Polyolefin Fabric Composite for Hurricane Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier materials for protecting buildings from high winds and flying objects during hurricanes are either too heavy, cumbersome, or block out light, making them inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight flexible composite fabric made of high tenacity polyolefin fibers with a waterproofing plastic film layer, allowing for significant light transmission while providing protection against high winds and impact, and being easy to install and store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy plywood sheets or metal panels are used for protection, then protection against high winds and flying objects is improved, but weight and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a fabric layer (providing strength and wind resistance) combined with a plastic film layer (providing waterproofing and flexibility). This composite structure achieves reliable protection while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional plywood or metal panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a flexible fabric-based protective covering instead of rigid panels. The fabric layer provides structural integrity while the thin plastic film adds waterproofing, creating a lightweight yet effective barrier that is easier to install and store.
2Reliability
If heavy plastic corrugated sheets or metal panels are used, then protection against hurricanes is improved, but light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric layer in the composite structure is designed to be sufficiently translucent to permit light entry while still providing the necessary protection. This flexible film approach allows light transmission unlike solid metal panels or heavy plastic corrugated sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of fabric and plastic film layers creates a composite material that balances protection and light transmission. The fabric provides structural strength and wind resistance, while the plastic film adds waterproofing and maintains flexibility for light passage.
3Reliability
If coated fabric or flexible metal shutters are used, then protection is provided, but weight and storage convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric-based covering rather than heavy coated fabric or rigid flexible metal shutters. The fabric layer is lightweight yet strong, and when combined with a thin plastic film, provides adequate protection without the weight and storage inconvenience of alternative materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of fabric and plastic film creates a lightweight protective covering that is easier to install and store than traditional coated fabrics or metal shutters, while maintaining necessary protection against wind and impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite flexible fabric is employed as a covering for an opening of a building, such as a window or door. The composite fabric protects the opening from hurricane force winds and associated flying objects. The composite fabric is formed from at least one layer of a fabric comprised of high tenacity polyolefin fibers and at least one layer of a plastic film. The film is attached to at least one surface of the high tenacity polyolefin fiber fabric. Each of the fabric layer and the film layer are sufficient translucent so as to permit light to enter the opening of the building. The fabric layer provides protection against high wind and impact from projectiles, and the film layer provides an impervious barrier to water, such as wind driven rain. An adhesive layer may be used to enhance bonding between the fabric layer and the film layer.