Plastically Deforming Energy Absorber for Blast Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting wall openings from explosion forces, such as steel reinforced doors and laminated windows, are inadequate for residential and office buildings as they are heavy, attention-drawing, and lack aesthetic appeal, while existing energy absorption methods are not effectively integrated into these structures.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorber with a planar wall and closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable surface, featuring longitudinal slots and through-going apertures for attachment, designed to absorb blast forces by plastic deformation, which can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the perimeter surface, minimizing window displacement during explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive barriers such as steel reinforced doors and laminated windows are used to protect against explosion forces, then protection level is improved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is divided into multiple functional segments: a planar wall connecting portion for mounting to the wall, a planar closure connecting portion for attaching to the window frame, and a plastically deformable deforming surface with slots for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall material usage compared to solid steel barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid high-strength materials (steel) to plastically deformable materials that can undergo controlled deformation. The deforming surface is designed to change its physical state from rigid to plastically deformable during blast exposure, absorbing energy through permanent deformation rather than elastic rebound, thereby reducing the weight required for equivalent protection.
2Reliability
If passive barriers such as steel reinforced doors and laminated windows are used to protect against explosion forces, then protection level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mounting function and energy absorption function into a single integrated component. The planar wall connecting portion and planar closure connecting portion are unified with the plastically deformable deforming surface, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and energy absorption mechanisms that would increase structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mounting bracket for securing the window frame to the wall, provides energy absorption through plastic deformation, and serves as a structural connector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed compared to traditional systems that require separate elements for each function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used to secure window frames to walls, then installation is simple, but energy absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plastically deformable deforming surface with slots automatically absorbs explosion energy through controlled deformation during a blast event. The slots allow the material to deform in a predictable manner, dissipating energy without requiring external energy absorption devices or complex mechanisms. The component serves itself by utilizing its own material properties for energy absorption.
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 energy absorber effectively reduces the force transmitted to the building wall, minimizing window displacement and preserving fenestration by dissipating explosion energy through plastic deformation, suitable for various installation scenarios and wall materials.
Implementation Method 1
The deforming surface is adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure by a blast
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
An energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.