Inflatable Blast-Proof Building Using Pneumatic Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a practical and effective method for constructing blast-resistant structures in remote, harsh environments, particularly for small military stations vulnerable to terrorist attacks, due to challenges in transportation and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A fast-inflatable, blast-proof structure made of carbon-fiber composite materials that can be easily transported by helicopter, inflated with air compressors, and quickly assembled into various shapes, with modular components that can be connected to form larger structures, providing protection against blasts, bullets, and extreme weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional construction methods are used to build blast-resistant structures, then structural strength and blast resistance are improved, but construction time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in a compact configuration within transport containers before deployment. The inflatable members are packed in a compressed state, and all structural elements are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment once at the destination without time-consuming on-site construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inflatable members filled with gas or liquid to provide structural support and blast resistance. The inflation process rapidly transforms compact packed members into fully expanded structural components, achieving both speed and strength simultaneously through pneumatic expansion
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy construction equipment is transported to remote locations, then construction capability is improved, but transportation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into modular components that can be independently transported in compact containers. Each module contains inflatable members, structural elements, and building materials that can be assembled at the destination, eliminating the need to transport heavy complete structures or large construction equipment to remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inflatable members with thin-walled structures that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. These flexible membranes can be easily transported in compressed form and inflated at the destination to provide structural support, dramatically reducing transportation weight while maintaining construction capability
3Reliability
If permanent structures are built to withstand harsh weather, then structural durability is improved, but adaptability and mobility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The building system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic deployable structure. The inflatable members can be inflated to provide structural support in harsh conditions, then deflated and repacked for relocation. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to adapt to different locations and conditions, providing both durability and mobility
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 structure is rapidly deployable, providing immediate shelter that can withstand external threats like explosions, bullets, and extreme weather, with a usable area of 64 square meters per module, and can be fully furnished and ready for residency within a week, while being easy to maintain and repair.
Implementation Method 1
Air compressors can inflate the pack
Implementation Method 2
A tether system for an air beam structure utilizing a flexible tethermast, an external frag wall or frag curtain, soft couplings, air beam slings, or combinations thereof to reduce the effects of pressure waves, such as blast waves, onto and into an air beam structure and any inhabitants
Implementation Method 3
The arcuate surface of the structure (2) permits laminar flow of air over the surface to aid in minimizing the effect of super-heated air, flame and burning debris upon the structure (6)
Implementation Method 4
Said apparatus comprises a dome-like structure (2) made of fire-retardant fabric, supported with air or gas pressure within integral tubes (40) radially disposed about the central axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An inflatable blast proof structure in a pack proposed. The structure can easily be transported to a remote site. Air compressors can inflate the pack. The structures can be in different shapes. One of those shapes used is hexagon. Individual structures can be connected together to create a greater structure complex.