Ballistic Panel Undulating Channels Deflect Angled Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic protection systems are ineffective in deflecting projectiles at various angles, leading to potential penetration and damage, as they are designed primarily for head-on impacts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ballistic panel with undulating channels on both surfaces, increasing the contact surface area with projectiles, causing them to yaw and redirect, thereby dispersing blunt force trauma energy and preventing penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flat plate design is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but protection effectiveness against angled projectiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming undulating channels into the flat plate surface. These curved, wave-like channels increase the surface area and create multiple contact points with projectiles striking at various angles, thereby improving protection effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat plate to a three-dimensional undulating structure by adding vertical dimension through channel formation. This dimensional change creates additional contact surfaces that intercept projectiles at various angles, enhancing protection without significantly complicating the overall plate design.
2Reliability
If plate surface area is increased to contact projectiles, then deflection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The undulating channels are formed using curvature principles, creating wave-like patterns that increase surface area. These curved structures can be manufactured through forming or molding processes that create the undulating pattern in a single step, avoiding the need for multiple assembly operations and maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of increasing surface area and creating deflection channels into a single integrated undulating structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate components or assembly steps, thereby increasing deflection capability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Area of stationary object
If more undulating channels are added to increase surface area, then projectile contact and deflection improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate surface is segmented into multiple undulating channels that run across the plate. This segmentation creates numerous small contact surfaces distributed across the plate, increasing overall contact area with projectiles while maintaining a regular, repeating pattern that simplifies manufacturing and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The undulating channels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they increase surface area for projectile contact, create deflection angles, and distribute impact forces across the plate structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
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 effectively enhances protection by increasing the surface area contact with projectiles, regardless of impact angle, thereby improving the system's ability to deflect and stop projectiles, reducing the risk of penetration and damage.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of undulations is formed across the front surface of the first plate member... increasing an amount of surface area to contact a projectile
Implementation Method 2
designed to cause the bullet to become trapped within the layers... designed to cause the projectile to disintegrate or deform upon impact
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic panel providing ballistic protection has a first plate having a rear surface and a front surface. A plurality of undulations is formed across the front surface of the first plate. The plurality of undulations increasing an amount of surface area to contact a projectile.