Ballistic Resistant Vehicle Tray for First Responders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal protection devices for first responders, such as bulletproof vests, are non-directional, bulky, and not always readily available, failing to provide adequate protection in emergency situations, especially in vehicles where they are needed for both defensive and offensive use.
Innovation Solution
A portable, directional ballistic resistant vehicle tray system with a molded shell, integrated handles for easy removal and use, and a ballistic resistant layer for level IV threat protection, designed to be seamlessly integrated into emergency vehicles for both drivers and passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulletproof vests are used for personal protection, then ballistic resistance is improved, but portability and immediate accessibility deteriorate due to bulk and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic resistant layer is extracted from the traditional vest configuration and integrated into a compact tray device that can be quickly removed from the vehicle floor and deployed as a handheld shield, eliminating the bulk while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with rotatable handles that allow it to be easily maneuvered from a stationary floor-mounted position to a dynamic handheld protective shield, enabling quick transition between storage and active use states
2Area of stationary object
If traditional bulletproof vests are used, then body coverage is improved, but directionality and tactical versatility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into a compact tray format rather than a full-body vest, allowing it to be positioned strategically in front of critical body areas and providing concentrated directional protection where most needed during tactical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tray serves multiple functions: it acts as a floor mat during normal vehicle operation, provides ballistic protection when removed and held, and can be positioned to protect different body areas depending on the threat direction, making it adaptable to various tactical scenarios
3Reliability
If ballistic resistant devices are integrated into vehicles, then protection availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic resistant layer is merged with the floor mat structure, combining two functions (floor covering and protective barrier) into a single integrated component that requires no additional installation complexity while ensuring protection is always available in the vehicle
4Ease of operation
If handles are added for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are integrated into the thin tray structure with rotatable connections that allow easy manipulation and removal without adding significant structural complexity, maintaining simplicity while enabling quick deployment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for providing immediate additional ballistic resistant portable personal protection for first responders, such as Police, Fire, EMS, and military personnel, during an emergency event. The device, configured for insertion into either the driver or passenger interior floor of an emergency vehicle is comprised of a molded shell with layers comprising a ballistic resistant layer that both provides vehicle floor matting and fits seamlessly into the contours of the emergency vehicle foot well and interior floor. For easy removal and immediate use as a directional portable personal protection device, handles are provided on the shell such that the handles do not interfere with driving.