for filling openings of an associated, generally horizontal surface, comprising:
 determining at least one property associated with an opening in an associated, generally horizontal surface;   selecting at least one flexible container inclusive of a viscosity engineered fluid in accordance with the at least one property of the opening; and   placing the at least one flexible container in the opening such that a void thereof is substantially filled by the at least one flexible container.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container inclusive of a viscosity engineered fluid comprised of a shear thickening fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container comprised of a watertight sheet material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container comprised of a watertight sheet material that slowly dissolves in water over time. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container comprised of a the flexible container having an exterior gripping surface associated therewith. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container comprised of a thin, flexible tubing, and wherein the method further comprises the step of cutting the thin, flexible tubing at a length corresponding to the property of the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of removing a selected portion of the non-Newtonian fluid from the container in accordance with the property of the opening. 
     
     
         8 . A system for filling openings of an associated, generally horizontal surface, comprising:
 at least one flexible container adapted to be received into an opening of an associated, generally horizontal surface;   wherein the at least one flexible container includes a non-Newtonian fluid corresponding to a property of the opening disposed therein so as to substantially fill the opening.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the non-Newtonian fluid is comprised of a shear thickening fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the flexible container is comprised of a watertight sheet material. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the watertight material is dissolvable in water over time. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the flexible container has an exterior gripping surface associated therewith. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the at least one flexible container is comprised of a thin, flexible tubing, operable to be cut at a length corresponding to the property of the opening. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the flexible container includes a re-sealable opening operable for removal of a selected portion of the non-Newtonian fluid in accordance with the property of the opening. 
     
     
         15 . A method for temporarily patching holes in a roadway surface, comprising:
 determining at least one property associated with a hole in a roadway surface;   selecting at least one flexible, watertight sealed container inclusive of a shear thickening, non-Newtonian fluid;   placing the at least one container in the hole so as substantially fill a void associated therewith;   receiving moving, vehicular traffic on an exterior surface of the sealed container disposed in the hole at an impact force such that the non-Newtonian fluid is sufficiently rigid to substantially support vehicle weight without substantial deformation in accordance with a physical property thereof.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising selecting plurality of watertight, sealed containers in accordance with an aggregate volume corresponding to that of the hole. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising removing a selected portion of the non-Newtonian fluid from the at least one container in accordance with the property of the opening. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising receiving moving, vehicular traffic on the exterior surface inclusive of a gripping element. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein selecting the at least one flexible container comprises selecting a flexible container having a thin, flexible tubing, and wherein the method further comprises the step of cutting the thin, flexible tubing at a length corresponding to the property of the opening. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of removing the container from the hole after a selected duration.