Solutions to win: Ukrainian inventor creates "life capsule" to protect against shelling
Photo: Serhii Zakharin
Serhii Zakharin, a developer and manufacturer of woodworking equipment, has started the production of a modular structure, "Capsule of Life," designed to save from the consequences of rocket attacks. A family from the Kyiv region has already installed one such capsule.
Dev.ua reported about Serhi's invention.
What is the problem?
Russian missiles continue to terrorize Ukraine. During the recent missile attack on January 2, Russia launched a record number of missiles and drones at populated areas. Such cases encourage Ukrainian inventors to develop products that will help save people from debris and debris.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
Thus, the inventor Serhii Zakharin designed a modular structure, "Capsule of Life," to save from rocket attacks consequences. Serhii currently lives and works in Kyiv. He is well-known as a developer and direct manufacturer of woodworking equipment and has patents for his products. However, he did not receive a higher education.
The first idea to make a shelter where you can hide from any external factors came to Serhii in 2015. The inventor returned to the idea in July last year. Thus, he created the "Capsule of Life".
"I considered how, in today's world, someone can protect themselves during a rocket attack while staying inside their home. I also thought about how this structure could be delivered to the apartments in a high-rise building," he said.
What is the solution?
"Life Capsule" shelter is a prefabricated steel structure designed for high-rise apartments, private houses, office buildings, and premises where it is impossible to install a monolithic structure. The capsule is assembled from steel elements connected with bolts and is attached to the supporting wall.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
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 three people and 1.4 m for six people;
- material — steel 5 mm;
- weight 750 kg and 850 kg, respectively;
- the heaviest part of the structure is 45 kg.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
How does it work?
It is noted that the "Life Capsule" should withstand 99% of debris and tiny fragments (up to 5 mm) as a result of falling or bursting any ammunition, but it is not designed for a direct hit. The shelter is assembled from steel elements that are connected with bolts. The shelter is installed next to the walls and attached to the carrier.
According to Serhii's calculations, the capsule has a fire resistance of up to 30 minutes. Therefore, he advises placing a fire extinguisher, respirators, and oxygen cylinders inside. The design has emergency hatches on three sides, which can be used if the doors are blocked. In addition, there are hooks on each side of the capsule that will allow it to be lifted by a crane or a truck.
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.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
The capsule does not allow mobile communication. But it has emergency hatches on three sides, which can be used if the door is blocked.
From the outside, Serhii plans to install a sound or light alarm in case the building collapses with the capsule. In addition, there are hooks on each side of the capsule that will allow it to be lifted by a crane or a truck.
The developer tested the "life capsule" twice. For the first time, a concrete slab weighing 1,100 kg was dropped onto the structure from a height of 9.3 m. Serhii was inside at the time of the fall.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
The purpose of the second test is to show that the structure is strong enough that if the house collapses and the capsule is on the first floor, it will support the entire weight of the debris. As a result, the shelter withstood 43 tons. The structure sagged only 15 millimeters, and when the slabs were removed, it leveled back to its original state.
The cost price of "Life Capsules" is UAH 53,000. Almost all costs are material costs. The man is selling the structure for UAH 70,000. He pays a 5% tax on the funds received.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
Recently, Serhii has already manufactured and installed one capsule to the order of a family that lives in a private house near Boyarka. Their home is made of foam blocks, vulnerable to blast waves and other damage.
Photo by Serhii Zakharin
This capsule could be compared to a seat belt in a car. The customer noted that it may not save 100%, but it will definitely increase the chances of survival.
Serhii is currently developing a barrier for shelter, which should withstand a 7.62 caliber shot. It is planned to be tested shortly.
