Contoured Ballistic Shield Integrated with Rucksack Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protective armor for soldiers and law enforcement officials is inadequate in providing comprehensive protection against bullets and projectile fragments, particularly in situations where unobstructed access to equipment is necessary and weight reduction is desired.

Innovation Solution

A portable ballistic shield designed to contour the user's body, integrated with a rucksack and frame, providing torso protection while allowing access to firearms and reducing overall weight, with a shape that facilitates ambidextrous usage and layering for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional body armor is used, then protection against bullets and fragments is provided, but access to equipment is obstructed and coverage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against bullets and fragmentsVSAvoidaccess to equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ballistic shield is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently deployed when needed, rather than being integrated into the uniform as traditional armor. This segmentation allows the soldier to access equipment normally and only deploy protection when threats are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield transitions from a static, always-present armor configuration to a dynamic, deployable structure. The shield can be quickly deployed and removed based on situational requirements, providing protection only when necessary while maintaining ease of operation during non-combat situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If comprehensive body armor is used, then protection coverage is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidweight of armor
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of equipping the soldier with comprehensive full-body armor, the protection is segmented into a focused ballistic shield that covers only the critical torso area when deployed. This reduces the overall weight of protective equipment while maintaining essential protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield provides concentrated, high-level protection to the most vulnerable torso area rather than distributing thin protection across the entire body. This local quality approach maximizes protection effectiveness in the critical zone while minimizing total weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rucksack frame is used for structure, then rigidity is provided, but overall weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of rucksackVSAvoidweight of rucksack frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ballistic shield serves multiple functions: it provides ballistic protection, acts as a structural support element, and can function as part of the rucksack assembly. By making the shield multi-functional, the need for a separate rucksack frame is eliminated, reducing overall weight while maintaining rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield and rucksack structure are merged into a single integrated assembly. The shield's rigid construction serves dual purposes as both protection and structural support, eliminating the need for separate framing components and reducing total system weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7971516B2Portable ballistic shield
Publication Date: 2011.07.05 HOGAN GUY
  • US7971516B2 patent drawing
  • US7971516B2 patent drawing
  • US7971516B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable ballistic shield is disclosed. The portable ballistic shield is contoured to conform to an individual's body and may be integrated with a rucksack and frame to provide protection to the user's back and torso while still allowing the user substantially unobstructed access to all parts of the rucksack. The portable ballistic shield may also provide rigidity for the rucksack, eliminating the need for a rucksack frame. The portable ballistic shield may also comprise a shape allowing for the user to concurrently utilize an assault rifle or other firearm. During times of hostility, the user may deploy the shield from the rucksack in a minimal amount of time in order to protect the user from oncoming gunfire or shrapnel.