Modular Canvas Protective Structure for Rapid CBRN Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective structures lack versatility and rapid assembly capabilities while providing effective isolation against CBRN agents under varying pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular canvas covering system with sliding bodies and reversible sealed joining means, such as Velcro, allows for rapid assembly and seamless transitions between overpressure and negative pressure configurations, ensuring airtight seals against CBRN agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional protective structure is used, then protection against CBRN agents is provided, but assembly is slow and versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The canvas covering is divided into multiple independent modules that can be assembled separately and quickly. Each module can be independently handled and connected to form the complete protective structure, enabling rapid deployment without requiring complex one-piece construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure allows dynamic transitions between different pressure configurations (overpressure and negative pressure) through reversible sealed joining means. The modular design enables the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements while maintaining sealing integrity throughout transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a sealed connection system is implemented, then pressure-tightness is achieved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure-tightnessVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reversible sealed joining means (such as Velcro) enables self-sealing connections that automatically maintain pressure-tightness without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems. The sealing mechanism is integrated into the connection interface itself, allowing operators to simply connect modules without additional sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system maintains sealing integrity across different pressure conditions by using materials and mechanisms that adapt to pressure changes. The reversible joining means can accommodate transitions between overpressure and negative pressure while maintaining the sealed connection, eliminating the need for pressure-specific sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If modular modules are used, then rapid assembly is enabled, but sealing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting canvas portion integrates both the structural connection function and the sealing function into a single component. By merging these functions, the design eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and connection mechanisms, ensuring that rapid assembly does not compromise sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible sealed joining means acts as an intermediary mechanism that ensures reliable sealing between modular components. This intermediate sealing layer maintains integrity across the modular joints, allowing quick assembly while preserving the same sealing reliability as traditional monolithic structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4585775A1Protective structure
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 CRISTANINI SPA
  • EP4585775A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4585775A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4585775A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A protective structure (10) is described, said protective structure comprising a load-bearing frame (11) including at least two beams (13) and a plurality of support uprights (12) configured to support said at least two beams (13), a canvas covering (14a) configured to cover said load-bearing frame (11) and configured to provide protection against CBRN agents. The canvas covering (14a) comprises a plurality of modules each including at least one main canvas portion (25, 26) arranged between two adjacent beams (13) and a connecting canvas portion (15, 16) configured to cover at least partly a beam (13) and configured for a sealed connection with an adjacent module, and at least one sliding body (27, 28) fixed in an intermediate position between said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) and said main canvas portion (25) and configured for sliding insertion of said main canvas portion (25, 26) and said connecting canvas portion (15, 16) inside a corresponding recess (21, 22) of the beam (13).