Back-Face Dynamic Profiling With a Compliant Fiber Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately measure back-face dynamic deformation of objects obscured by opaque layers without altering the measurement dynamics, cannot withstand large impact forces, and require knowledge of initial deformation velocity.
Innovation Solution
A system using a grid of compliant, bendable fibers oriented obliquely with respect to each other, capturing fiber movement to calculate 3D deformation without visual observation, capable of withstanding large forces, and not requiring initial velocity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thick gelatin sheet is used to measure 3-D shapes, then the measurement capability is provided, but the interaction between the armor back-face and the backing object is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin planar sensing device consisting of a flexible mesh structure with embedded Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strands. This thin film approach provides 3-D shape measurement capability while minimizing the thickness to avoid significantly altering the interaction between the armor back-face and the backing object during ballistic impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional optical observation methods with FBG fiber optic sensing technology. The FBG strands embedded in the flexible mesh detect strain through light reflection changes, substituting mechanical/optical observation systems with an embedded sensing system that does not require visual access to the back-face.
2Measurement precision
If FBG strands are embedded in a thick gelatin sheet, then 3-D shape measurement is enabled, but the fibers cannot withstand or accommodate large deformations from ballistic impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible mesh structure that can accommodate large deformations without breaking. The mesh design allows the FBG strands to follow the deformation of the armor back-face while maintaining structural integrity during ballistic impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the flexible mesh material with the FBG fiber optic strands. This composite design provides both the flexibility needed to accommodate large deformations and the sensing capability to measure 3-D shape changes during impact.
3Measurement precision
If FBG strands are woven into body armor panel backed by gelatin, then strain measurement is possible, but the FBG slips in the fabric making strain measurement inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the FBG strands to create a mechanical copy or replica of the back-face deformation. By embedding the FBG in the flexible mesh that contacts the back-face, the system captures the deformation pattern through strain in the FBG, providing an accurate copy of the deformation without requiring the FBG to be woven into the armor fabric itself.
4Measurement precision
If the measurement method requires knowing or estimating initial velocity of deformation, then fiber slip can be accounted for, but the technique is limited to environments where initial velocity is known
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system self-sufficient by directly measuring the strain in the flexible mesh through FBG technology. The system does not require external input of initial velocity data or estimation parameters, as the FBG strands directly capture the deformation strain information needed to determine back-face displacement without additional environmental assumptions.
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
Enables accurate, non-intrusive measurement of back-face deformation under impact, providing a 3D dynamic profile without altering the deformation process and without needing initial velocity data.
Implementation Method 1
FBG senses strain by measuring light reflection in the fiber optic strands
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic profiling system comprises an initially planar grid formed by first parallel fibers and second parallel fibers oriented, advantageously, orthogonally to the first fibers. The two fiber sets may be woven or non-woven with respect to one another. As a force is placed on grid, each of the two sets of fibers are pulled into the limits of the grid as the grid pockets. The amount of each fiber pulled in, the measurement being fiber end movement measurement, length passage through a passageway, etc., is calculated and is used to form a three-dimensional model of the deformation shape.