Offset Layer Stab-Proof Composite Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stab protection solutions are often too thick, impairing functionality and wearing comfort, and may fail to prevent penetration by sharp objects due to structural elements giving way under pressure.

Innovation Solution

A composite structure with layers of planar surface elements offset from each other, embedded in a flexible embedding material, providing multi-layer stab protection with a low overall thickness and enhanced penetration resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional stab protection structures are used, then protection against stab wounds is provided, but the total thickness becomes too great, impairing functionality and wearing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestab protection effectivenessVSAvoidtotal thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is divided into multiple layers of surface elements (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different orientations and functions. Each layer segments the protection task, allowing thinner individual layers to work together for cumulative protection效果, reducing total thickness while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multi-layer stacking in the thickness dimension, with surface elements oriented at different angles (0°, 45°, 90°) in successive layers. This dimensional approach distributes the protective function across layers rather than relying on a single thick layer, achieving protection with reduced overall thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional stab protection structures are used, then some protection is provided, but structural elements may give way under pressure, allowing penetration by sharp objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration resistanceVSAvoidstructural element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines surface elements made of different materials (metal, plastic, ceramic) with complementary properties. Hard materials provide penetration resistance while flexible materials absorb impact energy. This composite approach creates a system where no single material needs to withstand all stresses, improving overall penetration resistance without requiring excessive strength in individual elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The embedding material serves as a cushioning matrix that surrounds and supports surface elements before impact occurs. This pre-positioned cushioning material distributes applied forces and prevents direct concentration of stress on individual surface elements, reducing the likelihood of structural failure under pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If thicker stab protection is used to ensure adequate protection, then penetration resistance improves, but wearing comfort and adaptability to body structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection adequacyVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible embedding material that can conform to body contours, and thin surface elements that provide protection without excessive bulk. The flexible nature of the embedding material allows the overall structure to adapt to body shapes, maintaining wearing comfort while achieving adequate protection through the multi-layer configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3416512B1Stabbing-proof composite structure, method for manufacturing a composite structure, stabbing-proof insert, and protective garment
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 W R
  • EP3416512B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a stabbing-proof composite structure (100), in particular for protective garments, comprising layers (102; 104; 106) of flat elements (110) that are placed on top of each other, and an embedding material (120); the flat elements (110) from different layers are offset relative to one another, and the flat elements (110) of the composite structure (100) are embedded at least in part in the embedding material (120). The invention further relates to the manufacturing of a composite structure, a stabbing-proof insert, a protective garment, and the use of a composite structure as a stabbing-proof insert or for manufacturing a protective garment.