Blast Resistant Glass Block Panel With Flexible Silicone Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass block installations are inadequate in withstanding the high air pressures generated by explosive blasts, leading to glass cracking and the scattering of shards, which poses a risk to building occupants.
Innovation Solution
A glass block panel system that flexes elastically under blast pressure, comprising a grid of rigid glass blocks held together by a silicone spacer system, attached to a robust frame and substrate, allowing absorption and distribution of force without cracking or loss of material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass blocks are rigidly connected to withstand blast pressure, then strength is improved, but the glass blocks crack and shards scatter under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible silicone sealants and gaskets between glass blocks to create a flexible connection system. This allows the glass block assembly to deform elastically under blast pressure rather than rigidly resisting, preventing cracking while maintaining overall structural integrity and containing shards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by using compliant materials with specific durometer ratings (e.g., 20-40 Shore A) and designing joint geometries that allow controlled deformation. This transforms the rigid connection into a flexible one that can absorb blast energy.
2Strength
If glass blocks are made thicker to resist blast pressure, then strength is improved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid glass blocks with flexible silicone materials. This composite system achieves blast resistance through the combination of materials rather than relying solely on increased glass thickness, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mortar connections are used to assemble glass blocks, then ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility to absorb blast forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid mortar to flexible silicone sealants, maintaining ease of application (similar to traditional mortar) while fundamentally improving flexibility. The silicone materials can be applied in the same way as mortar but provide elastic deformation capability.
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 system effectively absorbs and distributes blast pressure, preventing glass cracking and shard scattering, thereby enhancing safety for building occupants by providing a flexible and strong glass block construction that meets stringent blast resistance standards.
Implementation Method 1
A glass block panel system that flexes elastically under blast pressure, comprising a grid of rigid glass blocks held together by a silicone spacer system, attached to a robust frame and substrate, allowing absorption and distribution of force without cracking or loss of material.
Data Source
AI summary
A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists the shock wave resulting from a blast event.