Ballistic Tile with Undulating Strike Face
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic armor, such as SAPI plates, are uncomfortable and unpredictable in multi-hit scenarios due to random radial cracking and lack flexibility, while imbricated tile systems are not weight-optimized and have large gaps when flexed.
Innovation Solution
A flexible armor system comprising identically shaped ballistic tiles with undulating strike faces and features for imbrication alignment, which distribute projectile energy and minimize weight by optimizing ceramic and textile backing for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SAPI plate is used, then ballistic protection is provided with consistent point-to-point behavior, but the wearer experiences discomfort and reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The armor is divided into multiple modular tiles that can be independently positioned and arranged. Each tile contains its own ceramic ballistic element and backing structure, allowing the system to be segmented into discrete units that can be configured for flexibility while maintaining protection consistency through standardized designs
2Ease of operation
If imbricated discus-shaped tiles are used, then flexibility is provided, but large gaps are formed between tiles when the armor flexes
Solution Approach 1:
The tiles incorporate curved or contoured surfaces with specific geometric profiles that complement adjacent tiles in the imbricated arrangement. The curvature is designed to maintain continuous contact between tiles during flexion, preventing gap formation while preserving the flexibility benefits of the imbricated configuration
3Ease of operation
If imbricated discus-shaped tiles are used, then flexibility is achieved, but the weight is not optimized compared to a SAPI plate
Solution Approach 1:
Each tile is designed with non-uniform thickness and material distribution, with varying areal densities of ceramic and ballistic textile backing in different regions. This local optimization allows weight reduction in areas requiring flexibility while maintaining adequate protection and structural integrity where needed
4Weight of moving object
If a SAPI plate is used, then lightweight body with consistent ballistic behavior is achieved, but unpredictable second shot performance occurs due to extensive random radial cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic SAPI plate is segmented into multiple independent tiles, each with its own ceramic element. This segmentation ensures that cracking in one tile does not propagate to adjacent tiles, isolating damage and preserving the ballistic performance of surrounding tiles for subsequent hits
Solution Approach 2:
Each tile incorporates a thick ballistic textile backing layer that serves as a cushioning element behind the ceramic. This backing absorbs and distributes the impact energy and cracking forces, preventing catastrophic failure and maintaining structural integrity for potential subsequent hits
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
Enhances comfort and mobility, multi-hit capability, and situational adaptability with reduced weight and gap formation between tiles, providing effective protection for various body areas and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a strike face that is generally undulating to deflect the projectile and to induce the ballistic projectile to turn on impact to further distribute the energy of the projectile
Implementation Method 2
features on an obverse and reverse sides thereof that facilitate imbrication alignment, control the motion of the tiles on ballistic impact to hinder disassembly of the arrangement, and/or transmit the energy of the projectile to other tiles for deflection and absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic tile for use in an imbricated pattern of like ballistic tiles to achieve coverage of a protected area by the imbricated pattern, while having rounded corners to limit the potential for spalling on ballistic impact. The ballistic tile may include a strike face that is generally undulating to laterally deflect at least a portion of the impact force, and to induce turning of the ballistic projectile on impact to further distribute the impact force. The ballistic tile may also include one or more features on an obverse and reverse side thereof that, when arranged in an imbricated pattern, limit lateral motion of the tiles on ballistic impact, and/or laterally transmit the energy of the projectile for deflection and absorption thereof.