Ballistic Stack Using Fiber and Tape Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ballistic resistant materials face a trade-off between stiffness and energy absorption, with optimizing one parameter often compromising the other, and there is a need for a consolidated stack that maintains both properties effectively.

Innovation Solution

A consolidated stack comprising layers of drawn polymeric fibers and tapes, where the fibers are embedded in a matrix and the tapes are aligned in parallel with possible gaps or overlaps, and the layers are consolidated to achieve improved antiballistic properties through a synergistic effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high stiffness is optimized to reduce blunt trauma, then trauma reduction is improved, but energy absorbing ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidenergy absorbing ability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ballistic resistant article is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: first layers (comprising drawn polymeric fibers) provide energy absorption capabilities, while second layers (comprising drawn polymeric tapes) provide stiffness. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and stiffness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining two different types of polymeric materials with different properties. The drawn polymeric fibers (e.g., UHMWPE) offer high energy absorption through fiber pull-out and deformation, while the drawn polymeric tapes provide high stiffness and structural integrity. The combination creates a material system that exhibits both high energy absorption and high stiffness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high stiffness is used to reduce blunt trauma, then trauma protection is improved, but ballistic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblunt traumaVSAvoidballistic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The article is segmented into functional layers where first layers specialized in energy absorption handle ballistic impact, while second layers specialized in stiffness handle blunt trauma protection. This functional segmentation ensures that ballistic performance is optimized by the fiber layers while trauma protection is optimized by the tape layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines materials with complementary properties: the drawn polymeric fibers provide ductility and energy absorption for ballistic resistance, while the drawn polymeric tapes provide rigidity and structural support for trauma protection. This composite approach achieves both high ballistic performance and high trauma protection simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If energy absorption is optimized, then antiballistic performance is improved, but stiffness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidstiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stack is segmented into first layers optimized for energy absorption (using drawn polymeric fibers) and second layers optimized for stiffness (using drawn polymeric tapes). Each layer type is positioned and configured to maximize its specific function, allowing the overall structure to achieve both high energy absorption and high stiffness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite material system where the drawn polymeric fibers contribute high energy absorption through mechanisms like fiber pull-out, friction, and deformation, while the drawn polymeric tapes contribute high stiffness through their structured geometry and material properties. The synergistic combination achieves both properties simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If complex layer structures are used to improve antiballistic properties, then ballistic performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantiballistic propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex antiballistic structure is segmented into standardized first layers and second layers that can be manufactured separately using established processes, then stacked and consolidated. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing by breaking down a complex structure into manageable, repeatable units while maintaining high antiballistic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material layers that leverage existing manufacturing technologies for producing drawn polymeric fibers and tapes. By utilizing commercially available materials and processes for each layer type, the overall manufacturing complexity is reduced while achieving superior antiballistic properties through the composite structure.

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 combination of fiber and tape layers enhances both energy absorption and stiffness, providing unexpectedly high antiballistic performance while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

The stack is used to prepare a panel by compressing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A satisfactory hard ballistic resistant article needs to combine a high stiffness with a good energy absorbing ability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the first layers comprise drawn polymeric fibers and optionally a binder, and the second layers comprise drawn polymeric tapes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2679947B1Stack of first and second layers, a panel and a ballistic resistant article comprising the stack or panel
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 DSM IP ASSETS BV
  • EP2679947B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2679947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2679947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a stack comprising a stack of first and second layers. The first layers comprise drawn polymeric fibers and optionally a binder, and the second layers comprise drawn polymeric tapes. The invention also relates to a panel comprising a consolidated stack and to a ballistic resistant article comprising the stack or the panel.