Panel for absorbing mechanical impact energy and method of manufacture

摘要

A panel for absorbing mechanical impact energy includes a substrate and a multiplicity of fibers attached, by one of their ends, to the substrate with their other ends extending away from the substrate. The panel may include a thin, porous covering layer that overlies the free ends of the fibers. The porosity of the cover and the fiber density of the fibers may allow for breathability of the panel. The panels may be flexible and may be used in body protection devices such as helmets, body armor as well as in other environments. Panels may be configured in a variety of energy absorbing arrangements for differing applications.

主权项

1. A panel construction for absorbing energy from an impact load comprising:
a substrate;
a multiplicity of flocked monofilament flock fibers, each having first and second ends, the fibers being attached, at their first ends to a surface of the substrate with the second ends of the multiplicity of monofilament flock fibers extending away from the substrate;the multiplicity of monofilament flock fibers extending away substantially perpendicular to the substrate;the multiplicity of monofilament flock fibers being of a denier and length and being closely spaced to each other sufficiently to buckle resiliently and absorb a portion of the energy imparted to the panel by an impact load; anda thin flexible, porous, fabric, protective cover attached to the substrate and overlying the multiplicity of monofilament fibers and unsecured from the free second ends of the multiplicity of monofilament flock fibers.