Composite Armor Edge Gaps Truncated Ceramic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite armor plates with cylindrical ceramic elements face ballistic weak points at edges and corners due to manufacturing tolerances and complex geometries, leading to gaps that cannot be filled, resulting in inadequate protection against projectiles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating additional elements with truncated geometries, such as cut-off cylindrical or polygonal shapes, to fill gaps and reinforce edges, combined with shock-absorbing layers and materials like ceramic and fiber materials, to create a seamless and robust ballistic defense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cylindrical ceramic basic elements are arranged parallel to one another in rows, then the armor plate provides good protection against projectiles, but gaps with complex geometry occur in the edge areas that cannot be filled, creating ballistic weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The armor plate is divided into a central area with cylindrical basic elements and edge areas with additional elements. The additional elements are segmented into different shapes (polygonal, truncated cylindrical) to fit specific edge geometries, allowing complete coverage without gaps while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of elements are used in different locations: cylindrical basic elements in the central area and specially shaped additional elements in the edge areas. This local differentiation allows the edge elements to be specifically adapted to complex edge geometries, eliminating gaps and ballistic weak points.
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between opposing edge lines is within the nominal grid size, then the armor plate structure is compact, but manufacturing tolerances can still result in edge areas that cannot be filled with cylindrical basic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The additional elements are designed with variable geometries (polygonal, truncated cylindrical shapes with different dimensions) that can be adapted to different edge configurations and tolerance variations. This parameter flexibility ensures complete coverage even when manufacturing tolerances cause deviations from nominal dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If composite armor plates are mounted on corner areas or creases of the outer vehicle structure, then the armor plate adapts to the vehicle structure, but inclined edges or chamfers create additional weak areas with extremely complicated geometries
Solution Approach 1:
Additional elements with specifically adapted geometries are placed at inclined edges and chamfers where the vehicle structure requires adaptation. These elements have shapes matched to the local geometry, ensuring complete coverage and eliminating ballistic weak points in these complex transition areas.
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
Enhances ballistic safety by eliminating weak points at edges and corners, absorbing kinetic energy and preventing projectile penetration, while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and complex geometries.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing kinetic energy and preventing projectile penetration
Implementation Method 2
combined with shock-absorbing layers and materials like ceramic and fiber materials
Data Source
Figure 1~5A
Figure 6~9A
Figure 10~15A
AI summary
The element has a layer of high hard elements (GE) that are arranged parallel to each other. An auxiliary element (1) is provided in closing rows, which are defined at outer and inner edges of the element, or in gaps between the hard elements. The auxiliary element is sectioned at a side, which is turned towards the edges, in a cylindrical axis direction or in a direction parallel or inclined to the cylinder axis. Edge strips (RS') made of fibrous material and/or metal are arranged at the outer edge, where the auxiliary element is made of ceramic material or metal. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle with an outer vehicle structure.