Segmented Mesh Entanglement Obstacle for Rapid Terrain Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing entanglement obstacles, such as tanglefoot barriers made of razor or barbed wire, are labor-intensive to install and remove, pose injury risks during installation, and are not easily reusable or disposable, while also being difficult to configure over uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
An entanglement obstacle comprising a mesh layer suspended between perimeter and central cables, with the mesh layer inclined at an angle to create a tripping and entanglement hazard, and featuring a dynamic slack to reduce impact damage, can be easily installed over varied terrain and is reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional razor or barbed wire tanglefoot obstacles are used, then the entanglement effect is achieved, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle system is divided into modular components: mesh panels with integrated entanglement elements, support posts, and connection hardware. Each mesh panel is a self-contained unit that can be independently handled and installed, transforming the continuous wire stringing process into discrete panel placement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh panel serves as an intermediary structure that pre-integrates the entanglement function into a rigid framework. Instead of installing separate entanglement wires between posts, the mesh panel with its built-in entanglement elements acts as a complete functional unit that combines support and entanglement purposes.
2Reliability
If razor or barbed wire is used for tanglefoot obstacles, then the entanglement function is provided, but the installation process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh panel merges multiple functions into a single component: structural support, entanglement hazard, and boundary definition. The entanglement elements are integrated directly into the mesh panel construction, eliminating the need for separate wire installation steps and specialized attachment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh panels are designed as economical, easily replaceable units. If damaged or compromised, individual panels can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire obstacle system, simplifying maintenance and reducing the need for complex repair equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If razor or barbed wire installations are made, then the obstacle coverage is achieved, but the removal process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented mesh panel design allows for rapid removal by simply detaching individual panels from their support posts. Each panel can be independently removed without disturbing adjacent panels, transforming the removal process from a systematic dismantling operation to simple unit extraction.
4Reliability
If traditional wire obstacles are installed, then the barrier function is achieved, but the materials are heavy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh panels utilize thin film or wire mesh structures that provide adequate barrier and entanglement functions while maintaining low weight. The open mesh structure achieves the required obstacle coverage area with minimal material mass compared to solid wire constructions.
Data Source
AI summary
An entanglement obstacle for obstructing an area of a surface includes a mesh layer suspended over upright perimeter members via a perimeter cable and over upright central members via a central cable. The upright members are operatively attached to the surface. The perimeter cable is operatively attached to the perimeter members at a perimeter clearance above the surface to provide a trip impediment. The central cable is operatively attached to the central members at a central clearance above the surface to provide a step-over impediment. The central clearance is greater than the perimeter clearance. The mesh layer is operatively attached to the perimeter and central cables such that the mesh layer covers the obstructed area to provide an entanglement obstacle. The mesh layer is inclined from the central cable to each of first and second sides of the obstacle at an angle defined by the central perimeter clearances.