Ballistic Composition Tortuous Path Vehicle Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ballistic protection solutions for vehicles are costly, time-consuming, and inefficient due to weight and space constraints, requiring customized installations that are not feasible for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and lack a cost-effective and process-efficient method for integration with various vehicle constructions.

Innovation Solution

A ballistic composition comprising a curable material, particulate, and fiber components that can be applied to vehicle components to form a tortuous path for projectiles, allowing for lightweight, adaptable, and efficient installation, meeting industry standards such as UL 752 and NIJ standards, and can be activated at temperatures compatible with the electrocoating process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional ballistic protection is installed on vehicles by aftermarket shops, then ballistic protection is achieved, but installation costs increase and installation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ballistic protection system is divided into separate modular components (ballistic panels, inserts, or coatings) that can be pre-manufactured and then installed on vehicles, separating the manufacturing and installation processes to improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ballistic protection components are pre-manufactured, pre-tested, and prepared in advance before being installed on vehicles, allowing OEMs to integrate them into the vehicle assembly process without disrupting production timelines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If ballistic protection is added to vehicles, then protection level is improved, but vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs advanced materials with improved strength-to-weight ratios and optimizes the thickness and density parameters of ballistic layers to achieve adequate protection with reduced weight compared to traditional ballistic materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ballistic protection system uses composite material structures combining multiple materials (such as aramid fibers, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, or ceramic particles) to achieve high ballistic performance with minimized weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If ballistic protection is customized for each vehicle construction, then fit and protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidcustomization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs universal ballistic protection components and standardized mounting systems that can be adapted to multiple vehicle types and constructions, reducing the need for completely customized solutions for each vehicle while maintaining effective protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ballistic protection system allows for localized customization of panel shapes, thicknesses, and material compositions in specific high-risk areas of vehicles, while using standardized components in other areas to balance protection needs with manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If ballistic protection materials are compatible with electrocoating process, then OEM installation is enabled, but material selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOEM installation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of ballistic protection materials (such as surface treatment, curing temperature ranges, or composition) to ensure compatibility with the electrocoating process while maintaining or enhancing ballistic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite material structures where the ballistic layers are designed to be applied over or integrated with electrocoated surfaces, combining the corrosion protection benefits of electrocoating with the ballistic protection of specialized materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a cost-effective, time-efficient, and adaptable ballistic protection system that can be integrated into vehicles without significant weight or space compromises, meeting stringent protection standards while allowing for multiple functional uses, such as structural reinforcement and noise damping.

Implementation Method 1

The ballistic composition may be provided in a flowable state, partially activated state, or activated state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

curable material, and a particulate component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Implementation Method 3

adapted to impose a tortuous path on a projectile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption:

Implementation Method 4

particulate component adapted to impose a tortuous path on a projectile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS20230101875A1Ballistic composition, ballistic assembly, and method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.03.30 ZEPHYROS INC
  • US20230101875A1 patent drawing
  • US20230101875A1 patent drawing
  • US20230101875A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A ballistic composition, ballistic assembly, and method for fabricating the ballistic assembly. The ballistic composition comprises a curable material, and a particulate component. The particulate component is adapted to impose a tortuous path on a projectile. The particulate component includes polymer, ceramic, metal, or any combination thereof.