Modular Coupling Device for Extreme Weather and Ballistic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an easy-to-install modular building coupling device that forms a facility resistant to explosions, forced entry, and ballistic impacts, while also withstanding category 5 hurricanes and level 12 earthquakes without deforming or detaching.
Innovation Solution
The coupling device connects modular building components using hollow square or rectangular tubings with a sealing means and fasteners, providing a weather-resistant and secure connection, and includes features like bullet deflecting plates and sealant tapes for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modular building components are connected using traditional coupling devices, then installation is simple, but the facility lacks resistance to explosions, forced entry, and ballistic impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional components: a first coupling component with a first recess, a second coupling component with a first protrusion, a third coupling component with a second protrusion, and a fourth coupling component with a second recess. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specific protective functions while maintaining overall structural integrity and modular installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device utilizes composite structural elements combining hollow square or rectangular tubings with sealing means and fasteners. The hollow tubings provide structural strength and ballistic resistance, while the sealing means (gaskets, adhesives, or mechanical seals) provide explosion and weather resistance, creating a composite system that achieves multiple protection levels simultaneously.
2Strength
If modular building components are connected using traditional coupling devices, then installation is easy, but the facility cannot withstand category 5 hurricanes and level 12 earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device segments the connection system into modular components that can be independently installed and adjusted. The first and second coupling components connect to the first hollow tubing, while the third and fourth coupling components connect to the second hollow tubing, allowing for distributed load transfer during seismic and hurricane events without requiring complex monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms and sealing means that can adapt to various structural conditions. The fasteners can be tightened or adjusted to accommodate different levels of seismic activity or wind loads, while the sealing means can be selected based on the specific environmental conditions, allowing the same basic structure to perform optimally under extreme weather and earthquake conditions.
3Reliability
If hollow square or rectangular tubings are connected without sealing means, then the connection is simple, but the connection is not weather resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means acts as an intermediary element between the first and second hollow square or rectangular tubings. This intermediary component fills the gap between the tubings, preventing water infiltration and providing weather resistance. The sealing means can be a gasket, adhesive, or mechanical seal that mediates the connection between the two tubings, ensuring weather tightness without requiring the tubings to be perfectly aligned or sealed directly to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building removable coupling device for forming an explosion resistant, forced entry resistant, and/or ballistic resistant facility. The coupling device can include two hollow square or rectangular tubings having hollow top sides, a sealing means disposed between the tubings, a fastener connecting the tubings, a roof plate secured to each tubing, and a roof cap disposed over the roof plates. The coupling device can include sealing tubes secured to inner sides of the roof cap. A plurality of explosion resistant, forced entry resistant, and/or ballistic resistant modules can be connected with a plurality of modular building removable coupling devices to form an explosion resistant, forced entry resistant, and/or ballistic resistant facility.