Spaced Lightweight Composite Armor Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current armor structures face a challenge in achieving superior ballistic resistance without significant weight increase, as adding materials to enhance resistance often leads to increased weight, and existing configurations can result in backface deformation during projectile impact.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels connected by a connector instrument, where each panel comprises high-strength fibers with a tenacity of 7 g/denier or more and a tensile modulus of 150 g/denier or more, coated with a polymeric composition, to distribute and absorb projectile impact effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If armor materials are made thicker to enhance ballistic resistance, then ballistic resistance properties are improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The armor structure is divided into multiple discrete panels (first panel, second panel, and additional panels) spaced apart from each other, rather than using a single thick panel. This segmentation allows the armor to achieve superior ballistic resistance through the combined effect of multiple layers while maintaining lighter overall weight compared to a monolithic thick structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer thick armor configuration to a multi-layer spaced configuration, adding the dimension of spatial separation between panels. The panels are positioned at specific distances from each other (e.g., 0.25 inches to 2 inches) to optimize ballistic performance while reducing weight, effectively using spatial arrangement as an additional design parameter.
2Strength
If multiple panels are directly bonded together to increase ballistic resistance, then protection is enhanced, but backface deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A connector instrument serves as an intermediary element between the spaced panels, providing a controlled attachment mechanism. The connector allows the panels to work together for enhanced ballistic resistance while maintaining the spaced configuration that reduces backface deformation, mediating between the need for panel cohesion and the need for spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing spatial separation between panels in the third dimension (distance spacing), the invention reduces the harmful backface deformation effect while maintaining protective function. The spaced configuration allows energy dissipation through the air gap, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the backface.
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
This configuration maintains superior ballistic resistance while reducing backface deformation and allowing for lighter weight structures, as the spaced panels effectively slow and stop projectiles, and the polymeric composition enhances the panels' integrity and impact absorption.
Implementation Method 1
When a high speed projectile hits the first armor panel, the projectile is deformed and slowed down prior to reaching the second armor panel. When the second armor panel is hit, the projectile is either slowed down further, or stopped.
Data Source
AI summary
Lightweight, ballistic resistant articles are provided. More particularly, armor structures incorporating two or more spaced apart, ballistic resistant panels, having superior impact and ballistic performance at a light weight. The panels are spaced by air or by an intermediate material.