Staggered Bar Fragment Capture Device for Explosive Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragment capture systems for explosive containment vessels are cumbersome and costly to replace, and may not be suitable for applications involving chemical, biochemical, or biological agents, as they can compromise the structural integrity of the vessel and are complex to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A modular fragment capture device comprising two rows of staggered bars positioned to block line-of-sight trajectories of high-velocity fragments, allowing for easy replacement of damaged parts and made from materials like metal to ensure effective fragment suppression without damaging the containment vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid metal liner insert is used as blast attenuation means, then fragment capture capability is improved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid metal liner is divided into multiple discrete bars arranged in staggered rows. This segmentation reduces the overall weight while maintaining fragment capture capability, as fragments are intercepted by individual bars rather than requiring a continuous solid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a uniform solid liner throughout, the invention employs localized bar elements positioned strategically in staggered rows. This provides fragment suppression where needed while leaving other areas open, reducing overall material usage and weight.
2Reliability
If a solid metal liner insert is used as blast attenuation means, then fragment capture capability is improved, but device complexity and replacement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is segmented into individual bars that can be independently replaced. When a bar becomes damaged or degraded, only that specific bar needs replacement rather than the entire liner assembly, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar arrangement allows for dynamic reconfiguration and selective replacement. Bars can be removed and replaced individually based on their condition, providing flexibility in maintenance operations without requiring complete system replacement.
3Ease of operation
If combustible organic materials such as foams are used for fragment suppression, then ease of replacement is improved, but suitability for chemical/biochemical/biological containment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from combustible organic materials to non-combustible metal bars. This allows the system to maintain ease of replacement while becoming suitable for containment of chemical, biochemical, and biological agents that would be incompatible with combustible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of metal bars provides a material that combines the mechanical durability needed for fragment suppression with the chemical inertness required for hazardous agent containment, creating a multi-functional solution that addresses both replacement ease and agent compatibility.
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 modular design allows for efficient fragment capture and suppression, reducing the need to replace entire systems, ensuring containment vessel integrity and adaptability to various explosive charge configurations, while preventing damage to assets or personnel.
Implementation Method 1
two rows of staggered bars positioned to block line-of-sight trajectories of high-velocity fragments
Data Source
AI summary
A fragment capture device for use in explosive containment. The device comprises an assembly of at least two rows of bars positioned to eliminate line-of-sight trajectories between the generation point of fragments and a surrounding containment vessel or asset. The device comprises an array of at least two rows of bars, wherein each row is staggered with respect to the adjacent row, and wherein a lateral dimension of each bar and a relative position of each bar in combination provides blockage of a straight-line passage of a solid fragment through the adjacent rows of bars, wherein a generation point of the solid fragment is located within a cavity at least partially enclosed by the array of bars.