Ballistic Shield Edge Connectors for Accessory Mounting Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic shields face challenges in balancing projectile impact resistance, weight, maneuverability, robustness, and the integration of accessories, with current mounting methods often compromising the integrity of the shield panel and reducing ballistic protection.
Innovation Solution
A protective shield design featuring connectors on the threat side and optionally the protected side, accommodated in an edging, allows for removable mounting of accessories without drilling holes, maintaining panel integrity and enhancing robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted directly onto the panel, then accessory mounting capability is improved, but structural integrity and ballistic protection deteriorate due to stress on panel edges and holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting system consisting of a mounting bracket and mounting connector that attaches to the shield body without penetrating the panel. This mediator enables accessory attachment while preserving the panel's ballistic integrity by distributing stresses away from the panel edges and avoiding hole creation in the protective barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components (mounting bracket, mounting connector, accessory) that can be attached and detached independently. The mounting bracket attaches to the shield body through connectors on the rear surface, separating the accessory mounting function from the panel structure itself, thereby allowing accessory attachment without compromising panel strength.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are integrated into the panel, then accessory mounting is simplified, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs dynamic, removable connectors that allow accessories to be attached and detached as needed. The mounting bracket and connectors are designed to be releasably attached to the shield body, enabling flexible configuration without permanent modifications, thus avoiding the weight penalty of integrated mounting structures while maintaining ease of accessory attachment.
3Strength
If the shield body is made more robust to withstand accessory mounting stresses, then structural strength is improved, but weight and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as a mediator that absorbs and distributes mounting stresses away from the shield panel itself. By attaching to the rear surface through connectors rather than penetrating or reinforcing the panel, the system provides robust accessory mounting capability without requiring additional structural reinforcement of the shield body, thereby avoiding increased weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield comprises a shield body. The shield body comprises a shield panel having a first and second face defining a threat side in a threat direction and a protected side in a protected direction opposite the threat side and threat direction, respectively, and having opposite panel edges and an edging covering at least part of the panel edges. The shield body further comprises connectors for mounting, in particular removably mounting, one or more accessories to the shield body on the threat side. At least some of the connectors are arranged on the threat side and/or at least one of exposed and exposable on the threat side, and at least partly accommodated in the edging.