Opaque Armor Visual Awareness System Using Light Redirecting Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent armor used in ground vehicles is heavy, restricts interior space, reduces visual clarity, and offers limited protection against ballistic and explosive threats, making it a tactical disadvantage.
Innovation Solution
A visual awareness system comprising opaque armor with reflective surfaces and optical components that direct light around the armor, providing clear vision while blocking direct projectile paths, using mirrors, prisms, and various armor materials to ensure protection without adding significant weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transparent armor is made thicker to provide proper protection, then protection level is improved, but interior cabin volume is reduced and visual acuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mirrors to redirect light paths, effectively creating an optical path that bypasses the armor thickness. By changing the dimension of light propagation from direct transmission through thick armor to reflected paths around the armor, the system maintains protection while preserving interior space and visual acuity.
2Strength
If transparent armor is made thicker to provide proper protection, then protection level is improved, but visual acuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mirrors create an indirect optical path that allows light to reach the occupant's eyes without passing through thick armor material. This dimensional change in light propagation preserves visual clarity while maintaining the protective function of the thick armor.
3Strength
If the size of windshield or window is reduced to make it structurally stronger, then protection level is improved, but driver's line of sight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By using mirrors to redirect light, the system effectively expands the visual field available to the driver without requiring a larger physical window opening. The optical path folding allows a smaller physical aperture to provide the same visual information as a larger direct opening would.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual information is segmented into multiple reflected paths from different portions of the armor surface, which are then combined in the driver's field of view. This segmentation allows the total visual area to exceed the physical window area.
4Loss of information
If transparent armor is used to provide vision to occupants, then visual awareness is improved, but weight is increased significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical function from the armor material itself by introducing separate mirror components. Instead of relying on the armor material to transmit light directly, the mirrors are extracted as distinct elements that redirect light paths, allowing the use of lighter armor materials while maintaining visual awareness.
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 offers enhanced protection and visibility by redirecting light around the armor, reducing weight and increasing operational safety without compromising visual acuity, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional transparent armor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one top component having an armored body and at least one reflective surface, at least one middle component having an armored body and at least one reflective surface, at least one bottom component having an armored body and at least one reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for visual awareness that replaces transparent armor with opaque armor while still providing for clear vision for the occupants of a vehicle. The system and method may include a number of components with at least one partially mirrored surface. A component may have an armored base and a reflective surface or other means for directing light. The components may be arranged in a manner to block the direct path of a threat while still allowing a given optical path through the system.