Layered Armoury Assembly for Fire and Blast Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable protections, such as those described in GB 686804A and U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,336, are inadequate for safeguarding structures against fire outbreaks and blasts, and making structures fully fire- and blast-resistant is not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
An armoury assembly with multiple layers, including an energy-absorption matrix and channels for accommodating wires or strands, providing compressive forces to enhance protection against fire and blasts, using materials like concrete, ashcrete, polymer-concrete, and fibre reinforced polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic armour or fabric-wrapped cables are used for protection, then mechanical strength and corrosion resistance are improved, but protection against fire and blast loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite armoury assembly consisting of multiple layers including metal layers, polymer layers, and energy-absorption matrix layers. Each layer contributes different properties: metal provides strength and blast resistance, polymer provides fire resistance and flexibility, and the energy-absorption matrix dissipates impact energy. This multi-material composite structure achieves comprehensive protection against fire and blast loads that single-material solutions cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The armoury assembly is divided into multiple distinct layers with specific functions. The metal layer, polymer layer, and energy-absorption matrix layer are segmented into separate components that work together. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific protective function while maintaining overall system performance against fire and blast threats.
2Reliability
If full fire- and blast-resistant design is implemented, then structural safety is improved, but economic cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire structure fully fire- and blast-resistant, the patent applies protective armoury layers selectively to critical components and zones that require enhanced protection. This partial protection approach achieves adequate structural safety for high-risk areas while avoiding the excessive cost and complexity of protecting entire structures uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The armoury assembly uses different material compositions and layer configurations tailored to specific protective needs. The metal layer thickness, polymer type, and energy-absorption matrix density are locally optimized based on the specific fire and blast risk profiles of different structural zones, achieving cost-effective protection where it is most needed.
3Reliability
If multi-layer armoury assembly with energy-absorption matrix is used, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armoury assembly is designed with nested layers where the energy-absorption matrix is positioned within the structure formed by metal and polymer layers. This nested configuration allows for systematic manufacturing where layers can be applied sequentially, with each layer providing structural support for the next, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-layer complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The armoury assembly components are pre-fabricated and pre-assembled to standardized specifications before installation. The metal layers, polymer layers, and energy-absorption matrix sections are manufactured separately with precise dimensions and then assembled as complete armoury units, reducing on-site manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty.
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 armoury assembly effectively protects structural and load-carrying elements from fire and blasts, withstanding high temperatures and explosive charges, maintaining structural integrity, and requiring minimal modification to existing constructions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-absorption matrix, preferably confined or supported within and by the other
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the channels has a geometry which permits threading of a single wire or strand element therethrough to exert compressing forces (e.g. longitudinally, radially and etc.) to the armoury assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An armoury assembly is provided for the protection of a structural material and/or load-carrying element having a longitudinal axis. The armoury assembly is provided longitudinally surrounding the structural material and/or load-carrying element to be protected. The armoury assembly comprises at least two different layers, one being an energy-absorption matrix, the other layer being made of a metal, an alloy or a fibre reinforced polymer having a thickness less than the energy-absorption matrix. Two or more longitudinal channels are provided to the armoury assembly, wherein the channels are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural material and/or the load-carrying element.