Foldable Shield Spring Hinge Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable shields for law enforcement do not adequately address the need for compactness, ease of use, and non-provocativeness in the transport position, while also ensuring easy replacement of damaged plates and preventing accidental unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A foldable shield design featuring elongated plates with specific width ratios and spring-loaded hinge assemblies that allow for compact folding, integrated frame members for plate replacement, and a release mechanism to prevent accidental unfolding, along with a design that minimizes protruding edges and incorporates a protective plate to cover joint gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shield plates are made close together to provide impact and puncture protection, then protective capability is improved, but the shield becomes bulkier and harder to transport in compact form
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple separate shield plates (first, second, and third shield plates) that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the shield to maintain protective capability when extended while enabling compact folding for transport, as each plate can be independently positioned and secured.
2Speed
If the shield is designed to unfold immediately upon activation for emergency use, then response speed is improved, but the risk of accidental unfolding increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded hinge assemblies are pre-loaded during the folding process, storing mechanical energy that automatically drives the shield plates to unfold when the locking means is released. This preliminary action ensures rapid deployment without requiring additional power sources or complex activation mechanisms, while the manual release mechanism prevents accidental triggering.
3Strength
If the shield plates are made of very strong materials for ballistic protection, then protective capability is improved, but the weight of the shield increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple separate shield plates that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the use of strong, potentially heavier materials for each individual plate while maintaining overall manageability, and enables selective replacement of only damaged plates rather than the entire shield structure.
4Volume of moving object
If the shield is designed to fold into a compact form for transport, then portability is improved, but the complexity of the folding and locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield plates are designed to nest within each other when folded, with the first shield plate folding against the second, and the third shield plate folding against the first. This nesting arrangement achieves compact transport form factor while using relatively simple hinge and locking mechanisms compared to more complex folding structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shield achieves a compact, manageable, and non-provocative transport form, allows for easy plate replacement, and reduces the risk of accidental unfolding, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring loaded hinge arrangement interconnecting the first shield plate's second long side with the second shield plate's first long side, a second spring loaded hinge mechanism which connects the second shield plate's second long side with the third shield plate's first long side
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Foldable shield (100) which can be brought from an extended use position to a folded transport position and vice versa, and comprising shield plates (101, 102, 103) and spring loaded hinge means (104, 105) connecting the shield plates, restraint devices (106, 106', 106") for holding the shield to a user's forearm during use, and a release device (107) for releasing the cooperating locking means (108) so that the hinge devices brings the shield plates from the transport position to the extended use position. The shield is brought to the transport position by folding (A) of the first shield plate (101) toward the second shield plate (102) and folding (B) of the third shield plate (103) against the first shield plate (101). The first shield plate has a maximum width (I01MAXBR) between the long sides that is less than the corresponding widths (102 MAXBR, 103MAXBR) of the other two shield plates for sufficient clearance for the folding (B) of the third shield plate (103), so that the shield plates (101, 102, 103) are located on top of each other in the form of a substantially flat package in the transport position.