Body Armor Electronic Integration Reducing Encumbrance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warfighters are burdened by multiple individual electronic devices that add weight, clutter, and restrict movement due to duplications in displays, power supplies, and enclosures, which are prone to damage in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electronic systems, such as radios, GPS, and power management units, directly into body armor using silicon carbon ceramic composite armor and other materials, eliminating individual enclosures and duplications, and securing components to minimize weight and protect against environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual electronic devices are carried separately, then each device can be protected by its own enclosure, but the total weight and encumbrance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic devices (radio, GPS, computer) into a single integrated unit that is incorporated into the body armor structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate enclosures and reduces total weight while maintaining protection through the armor's ballistic-resistant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The body armor is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides ballistic protection while simultaneously housing and protecting electronic devices. The armor structure itself becomes a universal platform that combines protective and functional electronic housing roles.
2Reliability
If electronic devices are placed in outer pockets or attached to load bearing equipment, then individual device protection is maintained, but movements are inhibited or restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating electronic devices directly into the body armor structure rather than attaching them externally, the system eliminates dangling or exposed parts that would restrict movement. The electronic components become part of the armor's integrated structure, allowing free movement while maintaining protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual electronic devices are carried, then each device can function independently, but duplications of displays, power supplies, and enclosures increase weight
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated electronic system provides multiple functions (radio communication, GPS navigation, computer processing) within a single unified platform. This eliminates duplications of power supplies, displays, and enclosures that would occur with separate devices, reducing total weight while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple electronic subsystems into a single integrated unit, consolidating power supplies, displays, and processing units into one shared platform rather than having separate instances of each component.
4Ease of operation
If electronic devices are exposed or attached externally, then access and operation are simplified, but the devices are more likely to be damaged in combat and harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The body armor serves as both protective gear and a protected enclosure for electronic devices. The ballistic-resistant materials and environmental sealing properties of the armor provide comprehensive protection against combat damage and harsh environments while the devices remain integrated and accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
In the structure for providing protection for the human body from ballistic projectiles which includes one or more ballistic resistant panels overlying at least a portion of the body, wherein the improvement comprising one or more electronic devices integrated into at least one of the ballistic resistant panels.