Composite Armor with Embedded Geometric Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive armor solutions are inadequate in effectively protecting against AP-type projectiles and projectile fragments, particularly in terms of weight and mobility, as they either lack sufficient penetration resistance or are excessively heavy.
Innovation Solution
A composite passive armor structure featuring geometric solids such as spheres or truncated pyramids embedded in a light alloy matrix, reinforced with aramid or steel fibers and brackets, which distorts and weakens projectile flight paths, and is manufactured using casting methods with elevated pressure to reduce weight while maintaining protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy armor materials are used to protect against AP-type projectiles, then penetration resistance is improved, but vehicle weight increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining light alloy matrix with embedded ceramic or metallic geometric solids. This composite approach allows the armor to achieve high penetration resistance through the hard geometric solids while the light alloy matrix provides structural integrity with minimal weight, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric solids are strategically embedded at specific locations within the light alloy matrix where projectile impact is most likely to occur. This localized reinforcement provides maximum protection against penetration where needed most, while avoiding unnecessary weight in areas requiring less protection, thus optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.
2Reliability
If armor thickness is increased to stop projectile fragments, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle mobility and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of light alloy matrix with embedded geometric solids provides high protection effectiveness against projectile fragments without requiring increased thickness. The hard geometric solids effectively deflect and fragment projectiles while the light alloy matrix absorbs impact energy, achieving reliable protection with minimal thickness and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor is segmented into a matrix structure with distributed geometric solids embedded throughout. This segmentation allows the armor to stop projectile fragments through multiple small interactions rather than requiring a single thick barrier, thereby maintaining vehicle mobility while ensuring comprehensive protection.
3Strength
If ceramic layers are used in armor cassettes to resist projectiles, then penetration resistance is improved, but armor complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ceramic or metallic geometric solids directly into the light alloy matrix in a single integrated casting process, eliminating the need for separate cassette assemblies, connecting elements, and clamping mechanisms. This unified structure maintains high penetration resistance while significantly reducing armor complexity and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex cassette assembly system from traditional armor designs and replaces it with a simplified monolithic structure where geometric solids are directly embedded in the matrix. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and assembly steps, reducing overall complexity while preserving penetration resistance.
4Stability of the object's composition
If more connecting and clamping elements are added to secure armor layers, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric solids are merged directly into the light alloy matrix through casting, creating an integrated structure where the matrix itself provides structural integrity. This eliminates the need for separate connecting and clamping elements, thereby maintaining stability while dramatically improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production time.
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 effective resistance against AP-type projectiles and fragments, reduces weight for improved vehicle mobility, and is suitable for use in aircraft and watercraft by leveraging the light alloy matrix and fiber reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
The matrix made of a light alloy protects the armor against tearing
Implementation Method 2
The protruding part of geometric solids prevents the penetration of AP-type projectiles, projectile fragments, and small arms projectiles. The mere shape and very hard material of the geometric solids cause distortion in the projectile flight path, or ricochet and weakening of the projectile kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 3
The fibers are aramid or steel fibers. Brackets and rods passing through these brackets reinforce the plate and act as a shock absorbing cushion for the geometric solids.
Implementation Method 4
The alloy solidification is carried out under the conditions of elevated pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A composite passive armor protection comprises a structure embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), wherein said structure is made of elements in the form of geometric solids (2), resting on a frame in the form of a grid made of the permanently connected layers of tubes (3), wherein preferably through the tubes (3) are passing fibers (4), and the geometric solids (2) are embedded in the light metal alloy matrix (1) to a level above one half of their total height.