Sandwich Panel with Angled Merlons for Blast Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection devices for public places are inadequate in addressing the combined threats of bullets, explosive fragments, and blast effects from terrorist attacks, particularly in high-density areas like train stations, airports, and shopping centers, as they fail to maintain flow and accessibility while providing effective protection without significant disruption to infrastructure or economic operations.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered sandwich panel with low and high hardness materials, combined with merlons acting as blast deflectors, designed to stop projectiles, absorb blast energy, and prevent vehicle impacts, while being lightweight and easy to integrate into existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protection devices are used, then some level of protection is provided, but they fail to address combined threats of bullets, explosive fragments, and blast effects simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device uses a composite structure with multiple layers of different materials: a first layer for bullet protection, a second layer for fragment protection, and a third layer for blast protection. Each layer is designed with specific material properties to address different threat types, creating a multi-functional protective system that can simultaneously protect against bullets, explosive fragments, and blast effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device is divided into distinct functional layers, each specialized for a specific threat type. The first layer (bullet protective) handles ballistic threats, the second layer (fragment protective) handles explosive debris, and the third layer (blast protective) handles pressure waves. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Reliability
If heavy protective structures are installed, then protection against vehicles and explosions is improved, but accessibility and flow of people are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device uses a flexible membrane structure that can be configured in different ways (e.g., suspended barriers, partition walls, or standalone units). This flexibility allows the protective system to be adapted to various spatial configurations without requiring heavy, fixed infrastructure, thereby maintaining accessibility and flow of people while providing robust protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device can be deployed and reconfigured dynamically based on threat levels and operational requirements. The flexible membrane structure allows for easy installation, relocation, and adjustment, enabling the system to transition between different protective configurations and maintain normal accessibility during low-threat periods.
3Reliability
If existing infrastructure is modified for protection, then security is improved, but economic functionality and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device uses transparent or translucent flexible membrane materials that provide security protection while maintaining visibility through the barrier. This allows commercial activities, natural light transmission, and visual monitoring to continue uninterrupted, preserving the economic functionality and aesthetic quality of the space.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides security protection against threats, maintains visibility and natural light transmission, allows for easy deployment and relocation, and can be configured to suit different spatial requirements. This multi-functionality ensures that security enhancement does not come at the expense of economic productivity or operational flexibility.
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 effectively intercepts and absorbs projectiles, deflects blast trajectories, and stops vehicles, reducing the risk of injury and damage while maintaining accessibility and economic functionality in public spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption is also ensured by the possible deformation of the merlon of the sandwich panel
Implementation Method 2
at least two inner layers made of high hardness material... capable of stopping current and even piercing projectiles
Implementation Method 3
forming blast deflectors... The deflection of the breath is ensured by the merlon and by the sandwich panel
Implementation Method 4
non-ricocheting up to low angles of incidence, for example 10°... The outer layers of low hardness prevent the formation of additional splinters, reduce ricochets
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Protective device 1 anti-blast, anti-fragment, anti-ball, anti-ricochet and anti-vehicle, double-sided, for public access area, comprising a sandwich panel 2 having two outer layers 201, 211 made of low hardness material, at least two inner layers 202, 212 made of high hardness material, each in contact with one of said outer layers, and at least one inner layer 203, 213 made of low hardness material and in contact with inner layers made of high hardness material, and two berms 3 each arranged at an angle to the sandwich panel 2 and fixed to the sandwich panel 2, having an edge in contact with the substrate or a ground, and forming blast deflectors.