Concealed Body Armor with Pliable Insert and Interconnecting Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bullet-resistant vests are uncomfortable, bulky, and poorly fitting, making them unsuitable for civilian use, as they impede movement and ventilation, and lack concealability, which is particularly problematic for fashion-conscious individuals and women who require garments that integrate protective elements seamlessly into everyday wear.
Innovation Solution
A bullet-resistant garment with a pliable protective insert comprising multiple layers of protective material, including ballistic, blunt force, and electroshock materials, integrated into a carrier shell that allows for flexibility and concealability, featuring a three-dimensional shape achieved through interconnecting seams and darts, and a detachable design for easy integration into various types of clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bullet-resistant vests are made with rigid protective panels and stiff fabric shells, then ballistic protection is achieved, but comfort and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a soft, flexible fabric shell instead of rigid structures. The carrier shell is constructed from flexible material that can conform to the body and allow movement, while still housing the protective panels. This flexible shell approach enables the vest to provide ballistic protection without the rigidity and discomfort of traditional hard-shell vests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple layers of protective materials with different properties. The protective panels consist of multiple layers including ballistic material, absorbent material, and breathable material. This composite structure allows the vest to achieve both ballistic protection and comfort by leveraging the specific properties of each material layer.
2Reliability
If bullet-resistant vests are designed to fit tightly around the torso, then protection coverage is improved, but movement and air circulation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective vest into separate modular components: a carrier shell, protective panels, and an outer garment. The protective panels can be independently positioned and adjusted on the torso, allowing tight protection coverage in key areas while maintaining freedom of movement in other areas. This modular segmentation enables optimized protection without unnecessary restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the protective panels adjustable and repositionable rather than fixed. The panels can be dynamically adjusted to fit the wearer's body shape and movement requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the vest to maintain protection coverage while adapting to various movements and air circulation needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If bullet-resistant vests are worn under standard uniform shirts, then concealability is achieved, but the uniform appearance and professionalism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing the carrier shell to be nested within the outer garment. The carrier shell with its protective panels is placed inside the outer garment, creating a layered structure where the outer garment provides the uniform appearance while the inner carrier shell provides concealable protection. This nesting arrangement allows the vest to remain concealed while maintaining the professional appearance of the outer garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by providing protection only in specific areas where it is most needed, rather than covering the entire body. The protective panels are strategically positioned on the torso and can be adjusted to cover critical areas. This localized protection approach maintains the appearance of the outer garment in non-protected areas while providing necessary protection where required.
4Reliability
If bullet-resistant vests use multiple layers of protective material, then protection level is increased, but bulk and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using multiple layers of protective materials with different functions and properties. Each layer serves a specific purpose: ballistic material for bullet resistance, absorbent material for energy dissipation, and breathable material for comfort. This composite structure achieves high protection levels while minimizing bulk and friction by selecting materials that provide maximum protection with minimum thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by optimizing the thickness, density, and composition of each protective layer to achieve the desired protection level with minimal bulk. The protective panels can be adjusted in terms of material density and layer thickness to provide adequate protection without excessive bulk. This parameter optimization allows high protection levels while maintaining comfort and reducing friction.
Data Source
AI summary
A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women.