Composite Armor Effective Body Chains via Web Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture of composite armor elements is expensive and imprecise due to the large number of small effective bodies and the need for shock-dampening materials between them.
Innovation Solution
The effective bodies are connected via short and narrow webs to form chain-like elements, which are easier to manufacture and handle, eliminating the need for shock-dampening materials, as the webs provide minimal gaps and shock-dampening within the matrix material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many small effective bodies are used in composite armor elements, then protective functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small effective bodies are merged into larger composite effective bodies through integration processes. The patent describes combining several small effective bodies (e.g., ceramic spheres) into a single composite effective body that maintains the protective functionality of multiple units while reducing the total number of discrete components to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials to create effective bodies that integrate multiple functional properties. By using composite construction (e.g., ceramic cores with metallic or polymeric shells), the invention achieves the protective performance of multiple small bodies while simplifying manufacturing through monolithic or pre-assembled composite structures.
2Reliability
If shock-dampening materials are inserted between effective bodies, then protective functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-dampening function is merged into the effective bodies themselves rather than being implemented as separate intermediate materials. The patent describes effective bodies with integrated shock-absorbing structures or materials incorporated directly into their construction, eliminating the need for separate shock-dampening layers between effective bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective bodies are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: protection, shock-dampening, and structural integrity. By making the effective bodies multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate shock-dampening materials, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining protective functionality.
3Weight of moving object
If effective bodies are closely spaced to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but shock wave transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality changes by incorporating shock-dampening materials or structures at specific locations within or between effective bodies. Rather than uniformly spacing all effective bodies with equal gaps, the invention uses varying local properties (e.g., softer materials at critical interfaces) to manage shock wave transfer while maintaining overall compact spacing for weight reduction.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing complexity, enhances handling, and maintains protective functionality even after multiple direct hits by minimizing shock wave transfer and penetration risks, while simplifying the production process.
Implementation Method 1
the webs ensure a minimal gap between the effective bodies and hence a shock-dampening by means of the webs or the matrix material in the gaps between the effective bodies is effected
Data Source
AI summary
A composite armor element for protection against projectiles. At least one layer of effective bodies is disposed in rows next to one another in the composite armor element, the effective bodies being embedded in a matrix material. The effective bodies of one row are fixedly interconnected at least partially by means of webs to form a chain which is a monolithic element. An effective body element for insertion in a composite armor element comprises at least two effective bodies fixedly interconnected by at least one web to form a chain. The effective body element is a monolithic element, and a plurality of effective body elements are embedded in a matrix material.