Portable Ballistic Shield with Integrated Rifle Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic protection devices lack versatility and portability, failing to allow individual personnel to monitor, aim, and fire upon a target while maintaining cover from return fire, especially in mobile and stealthy tactical operations.
Innovation Solution
A portable device combining a ballistic blanket and a vertically hinged bullet-resistant polycarbonate member with a rifle mounting location, allowing for adjustable protection levels and easy setup using existing structures via straps and hooks, enabling personnel to aim and fire while under cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If armor plating is used for ballistic protection, then protection level is improved, but portability and mobility deteriorate due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The shield combines multiple materials with different properties: polycarbonate panels for ballistic protection, ballistic blanket for additional coverage, and aluminum or other lightweight metals for structural components. This composite approach achieves high ballistic protection (NIJ Level III or higher) while maintaining portability through optimized material selection and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield provides different levels of protection in different areas: full ballistic protection across the main shield body, concentrated protection at the rifle mounting location, and supplemental protection from the ballistic blanket. This localized quality approach optimizes weight distribution while ensuring protection where most needed.
2Reliability
If traditional ballistic shields are used, then protection is provided, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate due to lack of rifle mounting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The shield serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ballistic protection for the operator, mounts a rifle for sustained fire capability, offers a stable platform for aiming, and can be configured in various positions (resting on ground, propped against vehicle, held by operator). This multi-functionality makes it adaptable to diverse tactical scenarios without compromising protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from a static protective barrier to a dynamic, multi-position platform. The rifle stand feature allows the shield to be positioned at optimal angles for different firing positions, and the overall structure can be quickly reconfigured between different tactical configurations, providing adaptability without sacrificing structural integrity or protection.
3Weight of moving object
If ballistic blankets are used, then portability is improved, but protection level and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shield merges the advantages of rigid polycarbonate panels (structural integrity, concentrated protection) with flexible ballistic blanket material (portability, coverage). The blanket is integrated with the rigid structure through straps and attachment points, creating a hybrid system that achieves both light weight and high protection level (NIJ Level III or higher).
4Reliability
If current ballistic shields are used, then protection is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of integrated aiming and firing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The shield integrates protection and firing capability into a single unified structure. The rifle mounting location with stand feature allows the firearm to be positioned and aimed through the shield structure itself, eliminating the need for separate aiming devices or exposed positioning. This integration maintains full ballistic protection while dramatically improving ease of operation for monitoring, aiming, and firing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for tactical ballistic protection for an individual. In particular, the present invention provides a portable device for dual use as a ballistic shield and a rifle mounting stand. The invention is comprised on a ballistic blanket attached to dual ballistic resistant transparent panes. The transparent panes are attached via a vertical hinge, at which the attachment point functions as a rifle mounting stand. The invention may be attached to existing structures via a combination of straps and hooks, or the device may be used free standing.