Panel Assembly with Extendable Connecting Assemblies for Blast Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern buildings with panel facades are susceptible to explosive forces, which can damage the panels and pose a risk to occupants, and existing blast absorption devices are often bulky, difficult to install, and require multiple configurations to cater to varying blast loads, leading to increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A panel assembly with extendable connecting assemblies that include a controlling portion and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is clamped between plates to control its extension and absorb blast energy, allowing the panel to move in a controlled manner and dissipate energy without being blown away or shattered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional blast absorption devices are used to protect panels from explosive forces, then the blast load capacity is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblast load capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible connecting assemblies with cable networks and elastic elements that can deform and extend under blast loads. These flexible components absorb explosive forces through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing the complexity of bulky protective structures while maintaining blast load capacity. The flexible nature allows the system to cater to varying blast intensities without requiring multiple device configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assemblies are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to extend and contract based on the applied blast load. The elastic elements and cable networks can dynamically adjust their stiffness and energy absorption capacity, enabling a single device type to handle a range of blast intensities. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for multiple static devices with different blast load capacities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices with different blast load capacities are fabricated to cater to varying explosive loads, then the adaptability to different blast levels is improved, but the manufacturing cost and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to blast loadVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting assembly is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple blast load levels through its extendable and elastic characteristics. The same device type can be used across different panel locations regardless of the expected blast intensity, as the assembly will naturally extend further or compress more under higher loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and store multiple device variants with different blast load capacities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes in the connecting assembly's physical state during operation. The elastic elements and cable networks change their effective stiffness, length, and energy absorption capacity based on the applied load magnitude. This allows a single device configuration to adapt to varying blast intensities by changing its mechanical parameters dynamically rather than requiring different device designs for different load levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If panels are secured rigidly to withstand blast forces, then the structural stability is improved, but the energy absorption capability and damage mitigation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidenergy absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting assemblies incorporate elastic elements and flexible cable networks that act as pre-configured cushioning mechanisms. These components are designed to deform and absorb energy during blast events, providing beforehand cushioning that protects the panels from direct blast impact. The elastic deformation of these elements dissipates explosive energy before it can damage the panels or occupants, while maintaining structural stability through controlled flexibility rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 panel assembly effectively absorbs blast energy, minimizing damage and risk to occupants by allowing controlled movement and energy dissipation, reducing the need for multiple device configurations and simplifying installation.

Implementation Method 1

A panel assembly with extendable connecting assemblies that include a controlling portion and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is clamped between plates to control its extension and absorb blast energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3077610B1A panel assembly
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 AJA ENTERPRISES
  • EP3077610B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3077610B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3077610B1 patent drawingFigure 4C~4D

AI summary

The present invention relates to a panel assembly adapted to absorb a blast effect. The panel assembly includes a panel adapted to be displaceably mounted to a frame, an extendable connecting assembly extending from the panel and adapted to be connectable to the frame so as to mount the panel to the frame, the extendable connecting assembly is adapted to extend in a longitudinal direction and in a controlled manner, such that the extendable connecting assembly includes, a controlling portion connected to the panel, and a connecting portion adapted to be connectable to the frame, the connecting portion glidably coupled to the controlling portion, such that the controlling portion is adapted to control the extension of the connecting portion from the controlling portion, such that the extendable connecting assembly is adapted to extend in a controlled manner to control the movement of the panel when receiving the blast effect.