Multilayer Ballistic Glass Composition for Lower-Weight BR7 Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of traditional ballistic glass in armored vehicles and aircraft is limited by its weight, which restricts its application in weight-sensitive environments.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight ballistic glass composition comprising multiple layers of borosilicate glass separated by aliphatic polyurethane film layers and polycarbonate sheets, optimized for thickness and arrangement to enhance elasticity and strength while minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ballistic glass is used to provide ballistic protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers of borosilicate glass with polyurethane interlayers and polycarbonate sheets. This multi-material composite structure achieves ballistic protection effectiveness (meeting CEN 1063 Level BR7 standard) while reducing overall weight compared to traditional monolithic ballistic glass. The different materials contribute their specific properties: borosilicate glass provides hardness and scratch resistance, polyurethane provides toughness and energy absorption, and polycarbonate provides impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ballistic glass into multiple discrete layers including several borosilicate glass layers separated by polyurethane interlayers, with polycarbonate sheets integrated throughout the structure. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions and enables the overall structure to achieve superior ballistic protection with reduced weight compared to a single thick glass panel.
2Reliability
If multiple layers are added to enhance ballistic resistance, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a single integrated multi-layer structure. The borosilicate glass layers, polyurethane interlayers, and polycarbonate sheets are combined into one cohesive ballistic glass assembly that simultaneously provides hardness, toughness, impact resistance, and ballistic protection. This merging approach achieves high ballistic resistance while managing structural complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
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 ballistic protection with a reduced weight, meeting the CEN 1063 Level BR7 standard, suitable for use in armored vehicles, aircraft, and mobile ballistic shields.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of borosilicate glass layers may be separated from an adjacent borosilicate glass layer by at least one of the plurality of exterior aliphatic polyurethane film layers
Implementation Method 2
The lightweight ballistic glass may be operable to mitigate a ballistic attack received on an exterior surface of the glass
Implementation Method 3
The ballistic glass may include a plurality of borosilicate glass layers and a plurality of exterior aliphatic polyurethane film layers
Data Source
AI summary
Lightweight ballistic glasses are provided that provide effective protection from ballistic attack while also being lightweight enough for use in armored vehicles and aircraft. In addition to other embodiments, a multilayered lightweight ballistic glass is provided that meets the CEN 1063 Level BR7 standard while having a weight of no greater than about 155 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2), and a total thickness of less than about 75 mm.