Modular Ballistic Wall Retrofit for Rapid Building Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective barriers for buildings are often bulky, require heavy equipment for installation, and lack efficient solutions for rapid deployment and urban environments, particularly for large-area applications and diverse building configurations.
Innovation Solution
The Expedient Retrofit for Existing Buildings (EREB) system provides a modular, lightweight, and rapidly deployable ballistic and blast wall retrofit that can be installed without anchoring or special tools, featuring a frame, compression members, and armor panels, adaptable to various room dimensions and threat levels, with components weighing less than 60 pounds and requiring minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional protective barriers are used, then protection against blast and fragmentation is achieved, but the structures are bulky and require heavy equipment for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barrier is divided into multiple modular panels that can be assembled together. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, allowing the overall structure to achieve high protection capability through modular assembly rather than requiring a single large bulky structure
Solution Approach 2:
The protective panels utilize composite material construction combining lightweight core materials with protective facing layers. This composite approach provides high blast and fragmentation resistance while maintaining reduced weight compared to conventional solid concrete or metal barriers
2Strength
If conventional protective barriers are used, then protection is provided, but installation requires heavy equipment and special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel design with standardized connection interfaces enables simple assembly operations that do not require heavy equipment. Panels can be manually positioned and connected using basic hand tools, dramatically reducing installation complexity compared to conventional monolithic barrier installation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective barrier system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features in the panel connections. The modular design allows panels to automatically position themselves during assembly, reducing the need for precision alignment tools and specialized installation equipment
3Area of stationary object
If conventional protective barriers are used, then large-area protection is achieved, but deployment time is excessive for rapid response scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel system allows for rapid deployment of large-area protection by assembling pre-fabricated units on-site. Panels can be quickly connected in sequence to cover extensive areas without requiring waiting for concrete curing or complex construction processes, significantly reducing deployment time
Solution Approach 2:
Protective panels are pre-fabricated to standardized dimensions and configurations before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows panels to be ready for immediate assembly when needed, eliminating time-consuming on-site manufacturing or customization and enabling rapid response to threats
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional protective barriers are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability to diverse building configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panel system employs universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that can accommodate various wall configurations, angles, and heights. The same basic panel type can be adapted to different building geometries through modular arrangement, providing high versatility while maintaining structural integrity through consistent connection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The protective barrier system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the structure to adapt to different spatial requirements. Panels can be repositioned, reconfigured, or expanded as building needs change, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection systems
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration, all components of which are man portable in some embodiments, for holding panels to protect assets against external force and impacts from airborne projectiles. An open box-like stackable frame module holds panels along a side of the frame. Multiple frames are connected to construct a protective barrier, such as a wall. Frames include provisions for connection in a vertical configuration so as to allow stacking of the frames to increase the height of the barrier. A method of installing is also provided.