Modular Protective Shield With Positive Locking Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective shields with suction cups are not suitable for flexible use or forming larger, stable structures like rescue stretchers or large protective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The protective shield features positive connection systems, such as zippers, plug-in connectors, and hook and loop fasteners, allowing multiple base bodies to be connected, along with an inflatable stiffening device and adjustable carrying straps for enhanced flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction cups are used as connecting elements, then the protective shield can be easily attached to smooth surfaces, but it cannot be used to form larger stable structures or rescue stretchers
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed with dual functionality: a suction cup portion for attaching to smooth surfaces and a positive connection system portion (zipper, hook-loop, or plug-connector) for joining base bodies together. This universal design allows the same connecting element to serve both attachment and structural assembly purposes, resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and adaptability for forming larger structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple base bodies are connected to form larger structures, then stability and size are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is divided into multiple modular base bodies that can be independently manufactured and then connected together. Each base body is a simple, stable unit, and the overall complexity is managed by standardizing the connection interfaces (positive connection systems) between modules, allowing stable large structures to be formed without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple base bodies are merged through positive connection systems to form complex stable structures. The connection systems (zippers, hook-loop fasteners, or plug-connectors) provide simple, standardized interfaces that enable merging of modules while keeping individual component complexity low, thus achieving stable large-scale structures without excessive overall complexity
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
Enables the formation of larger, stable protective shields or rescue stretchers and provides flexibility in use, with the ability to switch between flexible and rigid configurations, and includes features for secure carrying and equipment attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the base body (1) is provided with an inflatable stiffening device (6) for increasing the rigidity of the base body (1) when rigid protection is required
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield has an at least approximately rectangular base body. A first connecting element is at a first edge of the base body. A second connecting element is at a second edge of the base body opposite the first end. The first and the second connecting elements are each arranged as part of a positive-locking connection system.