Ballistic Enclosure with Segmented Plates for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic enclosures for computer assemblies in aircraft and vehicles often require redundant components and full coverage with ballistic materials, leading to increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight enclosure body with strategically placed ballistic tolerant plates formed from heavier materials within the enclosure cavity, creating multiple channel enclosures to protect computer components while minimizing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single ballistic enclosure fully formed from ballistic tolerant materials is used, then computer components are protected from projectiles, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic enclosure is segmented into multiple channels, with ballistic tolerant material applied only to specific plates separating the channels rather than the entire enclosure. This segmentation allows protection where needed while reducing overall material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Ballistic tolerant material is applied locally to specific plates within the enclosure cavity rather than uniformly across the entire enclosure. The plates are strategically positioned to provide ballistic protection while the rest of the enclosure uses lighter materials.
2Reliability
If redundant computer assemblies are protected with full ballistic coverage, then operational requirements are met, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple channels that can accommodate redundant computer assemblies. Ballistic protection is provided through discrete plates within these channels rather than complete enclosure coverage, reducing material costs while maintaining protection for redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing ballistic protection across the entire enclosure surface, the solution uses partial action by placing ballistic tolerant plates only in specific locations where protection is most needed, reducing overall material cost while maintaining adequate protection levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ballistic tolerant materials are used throughout the enclosure, then projectile damage is prevented, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ballistic tolerant material is applied locally to specific plates within the enclosure cavity rather than uniformly throughout. The plates are positioned to intercept projectiles while the rest of the enclosure uses lighter materials, reducing overall weight while maintaining projectile resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure uses a composite construction combining ballistic tolerant materials for protective plates with lighter materials for the enclosure body and non-critical components, achieving projectile resistance with reduced overall weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure includes an enclosure body having an enclosure cavity, the enclosure body formed from a first material, and at least one ballistic tolerant plate disposed within the enclosure cavity to form a plurality of channel enclosures within the enclosure cavity, the at least one ballistic tolerant plate formed from a ballistic tolerant material.