Patent Application
20080141852
Given the current situation in Iraq and other hotspots around the world, a real need ballistic protective material that is lightweight, cost effective, field ready, and rapidly deployable would be advantageous. While some combat vehicles are protected, many are not and the current situation in Iraq is that roadside bombs and high velocity projectiles are leaving many soldiers wounded.
Many ask the question ‘Why aren't military vehicles in Iraq and other places more protected?’ The answer seems to be that war is changing. It use to be that tanks came under heavy fire but now wheeled vehicles such as, e.g., HMMVs, FMTV's, 5-Ton and 2½-Ton Trucks come under heavy fire. These types of vehicles are often targets for insurgents in Iraq, and elsewhere, interested in creating instability. These forces work behind the scenes and instead of launching a clear attack, seem satisfied to cause havoc by using roadside bombs and independent strikes.
There are stories pouring out of Iraq that military personnel are buying armor over the internet or attempting to create their own makeshift armor in an effort to survive. It is widely agreed upon that the military is not prepared for this new type of fighting and that military personnel are trying their best to survive. A better solution is needed. Conventional armor (steel) is too time consuming, expensive and heavy (reduces the vehicle's efficiency and makes it difficult to transport the vehicle) to adequately solve the problem. While ballistic products are readily available in the United States, many are quite expensive and others are not field ready.
Methods and apparatus overcome disadvantages described above. Embodiments of the methods and apparatus provide lightweight, cost effective, field ready, and rapidly deployable ballistic protective material. Embodiments of the method and apparatus also have the advantage of being easy to manufacture and are made of readily-available materials.
These and other advantages may be achieved by a ballistic panel for providing protection includes a three-dimensional core designed as a structural truss that includes a plurality of nodes and provides structural support of the ballistic panel, a ceramic grinding layer that includes a plurality of ceramic grinding media that fills in the nodes of the core, an elastomeric, self-healing outer coating that encapsulates the ceramic grinding layer and a backing affixed to a non-threat side of the ballistic panel. The core absorbs and dissipates force from projectile and explosive force impacts on the ballistic panel and the ceramic grinding layer re-directs and causes the projectiles to break apart.
These and other advantages may be provided by a ballistic panel for providing ballistic protection including a flexible three-dimensional core, a ceramic layer and a self-healing, elastic outer coating. The flexible three-dimensional core includes a plurality of tightly-packed node cells and protrusions that provide structural strength, dissipate force from impacting projectiles, contain the effects of impacting projectiles, and enable the ballistic panel to be bent and formed in curved shapes. The ceramic layer surrounds the core and fills in the node cells. The self-healing, elastic outer coating encloses the intermediate layer and core.
The detailed description will refer to the following drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives are described herein. Systems incorporating such apparatus are also described herein. Embodiments of the methods and apparatus provide a light-weight ballistic panel that is an effective barrier or shield against high-velocity rounds or explosives. Various embodiments of ballistic panel are self-healing, able to withstand multiple attacks, portable, easy to install, absorb instead of deflecting rounds, relatively lightweight, and inexpensive.
With reference now to
Ballistic panel 10 can be made in almost any size or shape. For example, ballistic panels 10 were made that are 10″×10″ with a 1-2″ thickness, weighing approx. 10-13 lbs. Ballistic panel 10 can be made in varying thickness depending on the protection needed. See below for description of exemplary additional size and shape ballistic panels 10.
With continuing reference to
The embodiment of core 12 shown includes parallel, alternating rows of protrusions 22 and nodes 24 on each side of core 10, perpendicular to the X-axis in FIG. 1A. In other words, this embodiment of core 12 has, in order, a row of protrusions 22, a row of nodes 24, a row of protrusions 22, a row of nodes 24, and so on, repeating across core 12 perpendicular to the X-axis, where each row is parallel to the other rows. Protrusions 22 in each protrusion row are preferably approximately equidistant from the neighboring protrusions 22 in the same row. Likewise, nodes 24 in each node row are preferably approximately equidistant from the neighboring nodes 24 in the same row. The protrusion rows are preferably offset from one another so that where there is gap between protrusions 22 in one row, there is protrusion 22 in the next row. The node rows are preferably also similarly offset from one another so that where there is gap between nodes 24 in one row, there is node 24 in the next row. Consequently, in this embodiment, nodes 24 in each node row are aligned with protrusions 22 in one neighboring protrusion row and the gaps between protrusions 22 in the other neighboring protrusion row. As a result of this configuration, each node 24 (accept for nodes 24 on the ends of rows) is surrounded by three protrusions 22 on the same side of core 12. The triangular area around node 24 defined by the surrounding protrusions 22 (with the node 22 at the center point) is node cell 26. Node cells 26 are described in greater detail below.
The above-described configuration with parallel rows of equidistant protrusions 22 is not readily apparent in
Alternative configurations of core 12 may also be used. With reference now to
With continuing reference to
For example,
As shown in
In certain embodiments, ceramic spheres 28 range in size from 0.5 to 30 mm and are typically referred to as grinding media or mill lining products. For example, 2 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm diameter ceramic spheres 28 may be used. An embodiment of ceramic spheres 28 are made primarily out of aluminum oxide with a small amount of zirconium silicate or other additives. Such ceramic spheres 28 have been used for de-agglomeration, grinding, mixing and particle size reduction for such products as minerals, floor and wall tile, porcelain enamel coatings for cookware etc. Other shapes, sizes, and materials for ceramic layer 14 may be used if they provide the same or similar performance characteristics as ceramic spheres 28. For example, Zirconium may be used or non-spherical shapes may be used.
With continuing reference to
Outer coating 18 is designed to enclose and hold ballistic panel 10 together and provide self-healing characteristics. In an embodiment, outer coating 18 comprises a polymer layer applied to the entire, bonded ceramic layer 16. Alternatively, outer coating may only be applied to one side of ballistic panel 10. In an embodiment, outer coating 18 is an elastomeric, expandable, polyurethane, solvent free 100% solids polymer layer (e.g., a Rhinocast™ truck bed liner product). This polymer layer can be successfully sprayed on in an even layer and provides ideal results. Other materials for outer coating 18 may be used that provide the same or similar performance, such as other two component chemical processing systems that include pouring a polyurethane into a mold that becomes tack free in seconds.
After a round penetrates ballistic panel 10, the entry point is minimized based on the elastic properties of outer coating 18 polymer layer. In other words, outer coating 18 “self-heals,” reducing the size of the entry point. In addition, the self-healing action hides the point of entry, which prevents an assailant from easily targeting the same hole. Outer coating 18 also helps to contain broken ceramic spheres 28 of ceramic layer 14 thereby providing multiple hit protection and enabling the broken ceramic spheres 28 to act on additional projectiles.
With continuing reference to
Alternative embodiments of ballistic panel 10 may replace ceramic layer 14 with some other filler (e.g., sand, fine clay, etc). Also, as sand is a ceramic media, ceramic layer 14 may simply comprise sand. Such embodiments may eliminate bonding media 16. Likewise, outer coating 18 may be not be necessary for some applications. Indeed, alternative embodiments of ballistic panel 10 may comprise only core 12 and a filler.
With reference now to
With continued reference to
Embodiments of core 12 may also include casting walls 30 around the outside of core 12. Casting walls 30 allow core 12 to contain ceramic layer 14 (e.g., ceramic spheres 28) and bonding media 16 (e.g., casting urethane) during casting of ceramic layer 14. In this manner, core 12 provides a self-contained casting unit for ballistic panel 10. As shown in
Casting walls 30 may define the shape of ballistic panel 10. For example, if a square ballistic panel 10 is desired, casting walls 30 will be fabricated so as to form a square. If a triangular or circular ballistic panel 10 is desired, casting walls 30 will be fabricated to form triangle or circle. Casting walls 30 may be fabricated in any manner of two-dimensional shape desired (e.g., square, circle, triangle, rectangle, parallelogram, diamond, irregular shapes, non-symmetrical shapes, etc.). Consequently, ballistic panel 10 can be almost any manner of two-dimensional shape.
With continued reference to
With reference now to
With reference now to
It is important to note that core 12, e.g., as illustrated in
While the concept behind most traditional armor is to laminate fibers and use steel or ceramic plates to slow down or deflect high velocity rounds, embodiments of ballistic panel 10 use a dual approach of first reducing the mass of the round by a chain reaction of ceramic spheres 28 within node cell 26 and then absorbing and translating the resulting shock with core 12.
This unique combination of materials and layers in ballistic panel 10 appears to work through a grinding action that grinds down the projectile, and the translation of the force of the projectile into multiple directions, creating a destructive circumstance. The ceramic layer 14 performs the grinding action, breaking apart the projectile and translating some of the force of the projectile into multiple directions. The grinding action appears to grind away the outer jacket of a round, exposing the lead within. The round is subjected to high friction and other forces and resulting high temperatures that turn lead into molten. Some of ceramic spheres 28 may break apart during impact and grinding of the projectile.
Core 12 may absorb and translate some of the force of the projectile and may contain the affects of the projectile's impact within node cell 26 (or node-less cell 32) of ceramic spheres defined by core 12. As discussed above, core 12 may transfer some of the force of the projectile to backing 20 and/or to the material on which ballistic panel 10 is mounted. Outer coating 18 seals ballistic panel 10 so that ceramic particles do not leak out. Outer coating 18 provide self-healing characteristics so that ballistic panel 10 that has been hit previously still provides superior protection. The giving, yet self-healing characteristics of outer coating 18 may also help prevent deflection of the projectile out of ballistic panel 10.
Embodiments of ballistic panel 10 may be used as a portable fighting wall, a ballistic shield for vehicles or aircrafts, perimeter guard post or when setting up a temporary base camp. Multiple layers of core 12 may be added for different threat levels. Likewise, multiple ballistic panels 10 may be stacked to increase protection. Furthermore, additional protective materials, such as steel or ceramic plate, may be combined with ballistic panels 10.
Ballistic panel 10 is ideal for vehicle protection, and can be easily attached to doors, passenger and driver compartments, cabs, roofs, etc., to provide protection. Ballistic panel 10 may be manufactured and molded in a variety of shapes, enabling it to be used, e.g., as flooring, walls, doors, vehicle seats, cargo area panels building blocks or bricks. Consequently, ballistic panel 10 may be molded in the shape of a vehicle (e.g., HMMV, truck, FMTV, etc.) door and be used to replace standard doors on the vehicle, providing greatly increased protection without significant added weight or cost. Likewise, ballistic panel 10 may be molded in the shape of vehicle seats, replacing standard vehicle seats and providing greatly increased protection without significant added weight or cost. Furthermore, ballistic panel 10 building blocks or bricks may be used to create armored buildings, bunkers, and structures that would be significantly more resistant to explosions (e.g., from suicide bombers), ballistic rounds, mortars, etc. Ballistic panel 10 may be manufactured as interlocking panels that can be joined together to form a seamless wall of protection. Other applications include security check points, modular walls and doors built from ballistic panel building blocks to secure sensitive areas in airports, nuclear facilities, fuel depots, government facilities, etc. First response vehicles, police vehicles, HAZMAT vehicles, and mobile command centers could be protected by ballistic panels 10.
Multiple ballistic panels 10 may be combined to form specific use structures. For example, ballistic panels 10 could be combined to form a “bomb-box” which is used to contain the blast from a suspected or known explosive device. The bomb-box would be a box (e.g., a hollow cube) formed by ballistic panels 10. The walls of the bomb box may be formed by ballistic panels 10. A bomb squad could drop the bomb-box on the explosive device and then wait for the explosive device to go off or trigger the explosive device, containing the explosion within the bomb-box. The bomb-box could include devices (straps, bolts, anchors, etc.) for securing the bomb-box to the ground.
It should also be noted that embodiments of ballistic panel 10 has sound-absorbing properties. The combination of materials, layers and structure in embodiments of ballistic panel act also to absorb sound. This is particularly useful to reduce the “clang” or “ringing” effect of explosions and projectiles, particularly within enclosed areas such as vehicles. These sonic effects can be very disorienting to soldiers, and therefore, are themselves battlefield hazards ballistic panel 10 can help to reduce.
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference now to
As discussed above, ballistic panel 10 may be used as a door or door panel. Similarly, ballistic panel 10 may be used as a wall or portion of wall. Often it will be necessary or desirous to be able to have some ability to see through a door or wall formed with ballistic panels 10. With reference now to
Ballistic panel 10 may also be manufactured from clear and/or semi-clear materials, such as clear plastic, ceramics and polymers, that enable light to pass through ballistic panel 10. Such a construction may enable ballistic panel 10 to be used as windows or for providing natural light sources. This construction would enable, e.g., buildings constructed from ballistic panel 10 building blocks to have protected windows made from ballistic panel 10. Likewise, clear ballistic panels 10 may be combined with opaque ballistic panels 10 to form an entire wall with a window from ballistic panels 10.
Embodiments of ballistic panel 10 are remarkably successful in stopping high-velocity rounds. Testing has shown embodiments of ballistic panel 10 capable of stopping high-velocity full metal jacket rounds as well as armor-piercing rounds. So not only does ballistic panel 10 work extremely well in testing but it remains relatively lightweight, easy to assemble and the cost is well below anything else on the market.
Ballistic panel 10 can stop high velocity and withstand lower velocity fragmentation, shrapnel, and related explosive force, like in a case of RPG (Rocket Propel Grenade) low velocity high fragment. For blunt force impacts, core 12 appears to helps dissipate the load. By allowing ceramic layer 14 (e.g., ceramic spheres 28) to move independently within nodes 24 defined by core 12, core 12 helps to minimize damage to ballistic panel 10. Consequently, ballistic panel 10 can withstand multiple strikes in a small area.
Observation shows that embodiments of ballistic panel 10 appear to work in the following manner. A high-velocity round enters outer layer 18. Outer layer 18 absorbs some of the force of the round and applies some friction to the round, which helps to heat it up and slow it down. The elastic nature of outer layer 18 allows it to “self-heal” so that the hole left by the entry of the round is much smaller than the diameter of the round. This increases the durability and re-usability of ballistic panel 10.
After passing through outer layer 18, the round encounters bonded ceramic layer 14 (e.g., ceramic spheres 28). Bonded ceramic layer 14 absorbs and translates even more of the force of the round. In embodiments comprising ceramic spheres 28, which are often used for grinding and de-agglomeration, ceramic spheres 28 appear to grind the round. This grinding may grind off the outer layer or jacket (e.g., the full-metal jacket) of the round, creating great friction and resulting heat and exposing the inner portion (e.g., lead) of the round. The grinding appears to break up the round. The friction and heat appear to act to further slow down the round, disintegrating and possibly melting the round, particularly the generally softer inner portion. Melting the inner portion may cause the round to dissipate some, reducing its effective mass and enabling ceramic layer 14 and core 12 to further absorb the round's force, slow the round down, and eventually stop the round. The grinding and/or melting of the round may result in multiple pieces of the round, which are then re-directed upon impact with ceramic spheres 28. After being struck by a round, many of ceramic spheres 28 are broken, often crushed into a powder. Bonding media 16 helps to contain the broken and affected ceramic spheres 28, enabling broken ceramic spheres 28 to still be affective in stopping additional rounds and impacts and maintaining the integrity of ballistic panel 10.
Core 12 of ballistic panel 10 acts as a further force absorber and translator. Core 12 appears to act to help contain the force and effects of the penetrating round within an affected node cell 26 (or node-less cell 32) defined by a set of protrusions 22 of the Tetrahedron- and Octahedron-shape (e.g., the octet truss shape). When a round strikes ballistic panel 10, core 12 appears to help contain its affects to bonded ceramic spheres 28 in the area of node cell 26 (or node-less cell 32) struck by the round. Further, core 12 itself also appears to absorb at least some of the remaining, dissipated force of the round. Whatever remaining force of the round that makes it through core 12, if any, appears to be absorbed by bonded ceramic spheres 28 on the opposite side of core 12 and by backing 20 or the material on which ballistic panel 10 is mounted in much the same manner as described above.
As mentioned above, core 12 of ballistic panel 10 appears to play a significant role in absorbing and translating the force of lower velocity, fragmentary, shrapnel and explosive impacts, such as RPGs and roadside bombs. The size of ceramic spheres 28 appears to be directly related to the caliber of the round capable of being stopped by ballistic panel 10. In an embodiment of ballistic panel 10, the size and shape of core 12 of ballistic panel 10, particularly nodes 24 of core 12, are chosen so that ceramic spheres 28 fit tightly and well within nodes 24 of core 12—see, e.g.,
The following are exemplary results from the testing of an embodiment of ballistic panel 10. A test was performed using Armor Piercing Rounds. All rounds were fired at 10 yards from the target.
Tests of an embodiment of ballistic panel 10 show that it exceeds the National Institute of Justice Ballistic Standards (NIJ) level III threat rating and the Underwriters Laboratory UL 752 Ballistic Standards UL level VIII. Most national testing laboratory require only five rounds spaced 4 to 4.5 inches apart. An embodiment of ballistic panel 10 stopped all 29 rounds, some just a few millimeters from the other.
Test results on a 2.2″ embodiment of ballistic panel 10 are shown below:
Issues and Some of the Variables that can be Modified for Different Applications:
With reference now to
Core 12 may be formed 42, for example, from a plastic sheet using known processes. For example, core 12 may be formed using mechanical thermoforming. For example, polycarbonate may be heated and then pressed between two plywood forms with pegs (other structures) placed, sized and shaped on the plywood form in order to form protrusions 22 on each side of core 12. The plywood forms may also include structures that form bonding walls 30. Other material for the forms may be used. Likewise, other material for core 12 may be used. Core 12 may also be formed by pouring core material into a pre-formed mold. Other processes for forming 42 core 12 processes such as injection molding, reaction injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, vacuum forming, twin sheet forming, and stamping. Core 12 may be formed in whatever shape is desired for end application of ballistic panel 10. Numerous examples of such applications are provided herein. With reference now to
Adding 44 ceramic layer 14 may include, for example, filing core 12 on both sides with ceramic spheres 28 so that ceramic spheres 28 fill in nodes 24, node cells 26, and node-less cells 32 in core 12. This may be done, for example, by pouring ceramic spheres 28 into and onto one side of core 12, applying a press or some other mechanism for keeping the poured ceramic spheres 28 in place, flipping core 12 over and repeating the process for the other side of core 12. In an embodiment, ceramic layer 14 snugly fills core 12 and covers all but the ends or tops of protrusions 22 on either side of core 12. With reference now to
Bonding 46 ceramic layer 14 may include applying bonding media 16 to ceramic layer 14. This may be done, for example, by pouring a casting urethane into ceramic layer 14. Typical casting urethanes cure at room temperature, although heat may be introduced to speed up the curing process. The casting, bonding or encapsulated material that may be used for bonding media 16 provides a wide variety of hardness and performance. For example, PolyTeK EasyFlo™ 120 may be used. With reference now to
Applying 48 outer coating 18 may include applying a self-healing polymer onto the bonded ceramic layer 14. For example, outer coating 18 may be sprayed, dipped or cast. For example, in an embodiment, a truck bed liner (e.g., Rhinocast™) is sprayed on. Likewise, in an embodiment, outer coating 18 is applied 48 using two component chemical processing system that includes pouring a polyurethane into a mold that becomes tack free in seconds. With reference now to
Method 40 of making ballistic panel 10 may also include attaching backing 20. Backing 20 may be attached to ballistic panel 10 using known means. For example, backing 20 may be attached to ballistic panel 10 with adhesives, straps, bolts or other attaching devices. The straps, bolts or other attaching devices may be bonded to ballistic panel 10 as part of bonding 46 and/or applying 48. For example, ends of bolts could be inserted into ceramic layer 16 and bonding media 16 may be poured into ceramic layer 16, bonding the bolt ends to ceramic layer 16. Outer coating 18 may then be applied 48 around and/or onto the protruding bolts.
After ceramic layer 14 is added, ceramic layer 14 is bonded 46 (e.g., a bonding media 16 is applied), as illustrated in
After bonding media 16 is applied, backing 20 may be bonded to the partially constructed ballistic panel 10, as illustrated in
Outer coating 18 is then applied 48 to ballistic panel 10, as illustrated in
Physics and observation may be used to explain how ballistic panel 10 works. Through calculating the momentum (energy=mass×velocity2÷the coefficient) of different caliber bullets and physical testing, it was discovered that at the same distance two bullets with the same momentum penetrate differently. The bullet with smaller mass and higher velocity always penetrated further then a bullet with lower velocity and greater mass. Consequently, affecting the velocity of the bullet appeared to be important.
Through analysis, it was determined that a mass that acted more like a dense fluid would be more effective than layering materials on top of one another and new constructions were made and tried.
Isaac Newton's first law of motion is often stated “An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” This means if the direction of an object in motion is changed, the speed of the object may be affected. Likewise, the more times the object changes direction the more the speed will be affected. It appears that this is what happens when a bullet hits ceramic spheres inside ballistic panel. The hardness, strength and the collective mass and density of ceramic layer is much greater then the bullet. Consequently, when the bullet enters ballistic panel, ceramic layer forces it to change direction. Within a microsecond ballistic panel has affected the velocity of the bullet by redirecting its path.
Isaac Newton's Third Law is formally stated as “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” A force is a push or pull upon an object which results from its interaction with another object. Forces result from interactions. Some forces are the result of contact interactions (normal, frictional, tensional and applied forces are example of contact forces). According to Newton, whenever objects A (ceramic spheres) and B (bullet) interact with each other, they exert force upon each other. Therefore, the result is frictional force to one degree or another. The frictional force acts to slow down and re-direct the bullet.
This frictional force also produces intense heat. This heat appears to break the bullet apart. By breaking apart the bullet, the bullet's surface area is increased. Increasing the surface also increases the amount of contact interaction between objects A and B. Once the outer layer is stripped from the bullet, the intense heat appears to melt the softer lead interior, further reducing the overall mass of the bullet and breaking it apart. Core 12 appears to contain, absorb and dissipate any resulting force, including forces transferred from the bullet to ceramic layer 14.
The following describes further physics that explain how ballistic panel 10 works. A moving bullet that is about to hit an armor plate has a certain amount of kinetic energy. The job of the armor is to absorb this energy before the bullet penetrates the armor. In physical terms, in order for the armor to stop a bullet, frictional forces between the armor and the bullet must do work on the bullet whose magnitude equals the kinetic energy of the bullet. From elementary physics:
work=force*(distance traveled by the bullet)
The more work the armor can do on the bullet, the more kinetic energy it can absorb. Clearly, work can be increased if you can increase the frictional force, or increase the distance the bullet travels, or both. Obviously the distance can be increased simply by making the armor thicker.
Diagram 1 illustrates the situation where a bullet enters a piece of conventional armor. It is assumed that the bullet goes straight, and is brought to a complete halt after traveling a distance “d”, which is the thickness of the armor. The thin arrow pointing up is the path of the bullet; the thick arrows labeled “N” represent the force of the armor against the case of bullet. Note that these are perpendicular (“normal”) to the casing of the bullet. The short, thin arrows pointing down are the force of friction.
Recall that the normal force is what gives rise to the friction force, the magnitudes of these forces being related by the coefficient of friction “μ” between the two materials: f=μN. Since the magnitude of the work done on the bullet by the frictional force is the same as the original kinetic energy of the bullet, a simple equation can be set up to find the thickness “d” that is needed to prevent penetration:
Alternatively, the equation on the left can be solved for the maximum velocity of a bullet that could be stopped by a thickness “d” of the armor:
or, the equation can be solved for the biggest mass that could be stopped by that thickness:
In either case, the formulas show that if either “d” or “f” is made larger
Now imagine that the armor could change the direction of the bullet immediately after the bullet pierces the outside. Diagram 2 shows a simplified situation: the bullet follows the arc of a circle whose radius is the thickness of the armor. Clearly, the distance that the bullet travels along the arc is greater than the thickness (about 1.57 times greater in this simplified case). Thus, forcing the bullet to change its direction is accomplishes the goal of increasing “d”.
As before, the normal forces give rise to the friction forces. However, because the bullet is now traveling in a circular path, we need to consider the effect of the centripetal force (indicated by the large arrow). Centripetal force is always present for circular motion, and is directed to the center of the circle. From the diagram, we can see that this extra force is also perpendicular to the bullet's direction. Thus, there is another source of frictional force; “f” has been increased.
In the case of ballistic panel 10, there may be multiple changes of directions affected on the bullet by ceramic layer 14. Each change of direction may cause a further frictional force to be exerted on the bullet, helping to slow it down further.
The following is an exemplary description of how an embodiment of ballistic panel 10 works. A high-velocity bullet approaches ballistic panel 10 and penetrates outer coating 18 of ballistic panel 10. At impact, bullet's path is perpendicular to ballistic panel 10. The bullet impacts ceramic spheres 28 that make up ceramic layer 14 in this embodiment. Bonding media 16 reduces the displacement of ceramic spheres 28 away from the bullet. Some of ceramic spheres 28 break up on impact. Ceramic spheres 28 begin to grind the bullet as the bullet on impact. As described above, a significant frictional force is generated due to these impacts.
Outer coating 18 seals up behind the bullet as the bullet completely penetrates outer coating 18. As explained above, this is due to the elastic nature of outer coating 18. This self-healing helps to contain ceramic spheres 28, enabling ballistic panel 10 to withstand multiple hits to the same area.
The frictional force generated by the impacts of the bullet with ceramic spheres 28 generates extreme heat. The heat and the frictional force act on the bullet to break apart the jacket of the bullet, exposing the softer, lead inner layer of the bullet. As a result of these forces, the path of the bullet may no longer be perpendicular to ballistic panel 10. In other words, forces exerted on the bullet may change its direction.
The continuing frictional forces being exerted on the bullet generate greater and greater heat. This heat melts the softer, lead inner layer of the bullet. As the bullet penetrates further into ballistic panel 10, it may continue to change direction and to further dissipate as the lead is turned molten. Core 12 appears to contain the affects of the bullet within the affected node cell 26 of core 12. Force is transferred to core 12 from ceramic layer 14. This force transfer further dissipates the force of the bullet, as the force is communicated along the structure (protrusions 22) of core 12, to ceramic layer 14 on the non-impact side of ballistic panel 10, and to backing 20 or the material on which ballistic panel 10 is mounted. The remnants of the bullet may come to rest in node cell 26 of core 12. These remnants and the broken apart ceramic spheres 28 are contained within node cell 26 by bonding media 16 and the self-healed outer coating 18.
As discussed above, ballistic panel 10 may comprise a variety of size and shape cores 12 and ceramic layers 14. Similarly, ceramic layer 14 may include a variety of size and shape ceramic shapes (ceramic components). With reference now to
With specific reference now to
With specific reference now to
Not only is core 12 not limited to specific tetrahedron- and octahedron-like shapes or specific octet-truss shapes, but core 12 is not limited to a rigid form either. Packing of nodes 24 and node cells 26 of core 12 closer together permits a greater flexibility of core 12. For example, if node-less cells 32 are eliminated from core 12, nodes 24 and node cells 26 are packed closer together. This closer node cell 26 packing enables core 12 to be flexible and bendable (more flexible materials for core 12 may be chosen to increase flexibility and bendability). The embodiments of core 12 shown in
A flexible and bendable core 12, in turn, permits ballistic panel 10 to be configured and molded as rounded or curved shapes. For example, ballistic panel 10 may be configured as a cylinder or even a cone-like shape. Ballistic panel 10 may be molded to fit around curved surfaces, such as curved vehicle panels or other curved structures. Enabling ballistic panel 10 to be rounded and curved increases possible applications of ballistic panel 10 many-fold. The following is a description of one such novel application utilizing a rounded and curved ballistic panel 10.
With reference now to
Secure can 60 can be used in any public place as an effective containment device. Secure can 60 looks like an ordinary trash can and can be easily emptied. However, if a bomb is placed in secure can 60, the ballistic panel 10 and core 12 technology minimizes the effects of any explosion, absorbing the resulting force. Secure can 60 is designed specifically for blast suppression, trapping fragments and reducing overall heat and dust fallout. As an option, secure can 60 may include a Nuclear-Biochemical-Chemical (“NBC”) decontaminate stored in its lid and/or walls that would be released at the point of detonation. NBC decontaminate may be a liquid, powder, or other solid decontaminate formulated to decontaminate nuclear, biological and/or chemical agents released by an explosion. NBC decontaminates are known to those of skill in the art; one decontaminate is chlorine dioxide. The energy from a blast would launch the decontaminate.
With references to
Inner liner 62 may be made out of polyethylene or other similar and appropriate material. Curved ballistic panel 64 may include one or more tetrahedron-shaped core(s) 12 in any shape, bent or flexed in a cylinder and ceramic layer 14 or other filler (e.g., sand or ceramic spheres 28). Curved ballistic panel 64 may include a single core 12 that extends the full height of secure can 60 all the way around circumference of secure can 60. Alternatively, curved ballistic panel 64 may include multiple cores 12, extending around circumference of secure can 60, stacked vertically on top of one another to match height of secure can 60 or multiple cylindrical cores 12 that only extend part way around circumference of secure can 60. Core 12 may be made out of ABS plastic. Core 12 may be filled in with ceramic layer 14, as described herein, or with another readily available filler such as sand. In
After assembly, inner liner 62, curved ballistic panel 64, NBC decontaminate 66, and outer layer 68 may be coated with an elastomeric, expandable, polyurethane, solvent free 100% solids polymer layer (e.g., a Rhinocast™ truck bed liner product) similar to outer coating 18 described above. This polymer layer can be successfully sprayed on in an even layer and provides ideal results. Other materials may be used that provide the same or similar performance, such as other two component chemical processing systems that include pouring a polyurethane into a mold that becomes tack free in seconds. Trim ring covers the top of inner liner 62/outer layer 68 so they are not visible and may be made out of ABS plastic.
With reference now to
Lid 70 with NBC decontaminate layer 72 is a unique combination of features itself. Lid 70 may be incorporated into other secure trash cans and receptacles other than secure can 60. In other words, lid 70 may also be used with trash cans that use means other than ballistic panel 10 to contain an explosive blast (e.g., concrete, steel, etc.). Since most secure trash cans and receptacles are configured to shape explosive blasts upward, lid 70 may be quite useful in decontaminating any NBC elements in such blasts.
As discussed above, ballistic panel 10 may be used in a variety of applications. Among the many possible applications is the use of ballistic panels 10 as building blocks or as components of building blocks or other structural components used in constructing structures. Ballistic panel 10 technology may be adapted for building structures, protecting government facilities, airports and important landmarks. Such applications may incorporate ballistic panels 10 configured as described above with core 12, ceramic layer 14, bonding media 16, and outer coating 18. Other applications may incorporate ballistic panels 10 that comprise core 12 alone with some filler (e.g., sand, other ceramic media, fine-particle clay, etc.) that is easily applied in the “field” (e.g., in a war zone, security zone, rapid-deployment area, etc.) by, e.g., soldiers or security personnel. Such applications may provide for adding outer coating 18 in the field as well.
With reference now to
With reference now to
After ballistic panels 10 (e.g., cores 12) are inserted into building block 80, filler 82 is added to ballistic panels 10 and building block 80. Filler 82 may be sand or other ceramic media. With reference now to
With reference now to
Building blocks 80 and ballistic panels 10 designed for use therewith may be sold or provided separately or as a kit. Provided as a kit, an end user simply needs to add readily available filler and assemble, and building blocks 80 may be used to construct a protective structure.
Yet another application of ballistic panel 10 may use ballistic panels 10 illustrated and described above with reference to
Such a ballistic shield may be constructed from two or more ballistic panels 10 that are connected together with hinges, Velcro, or other similarly hinged or pivoting/flexible connection on each ballistic panel 10. So connected, ballistic panels 10 comprising the ballistic shield may be positioned at angles to one another so that the ballistic shield may stand upright. For example, two ballistic panels 10 of a ballistic shield may stood up on end and be angled at a 45 degree angle to one another, providing support to each other. The more ballistic panels 10 included in the ballistic shield, the better able to ballistic shield is to stand upright. The ballistic shield may also include attachable braces or supports that can be attached to the ballistic panels, further bracing and supporting the ballistic shield when it is stood upright.
Preferably, the hinges, Velcro or other connections may be easily disconnected so that ballistic panels 10 comprising ballistic shield may be easily taken apart. This enables the ballistic shield to be easily disassembled. Disassembled as such, ballistic panels 10 comprising the ballistic shield may be stacked and easily stored, e.g., in a trunk of a car. Furthermore, a single ballistic panel 10 may be detached from the ballistic shield and used as a portable, personal shield. For example, if a military or security personnel had to go from a prone fighting position behind a ballistic shield to on-foot pursuit of a target, he or she could detach one ballistic panel 10 from ballistic shield and carry it as a personal shield. As such, ballistic panels 10 of ballistic shield may include straps or strapping 40, as described above with reference to
Many other applications of ballistic panel 10 are apparent to one of skill from the description herein. For example, ballistic panels 10 may be incorporated into wood or steel frame walls. Ballistic panels 10 may be incorporated as backing behind decorative façades, e.g., providing protection from blasts and small-arms fire where there would otherwise be known. Core 12 may be incorporated separately into many useful applications and structures, as described herein. Ballistic panels 10 may be easily assembled on site from cores 12 and readily available materials such as sand. The ballistic panel 10 technology described herein provides combination of protection and useful application not seen in any other protective technology.
The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/296,402, filed Dec. 8, 2005, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BALLISTIC PROTECTION”, which claimed the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/634,120, filed Dec. 8, 2004, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BALLISTIC SHIELD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/689,531, filed Jun. 13, 2005, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BALLISTIC PROTECTIVE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60634120 | Dec 2004 | US | |
| 60689531 | Jun 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11296402 | Dec 2005 | US |
| Child | 11979309 | US |
