Lightweight Shielded Enclosure with Composite RF Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secure enclosures for communication are bulky, heavy, and prone to RF signal leakage due to loose hinges and design flaws, offering inadequate physical security and comfort, especially in temporary or portable settings.

Innovation Solution

Development of compact, lightweight enclosures made from carbon fiber or fiberglass materials with integrated RF and acoustic attenuation layers, featuring a multi-beam frame and operable covers to provide secure, ergonomic, and claustrophobia-reducing environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid metal panels and doors are used to construct secure enclosures, then physical security and RF protection are improved, but weight and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF protectionVSAvoidenclosure weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of multiple layers including RF attenuation layers (such as conductive fabrics or metal meshes), acoustical attenuation layers (such as foam or fibrous materials), and structural support layers. This composite structure achieves effective RF shielding and acoustic isolation while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional solid metal constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If heavy metal doors and hinges are used in existing enclosures, then physical security is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loose hinges and deformation over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor strengthVSAvoidclosure element reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the door and closure elements by using lightweight composite materials with optimized structural designs. The doors incorporate internal reinforcement structures and the closure elements use specialized connectors or latching mechanisms designed for the composite material properties, preventing deformation and loosening while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If small compact enclosures are constructed, then portability is improved, but comfort and ventilation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure volumeVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated interior spaces with varying functions - some areas optimized for equipment placement, others for user comfort. The enclosure includes strategically positioned ventilation openings with integrated RF filtering, localized lighting zones, and ergonomic seating areas, ensuring comfort in a compact volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If existing enclosures are designed with rigid metal construction, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability and ease of deployment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddeployment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the enclosure into modular segments that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. Each module maintains structural integrity through optimized composite construction while allowing flexible deployment scenarios - the enclosure can be set up quickly at different locations and adapted to various operational requirements without compromising security or protection levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enclosures offer high levels of acoustic, EMI/RF, EMP, and infrared protection while being easy to transport and set up, maintaining structural integrity and reducing signal leakage, thus ensuring secure communication in various settings.

Implementation Method 1

an inner structure comprising a lightweight frame for supporting one or more RF attenuation layers for attenuating RF signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

one or more acoustical attenuation layers for attenuating acoustical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic attenuation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS10881035B2Compact, lightweight shielded enclosures and related methods
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 INTECH DEFENSE LLC
  • US10881035B2 patent drawing
  • US10881035B2 patent drawing
  • US10881035B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Compact, integral and ergonomic lightweight shielded enclosures provide a high level of acoustic, RF, EMI, EMP and CBR protection.