Bulletproof Structure with Curved Ceramic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulletproof structures face challenges in achieving full-body coverage with high protection levels without increased weight and limited flexibility, particularly at the edges of rigid ceramic elements, which are prone to penetration and require oversized thickness for mechanical resistance.
Innovation Solution
A bulletproof structure featuring a flexible base with rigid metallic or ceramic elements that have a convex surface adhering to the base for a fraction of their surface, with curved or spherical shapes to reduce weight and enhance flexibility, allowing for tessellating designs and increased thickness at the edges for improved mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid ceramic elements are used to achieve protection against high-caliber bullets, then protection level is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of rigid ceramic elements: greater thickness at edges for mechanical resistance and bullet fragmentation, reduced thickness at centers for weight reduction. This localized differentiation maintains protection effectiveness while optimizing weight distribution across the protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is segmented into multiple rigid ceramic elements arranged in a mosaic pattern, where each element is independently optimized. This segmentation allows tailored thickness distribution across different zones of each element and enables flexible arrangement to cover the entire torso without requiring uniformly thick components throughout.
2Strength
If increased thickness is applied to rigid elements for mechanical resistance, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating greater thickness at the edges of rigid ceramic elements where mechanical resistance is most critical for preventing penetration and maintaining structural integrity. The center regions use reduced thickness, eliminating unnecessary weight while preserving strength where it is most needed for bullet impact resistance.
3Ease of operation
If rigid elements are made with complex shapes for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spheroidality by giving rigid ceramic elements a convex spherical shape. This curved geometry naturally accommodates flexibility requirements while maintaining manufacturability through conventional ceramic forming and sintering processes. The spherical form avoids complex sharp angles and intricate geometries that would compromise manufacturing precision, yet still enables the desired flexibility when elements are arranged in a mosaic pattern.
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 a flexible bulletproof structure that can cover the entire torso with enhanced protection against higher caliber bullets without uniformly increasing the weight, by optimizing the thickness distribution and mechanical resistance at the edges, ensuring improved performance and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
capable of fragmenting the bullets fired by long weapons into smaller parts that can be more easily stopped by the underlying fiber structure, also thanks to the decrease in their energy
Implementation Method 2
structures made by combining intertwined or unidirectional fibers capable of absorbing and dispersing the force of impact and penetration of the bullets through plastic deformation (elongation) of the fibers themselves
Implementation Method 3
the face of said elements adhering to the fibers is convex, the rigid elements adhere to the flexible base only for a fraction of said convex surface
Data Source
AI summary
A bulletproof protective structure (40) is described, composed of a flexible base constituted of a ballistic fabric (42) and of rigid elements (41) of ballistic material adhering to the fabric, wherein the adhesion surface of the rigid elements to the fabric is curved, so as to allow greater flexibility of the structure compared to similar known structures.