Methods and systems for fabrication of composite armor laminates by preform stitching
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorRoger W. Engelbart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.
Claims14
A method of forming a ballistic resistant armor laminate, said method comprising:
- forming an integral preform with a first face sheet or coupling a shaped preform to the first face sheet, wherein the preform extends from a face of the first face sheet to a distal edge, the preform circumscribing an area of the face;
- positioning a tile of armor material within the area circumscribed by the preform;
- forming a flange from the distal edge of the preform wherein at least a portion of a toe of the flange extends substantially parallel to the face and covers at least a portion of the tile;
- coupling a second face sheet to the flange such that the preform and tile are sandwiched between the first and second face sheets;
- and
- infusing the sandwich with a resin using a vacuum.
A method of forming a ballistic resistant armor laminate, said method comprising:
- forming an integral preform with a first face sheet or coupling a shaped preform to the first face sheet, wherein the preform extends from a face of the first face sheet to a distal edge, the preform circumscribing an area of the face;
- positioning a tile of armor material within the area circumscribed by the preform;
- forming a flange from the distal edge of the preform wherein at least a portion of a toe of the flange extends substantially parallel to the face and covers at least a portion of the tile;
- and
- stitching a second face sheet to the flange such that the preform and tile are sandwiched between the first and second face sheets.
A method of forming a ballistic resistant armor laminate, said method comprising:
- forming an integral preform with a first face sheet or coupling a shaped preform to the first face sheet, wherein the preform extends from a face of the first face sheet to a distal edge, the preform circumscribing an area of the face;
- positioning a tile of armor material within the area circumscribed by the preform;
- forming a flange from the distal edge of the preform wherein at least a portion of a toe of the flange extends substantially parallel to the face and covers at least a portion of the tile;
- coupling a second face sheet to the flange such that the preform and tile are sandwiched between the first and second face sheets;
- and
- infusing resin into voids within and between the tile, the preform, the first face sheet, and the second face sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.