Blast-Resistant Window Closure Using Segmented Wire Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion-resistant building closures are complex, expensive, and fail to meet high blast resistance requirements while maintaining openability, as they struggle with guiding invisible restraint devices and absorbing forces evenly across large areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two independent wire cables running alongside each other, allowing for flexible deflection and increased stability, which are routed through frame profiles and connected to attachment points to distribute forces evenly and facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single thick traction device is used to provide sufficient blast resistance for large-area building closures, then the blast resistance is improved, but the device cannot be properly deflected and accommodated within the rebate area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single thick traction device into multiple thinner wire cables (typically 2-4 cables) that run alongside each other. Each cable has sufficient flexibility to be deflected and accommodated within the rebate area, while the collective arrangement of multiple cables provides the necessary blast resistance equivalent to a single thick cable. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by achieving both strength and flexibility through distributed structure.
2Shape
If a restraint device is arranged within the rebate area to be invisible from outside, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the guidance and functionality of the traction mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the wire cables within the rebate area by routing them through profile channels and guiding structures that are integrated into the frame construction. The cables are positioned within the recessed rebate area, making them invisible from the exterior while maintaining access to the sash frame for functional operation. The guiding mechanism uses the rebate area's geometry to constrain and direct cable movement, simplifying the overall guidance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary guiding elements such as profile channels, cable guides, and attachment points that facilitate the routing and movement of wire cables within the rebate area. These intermediaries mediate between the aesthetic requirement for invisibility and the functional requirement for smooth operation, providing a structured path for the cables without requiring complex external mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If multiple wire cables are used to provide flexibility and deflection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wire cable arrangement to serve multiple functions simultaneously: each cable provides tensile strength for blast resistance, flexibility for smooth sash operation, and redundancy for safety. The same cable system that enables easy deflection and operation also provides the necessary structural support, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and thereby reducing overall device complexity despite using multiple cables.
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
This design enhances the building closure's ability to withstand high blast pressures while maintaining openability by distributing forces effectively and preventing snagging, ensuring safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least two independent wire cables running alongside each other... connected to attachment points to distribute forces evenly
Implementation Method 2
allowing for flexible deflection and increased stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a building closure (1) in a blast-resistant design, comprising a frame (2), a sash (4) rotatably mounted in the frame (2) about at least one axis of rotation (3, 3') by means of at least one fitting element (11), a panel (5) attached in the sash (4), and a retaining device (14) in the form of at least one flexible tension element (15) coupling the sash (4) to the frame (2) or to a fastening element (12) of the frame (2), which is connected to both the sash (4) and the frame (2) or the fastening element (12) of the frame (2) in a force-transmitting manner and has such a length that the sash (4) can be moved from a closed position (10) to an open position by rotating it about the axis of rotation (3, 3').In the event of the sash frame (4) being torn out of the frame (2) due to an explosion, the sash frame (4) is held in a catch position at a defined distance from the frame (2) by means of the tensioning element (15), which then transmits a holding force. The tensioning element (15) is arranged invisibly from outside the building enclosure (1) in a rebate area (18) between the sash frame (4) and the frame (2) when the sash frame (4) is closed (10). To further develop a building enclosure of the type described above with an openable sash frame in such a way that it meets both optical requirements and is also suitable for high requirements with regard to blast resistance, the invention provides that the tensioning element (15) is composed, at least in one section, of at least two individual wire ropes (22).which run side by side and can be bent independently of each other along a longitudinal axis of the respective wire rope (22).