Modular Protective System Overhead Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for lightweight, modular, and cost-effective protective solutions that can provide 360° protection against blast, ballistic, and wind-related threats, particularly in scenarios where conventional heavy equipment and materials are not feasible or practical, such as in austere environments and combat zones.
Innovation Solution
The development of lightweight modular components using a core of high-strength concrete with an elastic outer layer, which can be easily assembled and reconfigured to create protective structures like the Modular Protective System Overhead Cover (MPS-OHC), providing both overhead and lateral cover without requiring heavy equipment or specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heavy concrete structures or earthen embankments are used for protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite panels combining concrete core with steel reinforcement and polymer concrete layers, achieving high protection effectiveness while reducing overall weight compared to conventional solid concrete structures. The composite structure leverages the strengths of each material: concrete for compression, steel for tensile strength, and polymer concrete for impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into modular panels that can be assembled in different configurations. Each panel is a self-contained protective unit that can be transported and deployed independently, reducing the weight burden on any single transport operation while maintaining overall protection effectiveness through systematic arrangement.
2Reliability
If permanent protective structures are constructed, then protection reliability is improved, but deployment time and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into pre-fabricated panels that can be rapidly assembled on-site without requiring extensive construction equipment or prolonged construction periods. Each panel is designed for quick installation, enabling the formation of complete protective structures in significantly less time than conventional permanent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-fabricated with integrated reinforcement and protective layers before deployment. This preliminary preparation of structural components eliminates time-consuming on-site construction activities such as formwork, concrete pouring, and curing, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining the reliability of permanently constructed structures.
3Strength
If high-strength protective materials are used, then protection capability is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining conventional concrete with steel reinforcement bars and polymer concrete layers. This approach achieves high protection capability by leveraging the complementary strengths of different materials, while avoiding the need for expensive specialized materials or complex manufacturing processes that would be required for monolithic high-strength structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels incorporate steel reinforcement and polymer concrete layers specifically in regions requiring enhanced strength and impact resistance, while other areas use standard concrete. This localized application of high-strength materials optimizes protection capability while controlling manufacturing complexity and cost by avoiding unnecessary reinforcement throughout the entire structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular transportable components are used, then portability and adaptability are improved, but structural integrity and protection effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular panels utilize composite construction with steel reinforcement embedded in concrete, creating strong connection interfaces between modular components. The steel reinforcement continues across panel joints, ensuring structural integrity is maintained throughout the assembled structure despite its modular, transportable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into standardized modular panels with consistent connection details designed to maintain structural integrity when assembled. Each panel functions as a complete structural unit with integrated reinforcement, and the connection systems between panels are engineered to preserve overall structural performance while enabling easy assembly and disassembly for transport and reconfiguration.
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 solution offers effective protection against direct and indirect fire, wind damage, and debris impact, while being lightweight, portable, and adaptable, filling a gap in current protective systems by reducing logistical demands and costs.
Implementation Method 1
When combined with an elastic outer layer, the core of select embodiments of the panels of the present invention reduces fragment velocities as compared to existing core materials
Implementation Method 2
Select embodiments of the panels of the present invention have excellent energy absorbing capacity against blast and ballistic penetration forces
Data Source
AI summary
An easily assembled, transportable, re-deployable, modular, protective, double-roof system is disclosed which is compatible with other Modular Protective System (MPS) components and can be assembled in a variety of configurations to provide soldiers and equipment with protective enclosures.