Ballistic Wall With Granular Filler And Kevlar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building structures lack adequate protection against ballistic projectiles, such as bullets from handguns and machine guns, and require expensive and time-consuming construction methods using reinforced materials like steel or concrete.
Innovation Solution
A wall system comprising horizontal and vertical support members with panels of construction material and metallic sheets, filled with granular filler material like sand, and optionally including a flexible sheet and woven para-aramid fibers like Kevlar, to absorb and deflect projectiles, while a self-sealing material prevents filler material loss upon penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional building walls are used, then construction is simple and quick, but protection against ballistic projectiles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into multiple layers including exterior panel, interior panel, and cavity space, with each layer serving specific protective functions. The cavity is further segmented into compartments by battens to contain granular filler material, creating a modular protective structure that balances complexity with effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall system combines dissimilar materials including wood or metal panels, granular filler material (sand, gravel, or shot), and battens to create a composite structure that leverages the protective properties of each material against ballistic projectiles while maintaining construction feasibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hardened walls of steel or reinforced concrete are built, then protection against ballistic projectiles is improved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall is divided into pre-fabricated panels and modular components that can be quickly assembled on-site. The cavity structure with battens and granular filler can be installed as integrated units, dramatically reducing construction time compared to traditional reinforced concrete while maintaining protective effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall system uses relatively inexpensive materials such as standard wood or metal panels, readily available granular filler material, and simple batten components, replacing the need for expensive steel or reinforced concrete while achieving comparable protective performance through clever structural design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hardened walls of steel or reinforced concrete are built, then protection against ballistic projectiles is improved, but transportation of materials and equipment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system is divided into transportable panels and modular components that can be shipped in standard sizes and assembled on-site. The granular filler material is contained within the cavity structure formed by panels and battens, eliminating the need to transport pre-mixed concrete or heavy steel sections, thereby simplifying logistics and transportation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The wall system provides effective protection against ballistic projectiles by reducing velocity and deflecting them, thereby minimizing injury to occupants, while being quickly constructed using conventional techniques and transportable materials.
Implementation Method 1
A granular filler material substantially fills the cavity between the lower support member and the upper support member
Implementation Method 2
The granular material comprises a stony material. For example, the stony material comprises sand
Implementation Method 3
a flexible sheet (e.g., a rubber sheet) is suspended from the upper support member in a position between the first panel and the second panel
Implementation Method 4
a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber (e.g., Kevlar®) is loosely coupled to at least one of the first face and the second face
Implementation Method 5
a self-sealing material is positioned on the inside of the metallic sheet to inhibit loss of the granular filler material when the metallic sheet is penetrated by a projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.