Withstanding the collapse of a house: Ukrainian inventor has developed a “Capsule of Life” that will save under fire (photo)
Serhiy Zarakhin, a developer and manufacturer of wood processing equipment, has started manufacturing a modular structure called the Life Capsule, which is designed to save people from the effects of rocket attacks. One such capsule has already been installed by a family from Kyiv region.
Sergiy told dev.ua about his invention.
The “Life Capsule” shelter is a prefabricated steel structure designed for high-rise apartments, private houses, office buildings and premises where it is not possible to install a monolithic structure. The capsule is assembled from steel elements that are bolted together and attached to the supporting wall.
So far, there are two shelter options: for three and six people. The width in both designs is almost the same, the space is increased due to the additional length, which can be any.
Overall dimensions of the capsule:
- length 2.1 m;
- height 2.1 m;
- width: 1.1 m for 3 people and 1.4 m for 6 people;
- material – steel 5 mm;
- weight 750 kg and 850 kg respectively;
- the heaviest part of the structure is 45 kg.
It is noted that the “Life Capsule” should withstand 99% of fragments and small shrapnel (up to 5 mm) as a result of falling or exploding any ammunition, but it is not designed for direct hit.
According to Serhiy’s calculations, the capsule has a fire resistance of up to 30 minutes. Therefore, he advises placing a fire extinguisher, respirators, and oxygen bottles inside.
The design has emergency hatches on three sides, which can be used if the door is blocked. In addition, there are hooks on each side of the capsule that can be used to lift it with a crane or truck.
The developer tested the “Life Capsule” twice.
For the first time, a concrete slab weighing 1100 kg was dropped on the structure from a height of 9.3 meters. At the time of the fall, Serhiy was inside.
What did I feel inside? But it was nothing, it just slammed and that was it. The dust rose in a column. There was no fear, because I was confident in the strength of my design,” Zakharin commented.
The purpose of the second test is to show that the structure is so strong that if a building collapses and the capsule is on the ground floor, it will bear the full weight of the debris. As a result, the shelter withstood 43 tons. The structure sagged by only 15 millimeters, and when the slabs were removed, it leveled out to its original state.
It is noted that the cost of the “Capsule of Life” is UAH 53,000. Almost all costs are the cost of the material. The man sells the construction for 70,000 UAH. He pays a 5% tax on the funds received.
Recently, Serhiy has already manufactured and installed one capsule for a family that lives in a private house near Boyarka. Their house is made of foam blocks, which means it is very vulnerable to blast waves and other damage.
I compare this capsule to a seat belt in a car. That is, it may not save 100%, but it will definitely increase the chances of survival,” the customer noted.
