Deployable Ballistic Enclosure with Articulated Steel Partitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building structures lack effective protection against falling and flying debris during natural disasters and ballistic threats due to soft walls that are easily penetrable, posing a risk to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A deployable protective enclosure system comprising articulated and fixed partitions made of high-strength materials, such as AR 500 steel, that can be quickly assembled to provide 360-degree protection by attaching to walls or standing independently, with optional deployable ceilings of high-strength cables to shield occupants from debris and projectiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If soft walls (drywall) are used in building structures, then construction cost and ease of construction are reduced, but protection against ballistic threats and falling debris is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is divided into multiple articulated partitions that can be independently assembled and configured. Each partition is a separate unit that can be manufactured and installed independently, allowing the system to provide enhanced protection while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure uses articulated partitions with hinges that allow the structure to be dynamically assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. This dynamic design enables quick deployment and storage while providing robust protection when engaged, resolving the contradiction between ease of construction and protective capability
2Loss of time
If deployable protective enclosures are assembled quickly, then response time during emergencies is reduced, but structural stability and protection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The partitions are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and pre-assembled in a compact form factor. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment during emergencies while ensuring that the structural integrity is maintained from the outset, as the components are designed to interlock reliably when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple protective functions are merged into the articulated partition structure itself, which simultaneously provides structural support, ballistic protection, and enclosure formation. This integration ensures that quick assembly does not compromise reliability, as all protective features are built into the unified structure rather than requiring separate components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high-strength materials (AR 500 steel) are used for partitions, then protection against ballistic threats and falling debris is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is segmented into multiple individual partitions that can be handled and maneuvered separately. This segmentation allows the heavy high-strength material to be distributed across multiple lighter units rather than requiring a single massive structure, making the overall system more manageable while maintaining high protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite construction combining high-strength materials (AR 500 steel) with supportive structural frameworks and attachment mechanisms. This composite approach provides the necessary protection against ballistic threats and falling debris while distributing weight and improving handling characteristics through the integrated structural design
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a protective enclosure deployable within an interior space such as a school classroom or an office, or an exterior space. The deployable protective enclosure is to protect multiple occupants against projectiles such as flying or falling debris resulting from a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane or earthquake, or rounds fired. Occupants may be corralled into the protective enclosure and be protected against projectiles. The protective enclosure comprises three or more articulated partitions comprising ballistic materials or high-impact resistant materials. The protective enclosure may be affixed to one wall or two walls at a corner of a classroom, office or other space. The articulated partitions may be readily and rapidly secured in a protective configuration, forming a triangular, square or other polygonal enclosure. When not in use, the partitions may be folded and stowed against the walls.