Self-contained Breaching Apparatus for Rapid Concrete Spalling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for breaching reinforced concrete walls are often slow, require large and non-portable equipment, and pose risks to victims and structural stability, with existing solutions like explosives being hazardous and lasers being impractical.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained breaching apparatus utilizing a self-contained energy source to propel an impactor element, causing localized structural failure through shock waves, which is portable and safer than conventional methods, using powder actuated cartridges or compressed air to induce spalling and shear failure in concrete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional breaching equipment (diamond chain saws, circular saws, wire saws) is used, then breaching can be achieved, but the process takes several hours and equipment is not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreaching speedVSAvoidequipment portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cutting systems (diamond chain saws, circular saws, wire saws) with a powder-actuated mechanical impact system. The breaching apparatus uses a cartridge containing propellant charge that propels a mass along a barrel to deliver high-velocity impact to the concrete surface, substituting slow mechanical cutting with rapid shock-induced spalling and fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from low-speed mechanical cutting to high-velocity impact. The propellant charge accelerates the mass to velocities that generate shock waves and stress waves in the concrete, causing rapid spalling and fragmentation. This parameter change transforms the breaching process from hours-long cutting to seconds-long impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If explosives are used for rapid breaching, then breaching speed is improved, but safety risks increase and structural stability is threatened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreaching speedVSAvoidsafety risks to victims

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent concentrates the breaching action to a localized impact zone using a directed mechanical impactor propelled by propellant. The energy is focused through a barrel at a specific impact point, creating localized spalling and fragmentation without the widespread blast effects of explosives. This localized action eliminates flying debris hazards and structural destabilization while maintaining rapid breaching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effects of uncontrolled explosive blast into beneficial controlled mechanical impact. By using propellant-driven mass impact instead of explosive detonation, the system harnesses shock wave physics for precise, controlled material removal without the harmful side effects of explosions, such as victim injury and structural collapse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If lasers are used for breaching, then portability is improved, but power constraints and safety issues make them infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment portabilityVSAvoidpower availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs propellant chemistry (similar to pneumatic/hydraulic principles) to generate high-pressure gas that accelerates the impactor mass through the barrel. This chemical energy conversion to mechanical work provides sufficient power for rapid breaching in a portable format, overcoming the power constraints that limit laser systems while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Enables rapid, portable, and controlled breaching of concrete structures without destabilizing the structure or posing safety risks, allowing for quicker access in rescue situations and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

A self-contained energy source is actuated to accelerate an impactor element upon a first surface of a structure, thereby transmitting a localized shock wave through the structure to induce spalling at a second surface of the structure that opposes the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

An impactor element is accelerated to a velocity sufficient to induce spalling at the second surface upon impact with the first surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS7814822B2Device and method for controlled breaching of reinforced concrete

Publication Date: 2010.10.19 NIGHTWING GROUP LLC

AI summary

A breaching apparatus includes an impactor element and a self-contained energy source. The self-contained energy source enables the impactor element to impact a first surface of a structure. The impactor element is configured to transmit a localized shock wave through the structure upon impact. The self-contained energy source is capable of accelerating the impactor element to a velocity sufficient to induce spalling at a second surface of the structure. Multiple breaching apparatuses can be supported by a frame to facilitate simultaneous or successive breaching of the structure. The breaching apparatus can be used in a method to breach a concrete structure.