Ballistic Shield Transparent Window and Hinged Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic shields do not effectively integrate transparent windows and shield extensions, limiting user visibility and protection during dangerous situations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ply ballistic shield design featuring a transparent window positioned at eye level and a pivotably secured shield extension, constructed from high-strength fibers and materials like aluminum oxynitride, to enhance visibility and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional opaque ballistic shield is used, then ballistic protection is provided, but user visibility and line of sight are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic shield is segmented into multiple sections: opaque ballistic panels for protection and a transparent window section for visibility. This segmentation allows different parts of the shield to serve different functions - the opaque portions maintain ballistic protection while the transparent portion provides unobstructed view for the user
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ballistic shield have different optical properties. The majority of the shield maintains opaque ballistic protective material, while a specific local region (the window area) uses transparent ballistic material. This local quality change provides visibility exactly where needed (at eye level) without compromising overall protection
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent window is added to the ballistic shield, then user visibility is improved, but structural integrity and ballistic protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent window is constructed using transparent ballistic materials such as transparent aluminum oxynitride ceramic or glass-clad polycarbonate laminates. These composite materials maintain the ballistic protective capabilities while providing optical transparency, allowing the window to resist projectiles while enabling clear vision
3Ease of operation
If the transparent window is positioned at eye level, then natural line of sight is maintained, but the shield design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into modular sections including the window portion and opaque panels, which can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the integration of the window at the specific eye-level position while maintaining overall structural coherence
Solution Approach 2:
The window is integrated into the face of the shield at a specific vertical dimension corresponding to eye level. This dimensional positioning allows the user to look through the window naturally without altering their stance or the overall geometry of the shield, maintaining ergonomics while providing visibility
4Area of stationary object
If shield extensions are added for enhanced protection, then coverage area is increased, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield extensions are designed to be pivotably secured to the main shield body, allowing them to be rotated into protective positions when needed and folded away when not required. This dynamic configuration increases protection coverage area during high-risk situations while reducing complexity and weight during transport or low-threat scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic shield is provided having a transparent window and a removable shield extension section. The ballistic shield includes a frame that receives the transparent window therein, the frame being mechanically coupled to an upper section of the ballistic shield to provide users with a line of sight through the transparent window at eye level. The frame and body of the ballistic shield are substantially coplanar. The ballistic shield further includes a removeable shield extension coupled thereto via a hinge having a hinge base, hinge clip, and a hinge pin. The hinge pin is removable to detach the shield extension and may be inserted into the hinge to affix the shield extension. The ballistic shield further includes a harness coupled to a fastener affixed thereto and to a vest shoulder strap to support a weight of the ballistic shield during use.