Composite Armor Plate Staggered Rod Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composite armor plates face premature fracture when encountering modern, extremely hard projectile cores, especially under multiple close-range hits, due to the arrangement of filling elements which inadequately distribute the impact.

Innovation Solution

The composite armor plate design features rod-shaped elements arranged both longitudinally and transversely, with offset joints between layers to distribute impact more effectively, and incorporates shock-absorbing materials and coatings to enhance protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If filling elements are arranged in rows with parallel longitudinal axes in discontinuous layers, then the armor plate can be constructed with modular components, but premature fracture occurs under modern hard projectile cores and multiple close-range hits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular constructionVSAvoidresistance to premature fracture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The armor plate is divided into multiple layers of rod-shaped filling elements arranged in rows, with each layer containing discrete segments that are staggered relative to adjacent layers. This segmentation allows modular construction while distributing impact forces across multiple discrete elements, preventing stress concentration that会导致 premature fracture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling elements are arranged not only in horizontal rows but also stacked vertically in multiple layers with offset positioning. This three-dimensional arrangement creates a staggered structure where joints in one layer do not align with joints in adjacent layers, significantly improving fracture resistance while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If rod-shaped elements are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction within a row, then impact distribution is improved, but joint alignment may create weakening points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact distributionVSAvoidjoint alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rod-shaped elements are arranged asymmetrically within rows, with elements positioned one behind the other in the axial direction. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with offset positioning between layers, ensures that joints do not align vertically, creating a staggered pattern that distributes impact forces more effectively and prevents joint alignment from creating weakening points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The arrangement transitions from simple horizontal row placement to a three-dimensional configuration where elements are positioned one behind the other axially and offset between layers. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates a staggered joint pattern that maintains structural integrity while improving impact distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the armor plate uses traditional filling element arrangements, then construction is simpler, but protective effect against impulse transmission is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidprotective effect against impulse transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The armor plate employs segmented rod-shaped filling elements arranged in multiple staggered layers. This segmentation, while increasing construction complexity compared to traditional monolithic designs, significantly improves the protective effect by distributing impact impulses across multiple discrete elements and reducing transmission to adjacent areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling elements are arranged in a three-dimensional staggered configuration rather than simple planar patterns. This vertical dimensionality, with elements positioned one behind the other and offset between layers, creates a more effective impulse distribution network that enhances protective capability while maintaining reasonable construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design significantly reduces the transmission of impact to adjacent elements, enhancing the armor's protective capabilities while maintaining a low surface weight, effectively mitigating premature fracture and improving overall protection against various caliber projectiles.

Implementation Method 1

shock-absorbing materials in the form of foils, threads or granulates, in particular made of metals, plastics, fiber materials or elastomeric materials, are introduced between the end faces of two adjacent rod-shaped elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the joints, which arise due to the axially consecutive arrangement of the elements, are offset in the axial direction with respect to the joints of at least one adjacent row

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force distribution: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2072945B1Composite armour plate
Publication Date: 2011.01.26 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2072945B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2072945B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2072945B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The armored plate for protecting against shells is made up of layers of parallel bars (3.4, 3.5a, 3.5b). The joints (10.5) in one layer are staggered with respect to those in the other. The bars may have circular, rectangular or rhomboid cross-sections.