Composite Armor with Embedded Geometric Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive armor solutions are either heavy, limiting mobility, or insufficient against high-velocity projectiles and fragments, and lack efficient energy absorption and weight reduction strategies.
Innovation Solution
A composite passive armor structure featuring geometric solids (spheres or truncated pyramids) embedded in a light alloy matrix with high-strength stainless steel rods, which distorts and weakens projectile paths, and a shock-absorbing mechanism to prevent penetration, while using a light alloy matrix to reduce weight and enhance mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional armor materials (metallic matrices, ceramic plates) are used to protect against projectiles, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining light alloy matrix (aluminum or magnesium alloy) with embedded ceramic geometric solids (alumina, silica, or zirconia spheres or truncated pyramids). This composite approach achieves effective protection against projectiles while maintaining low weight, as the light alloy provides structural integrity and the ceramic elements provide hard protective surfaces that deflect and absorb projectile energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor structure implements local quality by embedding ceramic geometric solids at specific locations within the light alloy matrix. The ceramic elements are positioned to provide localized hard protection where projectile impact is most likely, while the surrounding light alloy provides structural support. This localized reinforcement approach optimizes protection effectiveness while minimizing overall weight compared to uniform thick metal armor.
2Reliability
If thicker armor plates are used to stop high-velocity projectiles, then protection against AP projectiles is improved, but mobility and fuel consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of light alloy matrix with embedded ceramic geometric solids provides high protection effectiveness against AP projectiles up to 12.6mm while maintaining lightweight construction. The ceramic elements have high hardness and compressive strength that effectively stop high-velocity projectiles, while the light alloy matrix keeps the overall weight low, preserving vehicle mobility and reducing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using light alloys (aluminum or magnesium alloys) instead of traditional heavy metals, and by selecting ceramic materials with specific properties (alumina, silica, or zirconia). The geometric solids are designed with specific shapes (spheres or truncated pyramids) and size ranges (0.5-5mm diameter) to optimize ballistic performance while maintaining lightweight characteristics, enabling effective protection without sacrificing mobility.
3Reliability
If ceramic inserts are embedded in armor to deflect projectiles, then protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric solids are prepared in advance as pre-formed ceramic spheres or truncated pyramids with controlled size (0.5-5mm diameter) and shape. These pre-prepared elements are then embedded into the light alloy matrix during the casting process, where the molten metal flows around and secures the ceramic elements in place. This preliminary preparation of geometric solids simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to form complex ceramic structures in-situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ceramic geometric solids with the light alloy matrix into a single integrated composite structure. The ceramic elements are embedded within the molten light alloy during casting, creating a unified armor component where the ceramic provides ballistic protection and the light alloy provides structural integrity. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and creates a homogeneous protective structure with optimized performance.
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 protects against AP projectiles up to 12.6 mm, reduces vehicle weight, and increases mobility by using a light alloy matrix, making it suitable for aircraft and watercraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
Brackets and rods passing through these brackets reinforce the plate and act as a shock absorbing cushion for the geometric solids
Implementation Method 3
The matrix made of a light alloy protects the armor against tearing
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 geometric solids (2), resting on brackets (3), passing through the holes in plate (4), wherein said brackets (3) have through-holes located at a height above and below the plate (4), wherein in said through-holes are secured rods (5) in such a way that they form a grid, wherein the geometric solids (2) are embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), preferably to a level above one half of their diameter, and wherein the rods (5) are preferably fixed in such a way that their longitudinal axes coincide with the axes of the geometric solids (2).