Modular Body Armor Carrier System for Scalable Ballistic Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current body armor carrier systems lack flexibility, requiring multiple carriers for different configurations and failing to adapt to tactical, operational, and environmental needs, leading to weight, heat, and bulk issues.

Innovation Solution

A modular, scalable body armor carrier system that combines a plate carrier for hard ballistic plates and a panel carrier for soft ballistic panels, allowing users to configure their armor for optimal protection and comfort using a single system with releasable attachments and adjustable cummerbund portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single carrier system combines both plate carrier and panel carrier functions, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmor configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcarrier system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system is divided into separate plate carrier and panel carrier components that can function independently or be combined. The plate carrier includes plate pockets and suspension system, while the panel carrier includes panel pockets and cummerbund portions. This segmentation allows users to configure the system according to specific tactical needs without requiring a completely different carrier for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The same carrier structure can hold either hard ballistic plates or soft ballistic panels, or both simultaneously in different configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized carriers while maintaining adaptability to various threat levels and operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If hard ballistic plates are worn at all times for front and back protection, then reliability improves, but weight and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidarmor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system allows dynamic adjustment of armor configuration based on operational requirements. Users can wear hard ballistic plates when facing rifle threats and switch to soft ballistic panels or reduce coverage when facing only handgun threats or during operations where mobility and comfort are prioritized. This dynamic adaptability ensures reliable protection when needed while reducing weight and bulk when maximum protection is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple carriers are provided for different configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and logistical burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidnumber of carriers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of separate plate carriers and panel carriers into a single integrated system. The combined carrier includes both plate pockets and panel pockets, along with a unified suspension system and cummerbund portions. This consolidation provides multiple configuration options through one carrier rather than requiring multiple separate carriers, reducing logistical burden while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional external carriers with fixed plate pockets are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier design consistencyVSAvoidarmor configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. Plate pockets and panel pockets are separate functional units that can be independently configured. The suspension system and cummerbund portions are also modular, allowing different combinations and configurations while maintaining consistent manufacturing standards for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier design incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through modular components that can be reconfigured. Plate pockets can be positioned or removed based on needs, and panel carriers can be attached or detached. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing precision through standardized components while providing flexibility in configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11353292B2Scalable body armor carrier system for ballistic plates and panels

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF HOMELAND SECURITY

AI summary

In an example, a kit for assembling a scalable body armor for a wearer's body includes hard ballistic plates, soft ballistic panels, a plate carrier including a front plate carrier and a rear plate carrier connected by shoulder straps and having front and rear plate carrier pockets for receiving the hard ballistic plates, a front panel carrier having a front outward facing side joinable to an inward facing side of the front plate carrier by contact and a front panel carrier pocket to receive one of the soft ballistic panels, and a rear panel carrier having a rear outward facing side joinable to an inward facing side of the rear plate carrier by contact and a rear panel carrier pocket to receive another one of the soft ballistic panels.