Explosion-Dissipating Connector Using Tubular Inversion and Core Crushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to effectively dissipate the energy of explosions, particularly in the technical field of the construction of structures, specifically in terms of protecting structures from the potential collapse caused by explosions, especially in military and industrial settings, where conventional methods do not adequately address the instability and local collapse issues.

Innovation Solution

An explosion energy dissipating connector is used, comprising a sacrificial panel and dissipating connectors with energy absorption capacity, which absorbs and redistributes the loading from explosions through tubular inversion and core crushing mechanisms, ensuring the structure's stability by preventing direct contact with critical elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid elements are used to couple panels to the structure, then the panels are securely attached, but all explosion loads are transferred directly to the structure causing potential collapse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel attachment strengthVSAvoidexplosion load transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary energy-dissipating device between the panel and the structure. This device includes a deformable element that acts as a mediator, absorbing explosion energy through controlled deformation and preventing direct load transfer to the critical structural elements, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and load protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy-dissipating device uses sacrificial deformable elements designed to undergo permanent deformation or failure during explosion events. These elements are intentionally designed as consumable components that absorb energy through their destruction, protecting the more valuable permanent structure while accepting the loss of the disposable energy-absorbing elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of energy

If dissipative devices are added to planar elements, then some energy is dissipated, but the maximum distance available for energy dissipation is very small limiting effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion energy dissipationVSAvoiddeformation distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar surface-mounted dissipative devices to a three-dimensional deformable element that can compress axially. By utilizing the third dimension (axial compression direction) rather than relying solely on surface area, the system achieves significantly greater energy dissipation capacity through controlled collapse mechanisms that exploit volumetric deformation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the outer structure is just juxtaposed to the existing structure, then installation is simple, but all loads are transferred to contact elements causing local collapse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidstructural stability under load
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inserts an intermediary coupling system between the juxtaposed structures that includes energy-dissipating components. This intermediary layer maintains the simplicity of juxtaposition installation while introducing controlled deformation elements that prevent direct load paths, thus preserving both installation ease and structural stability under explosion loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 connector effectively absorbs and redistributes explosion energy, mitigating structural collapse and allowing for the use of space between the outer panel and structure for additional insulation or protection, enhancing structural resilience.

Implementation Method 1

The connector comprises a tubular element arranged axially in relation to the linear sliding movement... that inverts inside the fixed body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

which is comprised of a core with cellular characteristics... that crushes the core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrushing: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4202350B1Explosive energy dissipating connector
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 UNIV NOVA DE LISBOA
  • EP4202350B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP4202350B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3
  • EP4202350B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5b

AI summary

Dissipating connector for protection of structures against explosions comprising a sacrificial panel (P), connected to the structure (E) to be protected by dissipating connectors for dissipating the energy resulting from explosions. The device of the invention comprises an energy sink (D) incorporating a first body of the energy sink (D.1), a core of the energy sink (D.2), a base plate of the energy sink (D.3) and a first body of the energy sink (D.4), a fixed body (F) that incorporates a box (F.1), a crushing punch (F.2), fixing holes (F.3), grooves (F.4), retainers (F.5), a fixing plate of the fixed body (F.6) and holes of the fixing plate of the fixed body (F.7), a removable body (A) incorporating a sliding plate (A. 1), bearings (A.2), a guide of the removable body (A.3), a fixing plate of the removable body (A.4), holes of the fixing plate of the removable body (A.5), a hinge (R) that incorporates a plate (R.1), a fastening element (R.2) and a rotation limiting pin (R.3).