Compression Frame Systems for Blast and Ballistic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardened window, glazing, and door systems, while providing some protection, lack the necessary ballistic, blast, and forced entry resistance, especially in non-standard building openings, and do not offer simplified installation methods for existing structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of compression-type frame systems that allow for secure fixation to building walls without anchoring, using exterior and interior frame assemblies that can be compressed around the opening, providing adjustable solutions for non-uniform wall thicknesses and enabling secure installation in various building configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardened window systems are installed in non-standard building openings, then installation complexity increases, but security protection remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is divided into separate exterior and interior frame assemblies that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each frame to be separately adapted to non-standard openings, simplifying installation while maintaining security integrity through the compressed sandwich structure
Solution Approach 2:
The frame system incorporates adjustable components including shims and compression mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to varying opening dimensions and wall thicknesses. This dynamic adjustability enables proper fit and security performance without complex custom fabrication for each non-standard opening
2Ease of operation
If compression frame systems are used to simplify installation, then ease of installation improves, but anchoring capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assemblies are pre-configured with attachment components and compression mechanisms before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be quickly installed using simple compression against the wall surface without requiring complex anchoring procedures, while still achieving reliable security performance
Solution Approach 2:
The compression frame system uses the wall surface itself as an intermediary bearing surface, distributing loads across the compressed frame assembly rather than requiring direct anchoring into the wall. This intermediary approach simplifies installation while maintaining anchoring capability through friction and compression forces
3Adaptability or versatility
If frame assemblies are compressed around openings with non-uniform wall thickness, then adaptability to various building configurations improves, but maintaining uniform compression force becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system incorporates adjustable shims and localized compression adjustment mechanisms at different positions around the opening. This allows local adaptation to non-uniform wall thickness while maintaining overall uniform compression force distribution across the entire frame assembly, ensuring consistent security performance
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 solution enhances the security of buildings by providing effective ballistic, blast, and forced entry resistance while allowing for flexible installation in new and existing structures with non-standard openings, ensuring the systems remain securely in place during events like blasts or forced entries.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior frame assembly and an interior frame assembly can be compressed against the wall. Such compression can allow the window, glazing, and door systems to be securely fixed to the wall
Data Source
AI summary
Blast, ballistic, and entry resistant compression frame systems include a plurality of bolts, an exterior frame assembly having a peripheral flange and a plurality of sleeves that receive the bolts, an interior frame assembly having a peripheral flange and a plurality of apertures that receive the bolts therethrough, an exterior gasket between the peripheral flange of the exterior frame assembly and an exterior surface of the wall of the building, and an interior gasket between the peripheral flange of the interior frame assembly and an interior surface of the wall of the building. The exterior frame assembly peripheral flange and the interior frame assembly peripheral flange apply a compression force to the wall when the bolts are torque tightened into the threaded sleeves. Methods of installation in a wall of a building are also provided.