Ballistic Shield Harness Support for Reduced Operator Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistics shields can become heavy and tiresome for operators to hold for extended periods, limiting their effectiveness and endurance in training and combat situations.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising interconnected straps and a hanging hook that allows the ballistics shield to be coupled and supported by the operator, distributing the weight across the operator's body rather than relying solely on their hands and arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ballistics shield is made heavy-duty to improve protective capability, then the protection level is improved, but the operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system divides the burden of holding the shield into multiple components: a shoulder strap that transfers weight to the shoulder, a wrist strap that provides stability, and a handhold for control. This segmentation allows the heavy shield to be supported by multiple body parts rather than relying solely on arm strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the heavy shield. The interconnected straps serve as a mechanical mediator that distributes and transfers the shield's weight through the operator's body to stronger support structures (shoulder and torso), reducing direct strain on the arms and hands.
2Reliability
If the operator holds the shield for extended periods to maintain readiness, then the operational readiness is improved, but the endurance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions the shield-holding posture from a static, muscle-intensive grip to a dynamic, mechanically-supported configuration. The straps allow the shield to be securely carried with minimal active muscle engagement, enabling sustained readiness over longer durations without fatigue accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system creates an equipotential distribution of the shield's weight across the operator's shoulder, torso, and arms through the interconnected strap network. This balanced weight distribution prevents localized fatigue and allows the operator to maintain readiness positions for extended periods with reduced physical strain.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the operator uses both hands to hold the shield securely, then the shield stability is improved, but the ability to perform other tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system extracts the weight-bearing and stabilization functions from the operator's hands and arms, transferring these functions to the strap system. This extraction frees the hands from the primary task of holding the shield, allowing them to be reallocated to secondary tasks such as operating firearms or communication devices while the shield remains securely supported.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a support system. The system couples a harness strap to a hanging hook. The hanging hook couples with equipment, such as a ballistics shield. This allows the weight of the shield to be transferred to the harness strap and frees up the hands of the operator.