Modular Polymeric Armor Blocks with Embedded Hardened Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armor technologies are inadequate in effectively absorbing high-speed projectiles due to their weight and inefficiency in decelerating or deflecting incoming projectiles, leading to potential penetration and damage.
Innovation Solution
Development of lightweight polymeric blocks with interlocking mechanisms and embedded hardened objects, such as steel spheres, arranged in a matrix to deflect and absorb projectiles by decelerating or deforming them, thereby enhancing the armor's penetration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional hardened materials (steel) are used for armor, then strength and penetration resistance are improved, but weight increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polymeric foam blocks with embedded hardened objects (steel spheres, rods, or plates). The polymeric foam provides lightweight structural support while the embedded hardened objects provide penetration resistance. This composite structure achieves the strength of traditional steel armor without requiring the entire armor to be made of heavy steel, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining penetration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing hardened objects specifically within the polymeric foam blocks at strategic locations to maximize penetration resistance. Rather than making the entire armor heavy, the hardened materials are localized only where needed to intercept and defeat incoming projectiles, while the rest of the armor structure remains lightweight polymeric foam.
2Weight of moving object
If polymeric foam material is used for armor, then weight is reduced and portability is improved, but effectiveness in absorbing high-speed projectiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymeric foam with embedded hardened objects to create a composite structure where the polymeric foam provides lightweight construction and the hardened objects provide effective projectile absorption. The hardened objects deflect and deform incoming projectiles, while the polymeric foam captures and absorbs the kinetic energy, achieving both lightweight construction and reliable projectile absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardened objects are strategically positioned within the polymeric foam blocks to intercept and deflect incoming projectiles. This local placement ensures that when a projectile encounters the armor, it first meets the hardened objects that provide immediate deflection and deformation, while the surrounding polymeric foam captures the remaining kinetic energy.
3Ease of operation
If modular building blocks are used for armor assembly, then ease of assembly and adaptability are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the armor into modular building blocks that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each block contains embedded hardened objects and can be connected to other blocks through standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity, and enables the armor to be configured in different shapes and sizes according to specific protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular building blocks are designed with universal connection features that allow them to be assembled into various configurations and structures. The same basic block design can serve multiple functions and be adapted to different armor applications, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall structural complexity despite the modular approach.
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 polymeric blocks effectively absorb and capture high-velocity projectiles, providing significant protection against various calibers and configurations, while being lightweight and easily transportable for modular assembly into armor structures.
Implementation Method 1
A body formed at least partially of a polymeric material selected to retard motion of a projectile moving therethrough
Implementation Method 2
building block comprises a projection on the top surface and a recess in the bottom surface... for interlocking engagement... effectively absorb and capture high-velocity projects
Implementation Method 3
the directional path of an incoming project that encounters one of the hardened objects is deflected in such a manner as to increase the rate at which the project decelerates
Implementation Method 4
incoming projects may become deformed, disintegrate, or shatter upon encountering one or more of the hardened objects
Data Source
AI summary
A building block for constructing a projectile absorbing armor. The building block has at least one interlocking male connector and at least one female connector. The interlocking male connector and said female connector are sized for interlocking engagement. The invention is also generally directed to a structure having projectile absorbing armor having at least two building blocks in interlocking engagement. The building blocks are constructed from projectile resistant material and may have various features to prevent the passage of a projectile through the block.