Imbricated Ballistic Tiles with Undulating Strike Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ballistic armor, such as the SAPI plate, is uncomfortable and unpredictable in multi-hit scenarios due to random radial cracking and weight distribution issues, while flexible imbricated tile systems are not optimized for weight and performance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible armor system comprising undulating ballistic tiles with specific geometric profiles and backing systems that allow for imbrication, distributing projectile energy and enhancing multi-hit capability, with features for alignment and energy transmission between tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SAPI plate is used, then consistent point-to-point ballistic behavior is achieved, but the wearer experiences turtle-like discomfort and the armor is unpredictable in second shot performance
Solution Approach 1:
The armor is divided into multiple modular tiles that can be independently arranged and configured. Each tile contains its own ballistic protective elements, allowing the system to maintain reliable protection while distributing weight and improving comfort through modular segmentation rather than a single large plate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If imbricated discus-shaped tiles are used, then flexibility is provided, but large gaps are formed between tiles when the armor flexes and weight optimization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The tiles incorporate curved or contoured surfaces with specific geometric profiles that allow them to nestle together when flexed, minimizing gap formation. The curvature is designed to maintain tile-to-tile contact during movement while preserving flexibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If imbricated discus-shaped tiles are used, then flexibility is achieved, but weight optimization compared to SAPI plate is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The tile geometry, material composition, and thickness parameters are optimized to achieve the desired flexibility while minimizing weight. By carefully controlling these parameters and using lighter materials strategically, the system achieves flexibility comparable to or better than SAPI plates without the turtle-like discomfort, resolving the weight-flexibility contradiction.
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 system provides enhanced comfort, mobility, and multi-hit performance, while maintaining a weight comparable to SAPI plates and offering situational adaptability and improved protection for various body areas.
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 to 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 thereof
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.