Variable-Angle Suspended Armor Elements for Threat Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armor systems are inflexible and inadequate against a range of projectile threats, particularly shaped charge jets (SCJs) and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs), as they are optimized for a narrow spectrum of threats and struggle to adapt to emerging threats in operationally relevant time scales, leading to potential hazards and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive armor system featuring armor elements with a hinge system, actuator mechanism, and tension support that allows for angular orientation adjustment relative to the vehicle, enabling dynamic reconfiguration to counter various threats while minimizing weight and facilitating maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed armor is used, then the armor provides stable protection against known threats, but it cannot adapt to emerging threats and creates mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic armor elements that can change their angular orientation relative to the vehicle body through rotation about a longitudinal axis. The armor elements are mounted on hinge systems with actuators that enable real-time adjustment of armor angle, transforming the static armor configuration into a dynamic system capable of adapting to different threat vectors and operational requirements.
2Reliability
If adaptive armor mechanisms are added, then threat counteraction capability improves, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armor system is divided into discrete, independently controllable armor elements rather than a monolithic structure. Each armor element can be individually actuated and positioned, allowing the system to achieve complex protective configurations through simple, standardized components. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high threat defeat capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular orientation parameter of armor elements to optimize protection against different threat types. By varying the angle of armor elements relative to incoming projectiles, the system can dramatically alter penetration resistance without changing the physical armor material or structure, providing adaptive protection through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
3Strength
If armor elements are positioned closer to the vehicle body, then protection effectiveness increases, but maneuverability in tight quarters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armor elements are mounted on extendable hinge systems that allow the armor to dynamically adjust its distance from the vehicle body. When maximum protection is required, armor elements can be positioned closer to the body; when maneuverability is needed, they can be retracted outward, creating a variable-profile system that adapts to different operational contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel adaptive armor system includes an array of armor elements, a hinge system, an actuator mechanism, and a tension support. The hinge system permits rotation of the armor elements about respective axes to change their orientation with respect to the vehicle body. The tension support is movably coupled between the actuator mechanism and the array and bears at least some of the weight of the armor elements in tension. The actuator mechanism moves the tension support (e.g., under the control of a controller) to change the angular orientation of at least some armor elements. Each armor element can include a tray that removably receives different ERA cassettes therein. An exemplary method includes detecting an incoming threat projectile, assessing at least one characteristic specific to the projectile, and changing the angular orientation of the array in a manner to defeat the incoming projectile. The invention provides threat adaptability while minimizing added weight and vehicle size.