Ballistic and stab resistant composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to enhance the flexibility of fabric-resin composites used in soft body armor without compromising protection against multiple threats such as bullets, knives, stab attacks, and needle penetration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible composite structure comprising a polymeric fibrous fabric core section without resin and a polymeric fibrous fabric section impregnated with an elastomeric or thermoplastic resin, where the resin occupies 5-79% of the volume fraction and fills up to 100% of the fiber-free volume, providing a balance between flexibility and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fabric-resin composite is used for ballistic protection, then protection capability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones with different resin impregnation levels. Zone 1 has no resin impregnation to maintain flexibility, while Zone 2 has full resin impregnation (5-79% volume fraction) to provide ballistic protection. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between protection capability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining fabric and resin in a controlled manner. The fabric provides structural integrity and ballistic resistance, while the resin in Zone 2 fills fiber-free volume to enhance protection without compromising the flexibility provided by the resin-free Zone 1. The composite structure achieves both protection and flexibility through controlled material distribution.
2Reliability
If resin content is increased to improve protection, then ballistic resistance is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by restricting high resin content (5-79% volume fraction) to Zone 2, while maintaining resin-free conditions in Zone 1. This localized resin distribution allows the composite to achieve ballistic resistance where needed without sacrificing flexibility in the resin-free zone, thereby resolving the contradiction between ballistic resistance and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the resin volume fraction within the specific range of 5-79% in Zone 2. This optimized parameter range provides sufficient ballistic protection while minimizing the negative impact on flexibility. The parameter control is applied locally to Zone 2, preserving flexibility in Zone 1.
3Ease of operation
If fabric section is made resin-free to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designating Zone 1 as resin-free to maximize flexibility, while compensating for the loss of protection capability through Zone 2 which has full resin impregnation. The spatial separation of functions (flexibility in Zone 1, protection in Zone 2) resolves the contradiction between flexibility and protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the composite into two distinct zones with different functional properties. Zone 1 is segmented as resin-free for flexibility, while Zone 2 is segmented as resin-impregnated for protection. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall system performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible composite suitable for use in a knife, pick, bullet and fragment-resistant article comprising (i) a first zone comprising fabric but no resin, the first first zone comprising from 10 to 90 percent of the total thickness of the composite, (ii) a third zone comprising an elastomeric or thermoplastic resin but no fabric, the third zone comprising from 0 to 50 percent of the total thickness of the composite and (iii) a second zone, located between the first and third zones, comprising fabric and an elastomeric or thermoplastic resin, the second zone comprising from 10 to 90 percent of the total thickness of the composite.