Structure protection device

Abstract

Structure Protection Device The present invention relates to a protection device (1) for protecting a structure (9), comprising at least one outer shell (4) of a shape at least partially convex when viewed from the external environment of the structure (9) and an inner shell (3) configured to be installed opposite at least one wall of said structure (9), the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (4) being connected to each other to delimit a space (6) filled by a deformable material (61) capable of moving within said space (6), said deformable material (61) being configured to absorb a deformation of the outer shell (4). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting a structure

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of protection of various structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a protective device for a given structure, particularly by extending at least partially around it.

[0002] Depending on certain conditions and locations, structures that may house human resources are sometimes subject to external hazards, such as explosions, projectiles, or fires. This can be the case for vehicles or buildings located in a conflict zone, on a construction site, or near a high-risk factory, during any incident occurring at that facility.

[0003] Several protective devices exist for safeguarding structures and / or people located within said structures. These protective devices can take the form of a coating or shielding partially or totally covering the structure. Known protective devices suffer from several drawbacks, such as a lack of versatility and their complexity in assembly and disassembly.

[0004] The present invention provides a solution to such defects by proposing a protection device intended to protect a structure, comprising at least an outer shell of at least partly convex shape as seen from the external environment of the structure and an inner shell configured to be installed opposite at least one wall of said structure, the inner shell and the outer shell being connected to each other to delimit a space filled by a deformable material capable of moving within said space, said deformable material being configured to absorb a deformation of the outer shell.

[0005] Creating a space between the inner and outer shells contributes to protection against explosions and projectiles. The deformable material between the inner and outer shells is capable of absorbing the shocks experienced by the outer shell, due to its deformability. The outer shell thus protects the inner shell, and consequently the structure protected by the protective device, by absorbing physical shocks.

[0006] By structure, we can understand any element intended to be protected by the protection device. By way of example, it is possible to cite any type of building, whether temporary or permanent, or even a moving structure such as a vehicle.

[0007] The outer shell at least partially covers the inner shell so as to be interposed between the latter and the external environment. Advantageously, the shell The outer shell protects the inner shell completely. The outer shell is therefore sized to fully cover the inner shell. The outer shell can be made of metal or any other impact-resistant material.

[0008] The outer shell has a shape that is at least partially convex when viewed from the environment outside the structure. In other words, the outer shell is concave with respect to a general extension plane of the inner shell. The convex shape of the outer shell allows, on the one hand, for the formation of the space between the inner shell and the inner shell, and on the other hand, contributes to resistance to impacts that may be caused by an explosion or projectiles. A convex shape allows for better distribution of vibrations related to an impact and therefore better absorption of said impact. Since the shape is convex when viewed from the external environment, the outer shell therefore has a concave shape when viewed from the inner shell, thus forming the space that can be occupied by the deformable material.

[0009] According to one feature of the invention, the inner shell is configured to at least partially cover the structure, the inner shell being configured to be interposed between the structure and the outer shell. Generally, the inner shell has a shape that allows the outer shell to partially or totally protect the structure. The inner shell can have any shape and size as long as it effectively covers the structure. Advantageously, the inner shell is configured to conform to the shape of the structure to ensure effective protection by the protective device.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the outer shell comprises at least one transverse edge, the protective device comprising at least one fastening means configured to ensure a mechanical connection between the transverse edge and the structure. The transverse edge corresponds to a portion of the outer shell oriented so as to be in contact with the structure. The outer shell may thus comprise two transverse edges, the convex shape extending from one transverse edge to the other, each transverse edge being fixed to the structure.

[0011] The fastening means allows the transverse edge of the outer shell to be fixed to the structure. Such a fastening means may be reversible, meaning that the outer shell can be easily mounted and dismounted. The fastening means may be of various types, the essential point being that it can ensure a connection with the structure without hindering the properties of the protective device.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the protective device comprises at least one reinforcement connecting the inner shell to the outer shell. Such a reinforcement improves the strength of the outer shell. The reinforcement extends within the space between the inner and outer shells, in addition to the deformable material.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the reinforcement divides the space delimited by the inner and outer shells. The reinforcement thus makes it possible to divide the space into one or more compartments. If the protective device comprises several reinforcements within the same space, these reinforcements are regularly distributed within said space in order to balance the level of resistance across the entire outer shell. For example, these reinforcements may each bear on the same area of ​​the inner shell and be distributed angularly, so that each is in contact with distinct areas of the outer shell.

[0014] According to a feature of the invention, the device can be configured to be permanently installed against the structure.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the device can be configured for temporary installation against the structure. The easy mounting and dismounting of the protective device on the structure can ensure its protection, for example, in the event of a temporary risk. Temporary installation of the protective device is particularly advantageous if the structure is moving, such as a vehicle.

[0016] The temporary installation of the protective device is facilitated by the simplicity of its assembly and disassembly. The fact that the material can be easily inserted into and removed from the space between the outer and inner shells also contributes to the temporary nature of the protective device.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the protective device comprises at least one skirt configured to be positioned on a bearing surface on which the structure is placed. Such a skirt prevents explosions occurring at ground level, the blast of which could lift the structure and damage it at the wall in contact with the ground. The skirt also ensures the stability of the structure and thus prevents its potential overturning, for example, following the blast of an explosion. This wall of the structure in contact with the ground is not protected by the outer shell. The skirt thus increases the protective bearing surface on the ground so that the structure is not lifted and potentially damaged following an explosion.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the skirt projects from the outer shell. In this configuration, the skirt extends from the outer shell to the contact surface. The skirt thus forms a barrier preventing the blast wave from a ground-level explosion from passing between the outer shell and the support surface. To provide an effective anchor point, the skirt is configured to be embedded at least partially, and advantageously fully, in the support surface on which the structure rests.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the deformable material is chosen from Sand, water, or a synthetic material can be used; the deformable material must be able to move in space if the outer shell deforms. Clearly, by synthetic material, we mean a deformable synthetic material. For example, the synthetic material can be in the form of beads capable of forming a deformable mass. The deformable material is advantageously easy to install during the assembly of the protective device and easy to remove during its disassembly. Water, sand, and synthetic materials meet this criterion. The deformable material can also be a combination of water and / or sand and / or synthetic material in order to optimize the level of protection offered by the protective device.By way of non-exhaustive examples, the deformable material can also be a mixture of absorbent polymers, elastic polymers in the form of sorbothane granules, different types of silicates, or even nanocomposites such as polycarbonate or magnesium oxide.

[0020] When an object such as a projectile or the blast of an explosive device, or any other object capable of causing material or human damage, strikes the outer shell, the deformable material absorbs the shock wave resulting from the contact between the object and the outer shell.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the deformable material is configured to absorb energy released by the deformation of the outer shell. It is the displacement of the deformable material within the space between the inner and outer shells that contributes to shock absorption.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the deformable material has fire-retardant properties. Such properties are in addition to the energy-absorbing properties of the deformable material. The latter may be naturally fire-retardant, like water, or it may be treated with a flame-retardant substance to become fire-retardant, as is the case with synthetic materials.

[0023] Advantageously, since the inner shell is covered by the outer shell, the protective device therefore provides resistance to fire in addition to resistance to explosions and projectiles.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the protective device comprises at least one opening allowing the deformable material to enter or exit the space. Such an opening may, for example, allow the connection of a suction or blowing duct in order to position the deformable material within the space. The protective device thus comprises at least one hole per space formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The hole may be dedicated to the entry or exit of the deformable material, or the protective device may comprise a first hole dedicated to the entry of the deformable material and a second hole dedicated to the output of the deformable material.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0026] [fig. 1] is a perspective representation of the protection device according to the invention installed around a structure to be protected,

[0027] [fig.2] represents an example of attaching an outer shell of the device protection on the structure, and also illustrates the reaction of a deformable material of the protective device following an impact caused by an object striking the protective device.

[0028] [fig.3] is a perspective view representing an alternative application of the protection device according to the invention.

[0029] For each of the figures, the trihedron LVT and the reference frame VT will represent the orientation of the protective device according to the invention. The longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T correspond to axes defining a plane coinciding with a flat support surface on which rests a structure protected by the protective device, while the vertical axis V corresponds to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.

[0030] Figure 1 represents a protective device 1 as defined by the invention, here protecting a structure 9 in the form of a shelter 93 arranged on a support surface 2 defined by a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis T. The shelter 93 may, for example, be a temporary prefabricated building used on construction sites or located within factory yards, but the protective device 1 can also protect permanent buildings. The shelter 93 has human-scale dimensions and defines an internal volume corresponding to a living area in which people, for example, workers, can be housed. In order to guarantee access to the living area, one of the walls of the shelter 93 includes at least one entrance 15.

[0031] Generally speaking, the protection device 1 can be integrated into the structure 9 during the construction of the latter, but can also be integrated into the structure 9 when it is in its finished form.

[0032] The protective device can also be installed inside any building to protect a structure 9 that can be stored in said building. The protective device 1 according to the invention can be used to protect buildings on land or on a platform at sea. In [Fig. 1], the shelter 93 comprises a floor wall 94 which is disposed in contact with the support surface 2.

[0033] In [fig. 1], the structure 9 is protected by a plurality of protective devices 1. It is possible to observe in particular a first protection device 101, a second protection device 102 and a third protection device 103. Each of the protection devices 1 shown in [fig.1] has an inner shell 3 and an outer shell 4. The inner shell 3 is advantageously positioned in contact with the structure 9 to be protected, here the shelter 93. In [fig.1], the inner shell 3 extends over the entire main dimension of one of the walls of the shelter 93 in order to cover it.

[0034] The outer shell 4 is attached to the inner shell 3 and has a convex shape when viewed from the external environment. In other words, the outer shell 4 has a concave shape with respect to an elongation plane of the inner shell 3 interacting with said outer shell 4. Generally, the protective device 1 can be mounted temporarily or permanently on the structure 9. The outer shell 4 can, for example, be made of a strong and lightweight metallic material, the lightness facilitating the transport and installation of the protective device 1. The outer shell 4 can also be treated so as not to be attacked by chemical fluids that could cause damage to the outer shell 4.

[0035] The first protective device 101 is installed on a ceiling wall of the shelter 93. The inner shell 3 of the first protective device 101 therefore comes into contact with the ceiling wall of the shelter 93 and is thus parallel or substantially parallel to the bearing surface 2. The second protective device 102 and the third protective device 103 are installed on the side walls of the shelter 93, that is to say, each of the walls extending along a plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and by a vertical axis V. Thus, the inner shell 3 of the second protective device 102 and the inner shell 3 of the third protective device 103 extend parallel to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis L and by the vertical axis V and are therefore parallel to each other.The internal shells of the second protective device 102 and the third protective device 103 each extend in a general plane of extension that intersects a general plane of extension of the internal shell 3 of the first protective device 101. In order to effectively cover the structure 9, each of the internal shells 3 of the three protective devices 1 can be connected to each other. The set of three internal shells 3 thus partially conforms to the parallelepiped shape of the shelter 93.

[0036] The shelter 93 is closed by a first longitudinal face 16 comprising the entrance 15, and by a second longitudinal face 17, the latter not being visible in [Fig. 1]. The first longitudinal face 16 and the second longitudinal face both extend along the transverse axis T and the vertical axis V. Protective devices 1 can also be integrated into these longitudinal faces provided they do not interfere with any function of the structure 9. For example, the integration of a protective device 1 at the level of the first longitudinal face 16 cannot be envisaged due to the presence of the inlet 15 at the level of the first longitudinal face 16.

[0037] According to the invention, each of the inner shells 3 is at least partially covered by its own outer shell 4. Each outer shell 4 has a longitudinal dimension at least equal to the longitudinal dimension of the inner shell 3 it covers, so as to be able to extend on both sides of this inner shell 3.

[0038] As previously stated, each of the outer shells 4 has a convex shape when viewed from outside the shelter 93 and the protective device 1. The extremities of the convex shape correspond to transverse edges 7. Thus, each outer shell 4 comprises two transverse edges 7 extending along the entire longitudinal dimension of said outer shells 4. The transverse edges 7 are in contact with the inner shell 3 with which each outer shell 4 interacts. More precisely, the transverse edges 7 are in contact with transverse edges formed by the inner shells 3, for example, a first transverse edge 21 and a second transverse edge 22. The attachment between the transverse edge 7 of the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 can, for example, be achieved by welding.The attachment between the outer shell 4 and the structure 9 is made at a point of contact between the structure 9 and the transverse edge 7 of the outer shell 4, as will be described in detail later.

[0039] In [Fig. 1], three protective devices 1 are shown. The structure 9 is thus protected by three combinations of three inner shells 3 with three outer shells 4. However, it is possible to vary the number of protective devices 1 extending around the structure 9.

[0040] A space 6 is formed for each protective device 1 extending around the structure 9, that is, between each pair formed by an outer shell 4 and an inner shell 3. In [Fig. 1], the space 6 is in the form of a rounded sector, but the shape can vary depending on the convex shape of the outer shell 4. The structure 9 is thus protected by means of the protective device 1. By way of example, the outer shell 4 of the first protective device 101 interacts with the inner shell 3 of the first protective device 101. Thus, a volume of the space 6 varies from the first transverse edge 21 to the second transverse edge 22 of the inner shell 3 of the first protective device 101 with respect to each transverse edge 7 of the outer shell 4 of the first protective device 101. In general, the space 6 formed is constant throughout the dimension longitudinal of the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4.The reasoning is therefore identical for the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4 of the second protective device 102, as well as for the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4 of the third. protective device 103.

[0041] In [Fig. 1], each outer shell 4 has a convex shape. The convex shape of each outer shell 4, combined with the flat shape of each inner shell 3, results in the formation of a space 6 between each interacting inner shell 3 and outer shell 4. This space 6 extends along the entire longitudinal dimension of both the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4. This space 6 is at least partially filled by a deformable material 61, represented in [Fig. 1] by a point cloud. The space 6 may be completely filled by the deformable material 61. It is also possible to leave a void within the space 6. By deformable, it is understood that the mass of the deformable material 61 is capable of being distributed on either side of an impact occurring at the outer shell 4.

[0042] In [Fig. 1], the space 6 between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 of the first protective device 101 and between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 is filled by the deformable material 61, while the space 6 between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 of the third protective device 103 is left empty. This difference is made solely for the sake of clarity in the description, as each space 6 must be at least partially filled by the deformable material 61 for the protective device 1 according to the invention to perform its shock-absorbing function, as will be described later.

[0043] The deformable material 61 can, for example, be water, sand, or synthetic material in the form of beads. Other, non-exhaustive examples include a mixture of absorbent polymers, elastic polymers in the form of sorbothane granules, various types of silicates, or nanocomposites such as polycarbonate or magnesium oxide. Advantageously, it is easy to install during the assembly of the protective device 1 and easy to remove during its disassembly. To this end, each of the outer shells 4 includes at least one opening 11. The opening 11 can be opened for the introduction or removal of the deformable material 61, or closed so that the deformable material is contained within the space 6.The opening 11 can, for example, allow the connection of a suction and blowing duct to ensure the entry or exit of the deformable material 61. The deformable material 61 allows the absorption of potential shocks that may occur against the outer shell 4 in the event of an incident.

[0044] Each space 6 may include a plurality of reinforcements 5. The reinforcements 5 are in the form of metal strips extending primarily along the longitudinal axis L within each space 6 and in planes intersecting the plane of the relevant inner shell. Each reinforcement 5 connects the inner shell to the outer shell delimiting each space 6. The reinforcements 5 are distributed angularly and regularly and The reinforcements extend from a single point on each inner shell to distinct points on the outer shell associated with said inner shell. The reinforcements delimit compartments 51 within space 6. The reinforcements 5 thus allow space 6 to be divided.

[0045] By filling space 6 with the deformable material 61, the protective device 1 ensures protection of the structure 9, or in the case of [Fig. 1] the shelter 93, against explosions or projectiles that may potentially occur on a construction site or near a factory, for example, a petrochemical plant.

[0046] The outer shell 4 is, for example, made of steel, and its strength is reinforced by the reinforcements 5, which allow for the distribution of forces exerted on the outer shell 4, for example, by a blast wave or by a projectile that strikes the outer shell 4.Shelter 93, and therefore the people inside it, is thus protected against this type of event thanks to protection devices 1.

[0047] Advantageously, the deformable material 61 comprises a fire-retardant component, either naturally such as water, or following a fire-retardant treatment. The structure 9 is thus also protected from fire.

[0048] The protective device 1 may also include at least one skirt for securing the protective device 1 to the ground, in particular a first skirt 18 and a second skirt 19. In [Fig. 1], only the second protective device 102 and the third protective device 103 are equipped with a skirt. Each of the skirts, for example, takes the form of a metal blade extending mainly along the longitudinal axis L opposite the internal shells 3 of the second protective device 102 and the third protective device 103. Preferably, one longitudinal dimension of each of the skirts is at least equal to the longitudinal dimension of each of the internal shells 3.

[0049] The first skirt 18 connects the outer shell 4 of the second protective device 102 to the support surface 2, and the second skirt 19 connects the outer shell 4 of the third protective device 103 to the support surface 2. The skirts thus protrude from the outer shell 4. The skirts are suitable for being fully or partially incorporated into the support surface 2, if the latter permits it. The skirts thus act as a barrier against blast waves occurring on the construction site that could lift the structure 9 and damage the floor wall 94. The skirts also prevent the structure 9 from overturning by forming a stabilizing point between the outer shell 4 and the support surface 2.

[0050] The structure 9 is thus fully protected from a plurality of situations that endanger the lives of others or risk causing material damage. Explosions and projectiles are stopped by the outer shell 4 thanks to the deformable material 61, as well as reinforcements 5. Fires are stopped by the fire-retardant properties of the deformable material 61 or its contents.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of part of the protective device 1 installed around the structure 9. In Figure 2, the structure 9 shown always corresponds to the shelter 93 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates more specifically the mechanical connection between the structure 9 and the protective device 1. It is possible to partially observe the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4 of the first protective device 101.

[0052] As previously described, the transverse edge 7 of the outer shell 4 is in contact with the inner shell 3, more specifically with the first transverse edge 21 delimiting a junction between the inner shell 3 of the first protective device 101 and potentially the inner shell of the second protective device, not shown here. This transverse edge 7 is extended to form a tab 81. The tab 81 extends primarily along the vertical axis V so as to be opposite a wall of the shelter 93. To make this possible, the tab has a slight offset along the transverse axis T relative to the transverse edge 7.

[0053] To ensure attachment, the tab 81 and the shelter 93 can, for example, be provided with an opening. Each of the openings is opposite the other and is pierced by a screw 82, which then secures the protective device 1 to the shelter 93. The combination of the tab 81 and the screw 82 thus constitutes a means of attaching the protective device 1 to the shelter 93. This is a non-exhaustive example of attachment; the essential point is that it allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the protective device 1. Each of the outer shells 4 can be attached to the shelter 93 in this way. If the deformable material 61 is a fluid, in particular a liquid, a sealing device can be installed between the inner shell 3 and the outer shell 4 to seal the gap 6 and thus retain the deformable material 61.

[0054] Figure 2 also illustrates an energy absorption phenomenon of the protective device 1, for example, when an object 12 strikes the outer shell 4. The object 12 could be a projectile dropped from a point above the structure 9 or debris from an explosion projected against the protective device 1. The object 12 could also be explosive itself or the blast wave of an explosion. The list of examples given is not exhaustive. The object 12 is obviously likely to damage the structure 9 in the event of an impact.

[0055] Object 12 thus strikes the outer shell 4. The latter may therefore be deformed due to the force of the impact. In reaction to the impact, the deformable material 61 will move within space, in a direction relative to the impact of object 12 on the outer shell 4. It is the displacement of the deformable material that makes it possible to at least reduce the vibrations or waves due to the impact, and to at least partially absorb the energy caused by it. The reinforcements 5 also contribute to the absorption of the shock from object 12 on the outer shell 4.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an alternative application of the protective device 1 in perspective. In Figure 3, the structure 9 is a motor vehicle 91, for example, a truck. However, the structure 9 can be any type of vehicle, or even various elements that require protection from the protective device, such as the shelter shown in the preceding figures. For example, the motor vehicle 91 may need protection when traveling through a high-risk area or a conflict zone. The truck includes a trailer 92 around which the protective device 1 is arranged, for example. As in Figure 1, three protective devices 1 are placed around the trailer 92 of the vehicle 91.

[0057] Thus, in [Fig. 3], three inner shells 3 and three outer shells 4 are arranged around the motor vehicle 91, on each of the longitudinal walls of the trailer 92, thereby forming the first protective device 101, the second protective device 102, and the third protective device 103. Additional protective devices 1 may be integrated on at least one of the longitudinal faces 95 of the trailer 92, provided that the presence of these protective devices does not impair the operation of the vehicle 91. The protective function of each of the protective devices 1 is identical to that described previously. Reference should therefore be made to the detailed description in Figures 1 and 2 concerning the technical characteristics of the protective devices 1.

[0058] In [fig.3], only the implementation of the protection device 1 changes. Thus, once the protection devices 1 are installed on the trailer 92, the latter can be attached to a cab of the vehicle 91 if this has not already been done, and then the vehicle 91 can travel safely.

[0059] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0060] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and provides a protective device that safeguards a structure against a range of potential hazards that could damage it. Variations not described herein could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided they include a protective device conforming to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A protective device (1) for protecting a structure (9), comprising at least one outer shell (4) of a shape at least partly convex when viewed from the external environment of the structure (9) and an inner shell (3) configured to be installed opposite at least one wall of said structure (9), the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (4) being connected to each other to delimit a space (6) filled by a deformable material (61) capable of moving within said space (6), said deformable material (61) being configured to absorb a deformation of the outer shell (4), the protective device (1) comprising at least one skirt (18, 19) configured to be disposed at the level of a bearing surface (2) on which the structure (9) is disposed.

2. Protective device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner shell (3) is configured to at least partially cover the structure (9), the inner shell (3) being configured to be interposed between the structure (9) and the outer shell (4).

3. Protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer shell (4) comprises at least one transverse edge (7), the protective device (1) comprising at least one fastening means (8) configured to provide a mechanical link between the transverse edge (7) and the structure (9).

4. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one reinforcement (5) connecting the inner shell (3) to the outer shell (4).

5. Protective device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement (5) shares the space (6) delimited by the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (4).

6. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be permanently installed against the structure (9).

7. Protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to be temporarily installed against the structure (9).

8. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skirt (18, 19) protrudes from the outer shell (4).

9. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable material (61) is selected from sand, water or a synthetic material, the deformable material (61) being capable of moving in space (6) in the event of deformation of the outer shell (4).

10. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable material (61) has fire-retardant properties.

11. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one orifice (11) permitting the entry or exit of the deformable material (61) into or out of the space (6).