Ballistic Barrier Curtain Rapid Deployment via Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting individuals from ballistic attacks are either slow to deploy or impractical, as they require moving the target to a safer location or using fixed barriers that limit mobility and interaction, increasing the risk of harm due to the attacker's surprise advantage.
Innovation Solution
A rapid deploying ballistic barrier curtain system utilizing airbag deployment technology, with a storage container, deployment mechanisms, and an activation controller that quickly deploys a ballistic barrier curtain via a gas-driven mechanism, supported by telescoping columns and dampening systems, and can be activated by audio, visual, or thermal monitoring systems, along with deterrent gases and sounds to distract the audience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective methods are used (moving target to safer location), then the target can be protected from ballistic attacks, but the response time is too slow allowing multiple shots to be fired
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic barrier curtain is pre-positioned in a storage container directly at the target location, ready for immediate deployment. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time required to move the target or install protection, as the barrier is already in place and only needs to be deployed when threatened.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pneumatic deployment mechanism where compressed gas rapidly propels the ballistic barrier curtain from its storage container to its protective position. This pneumatic actuation enables deployment in under 0.04 seconds, providing immediate protection without the time loss associated with manual or mechanical deployment systems.
2Reliability
If fixed ballistic barriers are used to protect the target, then the target is separated from potential threats, but the target's mobility and interaction with the audience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic barrier curtain transitions from a static fixed barrier to a dynamic deployable system. The curtain remains concealed in a storage container during normal operations, allowing the target to move and interact freely with the audience. When a threat is detected, the curtain rapidly deploys to provide protection, then can be retracted or remain deployed as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of time
If a ballistic barrier is deployed quickly to protect the target, then the response time is reduced, but the deployment mechanism adds complexity to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pneumatic deployment mechanism using compressed gas to rapidly propel the ballistic barrier curtain from its storage container. This approach achieves deployment in under 0.04 seconds while avoiding the complexity of electric motors, hydraulic pumps, or mechanical linkages. The pneumatic system uses simple valves and gas pressure to achieve rapid deployment with minimal moving parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides immediate and concealed ballistic protection, minimizing the time between threat detection and deployment, reducing the risk of harm by deploying a ballistic barrier curtain in under 0.04 seconds, allowing unencumbered interaction while protecting the target from potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one deployment firing mechanism discharges a rapid deploying gas which drives the respective ballistic barrier curtain edge towards a distal end of the curtain deployment support column
Implementation Method 2
utilizing airbag deployment technology to quickly deploy a ballistic barrier curtain
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic barrier curtain deployment system deploys a ballistic resistive curtain using a deployment firing mechanism. The ballistic barrier curtain can protect military personnel, equipment, diplomats, celebrities, etc. The deployment firing mechanism utilizes an inflator unit that operates using the same principles as an airbag inflator. The curtain is stored in a barrier curtain storage channel. The deployment firing mechanism is located in a ballistic barrier curtain deployment mechanism integrated at each end of the storage channel. A curtain deployment support column extends vertically from the curtain deployment mechanism. Each edge of the curtain is supported by the support column. The inflator unit is activated upon an activation request from a visual monitor, an audible monitor, heat/thermal monitor, or a manual directive. The inflator unit drives each edge of the curtain vertically, deploying the curtain between the support columns.