Multi-Layer Armor Panel with Shock Dissipation Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armor panels are inefficient in mitigating energy from explosive or ballistic events, transmitting excessive force to underlying structures, and lack effective solutions for diverse high-energy threats.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer impact absorbing armor panel comprising a penetration resistant layer, a shock dissipation layer, and a core, where the penetration resistant layer is made of high-strength fibers without adhesive resins, the shock dissipation layer uses materials like polyurethane foam or shear-thickening compounds, and the core is lightweight and crushable, such as honeycomb or metal foam, to absorb and redirect energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If monolithic metallic armor panels are used, then penetration resistance is improved, but energy transmission to underlying structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration resistanceVSAvoidenergy transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The armor panel is divided into multiple functional layers: a penetration-resistant outer layer, a shock-dissipating intermediate layer, and a core layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the outer layer stops penetration while the intermediate layer dissipates shock energy, reducing energy transmission to underlying structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel uses composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties: high-strength materials for penetration resistance, viscoelastic or porous materials for shock dissipation, and lightweight core materials for structural support. This composite approach simultaneously achieves penetration resistance and energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If traditional armor materials are used, then protective capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective capabilityVSAvoidpanel weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions and layers of the panel have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer layer uses high-strength materials for penetration resistance, while the core and intermediate layers use lightweight materials for shock absorption. This local optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining protective capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The panel incorporates porous or cellular core materials such as foam structures or honeycomb configurations. These porous materials provide high strength-to-weight ratios, offering effective shock absorption and structural support with significantly reduced weight compared to solid metallic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive resins are used in fiber layers, then material bonding is improved, but energy absorption efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial bondingVSAvoidenergy absorption efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive resins are removed from the fiber layer construction. Instead of using resin-bonded fiber mats, the panel uses dry fiber layers or fibers bonded through mechanical interlocking or friction. This extraction of the adhesive component eliminates the energy-wasting resin layer while maintaining fiber layer stability through alternative bonding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 panel reduces energy transmission by at least 30% compared to monolithic metallic armor, effectively mitigating explosive blasts and ballistic threats while optimizing material usage.

Implementation Method 1

a shock dissipation layer, and a core, where the penetration resistant layer is made of high-strength fibers without adhesive resins, the shock dissipation layer uses materials like polyurethane foam or shear-thickening compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock dissipation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the shock dissipation layer uses materials like polyurethane foam or shear-thickening compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thickening: Shear Thickening

Implementation Method 3

the core is lightweight and crushable, such as honeycomb or metal foam, to absorb and redirect energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrushing: Compression

Implementation Method 4

to absorb and redirect energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Deformation

Implementation Method 5

the penetration resistant layer is made of high-strength fibers without adhesive resins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-strength reinforcement: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS8863634B1Lightweight impact absorbing armor panel

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 ARMORWORKS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Designs and methods are provided for a multi-layer panel capable of mitigating the transmission of a high energy impulse to the hull of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the blast panel comprises a first penetration resistant layer on the side facing away from the vehicle, a first core made of a crushable structural material between the first penetration resistant layer and the vehicle, and a shock dissipation layer disposed between the first penetration resistant layer and the first core.