Auxetic Ballistic Armor Housing for Lightweight Optronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ballistic armor for optronic equipment is heavy and rigid, leading to issues such as increased actuator power requirements, vibration transmission, and potential deformation that can cause cracks and spalling, which can damage equipment and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional lattice structure with an auxetic property is used to absorb impact energy by distributing it laterally, combined with panels and additive manufacturing to create a lightweight yet rigid armor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ballistic armor is integrated into optronic equipment housings to protect against bullets and shrapnel, then protection level is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating ballistic armor layers (such as Kevlar, Twaron, or Spectra) with polycarbonate or other plastic materials in the housing structure. This composite construction provides bullet and shrapnel protection while maintaining relatively low weight compared to traditional metal armor, thus resolving the contradiction between protection level and weight.
2Reliability
If ballistic armor is integrated into optronic equipment housings to protect against bullets and shrapnel, then protection level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the housing structure itself, making the housing serve dual purposes: structural support and ballistic protection. By integrating the armor layers directly into the housing walls rather than adding separate armor components, the design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining protection levels.
3Reliability
If Kevlar or Twaron fabric is used for ballistic protection, then protection level is improved, but susceptibility to moisture and mold increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polycarbonate or other plastic materials as flexible yet moisture-resistant housing materials that enclose and protect the ballistic armor layers. These plastic housing walls act as barriers against moisture and mold while maintaining the ballistic protection provided by the Kevlar or Twaron fabric layers, thus resolving the contradiction between protection level and susceptibility to environmental harmful factors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to optronic equipment (40) containing ballistic armor (10) comprising a three-dimensional reticular structure (20), which can in particular be regular and/or auxetic, and to a manufacturing process comprising a step of additively manufacturing at least the three-dimensional reticular structure (20).