Modular Bullet-Resistant Ship Security Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship security devices made from moulded polymer plastic provide inadequate protection against firearms, as they are ineffective against bullets fired from a distance, posing a threat to crew safety and commercial operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular security device with a barrier and plate configuration, where at least a portion of the device is made from bullet-resistant materials such as composite or laminate materials, providing enhanced protection while maintaining minimal additional weight and cost by using Type I, II, III, or IV bullet-resistant materials strategically, and allowing interchangeable non-bullet-resistant components for non-critical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If moulded polymer plastic material is used for security barriers, then cost and weight are minimized, but protection against firearms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the plate portion bullet-resistant while the barrier remains lightweight polymer material. This localized application of heavy material provides necessary protection at critical areas (where bullets would strike) without requiring the entire device to be heavy, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining bullet-resistant material (for the plate) with lightweight polymer material (for the barrier). This composite construction allows the device to achieve both lightweight properties from the polymer and bullet-resistant properties from the specialized material, directly resolving the contradiction between protection strength and weight.
2Strength
If bullet-resistant material is used for the entire device, then protection against firearms is improved, but cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the plate portion bullet-resistant while the barrier remains lightweight polymer material. This localized application of heavy material provides necessary protection at critical areas (where bullets would strike) without requiring the entire device to be heavy, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing bullet-resistant protection only where absolutely necessary (the plate that faces potential gunfire) rather than making the entire device bullet-resistant. This partial application minimizes weight and cost while still providing adequate protection for the critical functions.
3Strength
If all security devices are made with bullet-resistant material, then protection for all areas is improved, but cost increases for non-critical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the plate portion bullet-resistant while the barrier remains lightweight polymer material. This localized application of heavy material provides necessary protection at critical areas (where bullets would strike) without requiring the entire device to be heavy, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security device into distinct functional components (plate and barrier) with different material requirements. This allows the bullet-resistant material to be applied only to the plate where protection is needed, while the barrier uses cost-effective polymer material, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining necessary protection.
4Reliability
If bullet-resistant components are made visible, then protection level is clear, but attackers can identify and target protected areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing for the barrier to be made in various colors and the bullet-resistant plate to match or blend with the barrier appearance. This camouflage effect allows the critical protected areas to not stand out visually, making it difficult for attackers to identify which areas have enhanced protection, thus resolving the contradiction between showing protection level and avoiding targeting.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~3b
AI summary
A security device comprising: a barrier; and a plate, wherein the barrier and plate are releasably attachable to each other, and when the barrier and plate are attached the device comprises a slot for receiving a rail and the device may hang on a rail with the rail received in the slot, and the barrier protrudes in a horizontal direction, perpendicular from a plane extending downwardly from the rail, to provide an overhang; and wherein at least a portion of the plate is made from a bullet-resistant material.