Pneumatic Breaching Apparatus for Confined Space Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional battering ram devices require significant space to swing and typically need two strong individuals for operation, limiting their usability in confined spaces and accessibility for quick forcible entry.

Innovation Solution

A compact, single-person hand-held breaching apparatus with a body, battering element, and triggering mechanism, utilizing an air source and air release system to extend and retract a battering element, allowing for controlled and efficient entry through a combination of air pressure and spring return mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a heavy battering ram device is used to destroy doors, then the door destruction capability is improved, but the device requires significant space to swing and needs at least two strong people to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor destruction capabilityVSAvoidoperational requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical swinging operation with a pneumatic system. An air compressor generates compressed air that drives a piston, which in turn propels the battering ram. This substitution eliminates the need for manual swinging and reduces the operational requirement from two strong people to a single operator who simply activates the air supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air to generate the force needed to move the battering ram. The air compressor compresses air, which then flows through a valve to drive a piston. This pneumatic mechanism provides the necessary force while reducing the space requirement compared to traditional swinging rams, as the pneumatic system can be compactly integrated into the device body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Force

If a heavy battering ram device is used to destroy doors, then the door destruction capability is improved, but the device requires significant space to swing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor destruction capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical swinging motion with a linear pneumatic piston-driven system. This substitution eliminates the need for large rotational clearance required by swinging rams, allowing the device to operate in confined spaces while maintaining the force necessary for door destruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic system allows for a more compact device configuration compared to traditional mechanical swinging rams. The air compressor and piston mechanism can be integrated into a compact body, reducing the overall space requirement while still delivering sufficient force for breaching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If a pneumatic system is used to extend the battering element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic system is designed to be self-regulating through the use of a valve that automatically controls air flow. When the air compressor activates, compressed air flows through the valve to drive the piston, and the system self-regulates the pressure and flow without requiring complex external control mechanisms. This simplifies operation while managing the inherent complexity of the pneumatic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables quick and controlled forcible entry into rooms or buildings with reduced operational requirements, allowing a single person to effectively breach closures without the need for extensive space or additional personnel.

Implementation Method 1

an air source in fluid communication with the manifold... extending the battering element... utilizing an air source and air release system to extend and retract a battering element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a battering ram return element... The battering element is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring elastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS9155918B2Battering ram

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 KRUMREI DAVID T

AI summary

A battering apparatus including a battering element, an air source, a sensing device, a triggering mechanism, and a battering element release mechanism. Engagement of the sensing device activates the triggering mechanism which in turn activated the battering element release mechanism. The battering element is then released, and driven by air from the air source, moved to its extended position, causing the battering head of the battering element to engage an item to be broken.