Portable Ballistic-Resistant Shield With Hole-Free Panel Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic-resistant materials with holes or voids for fastening compromise structural integrity and performance, necessitating a solution that maintains integrity while allowing for modular and adaptable personal protection.
Innovation Solution
A portable shield design featuring removable, contiguous panels within a clamshell configuration, secured by a panel retention system, which includes handle and load-bearing straps, ensuring structural integrity and adaptability to various threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ballistic-resistant material includes holes or voids for fastening, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but structural integrity and ballistic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic shield is divided into a cover assembly and a separate panel assembly. The panel is contained within a cavity of the cover, and the two are secured together using a retention system that does not require holes through the ballistic panel itself. This segmentation allows the ballistic panel to remain intact while still enabling assembly through alternative fastening methods on the cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A retention system acts as an intermediary between the cover and the panel, providing the necessary fastening function without compromising the ballistic panel. The retention system includes retention members that engage with the cover and hold the panel in place, distributing fastening forces away from the ballistic material itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ballistic protection is made modular with removable panels, then adaptability to various threats is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into modular components: a cover assembly with a cavity and a separate removable panel assembly. This segmentation enables the panel to be easily removed and replaced with different ballistic panels suited for various threat levels, while the cover structure remains relatively simple and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the ballistic panel within its cavity, and incorporates the retention system for securing the panel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the modular design.
3Reliability
If a retention system is added to hold the panel, then reliability of panel positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system incorporates movable retention members that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows the panel to be securely held in position during use (high reliability) while enabling easy removal when needed, without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is designed to be operated manually by the user without requiring additional tools or complex activation mechanisms. The retention members can be engaged and disengaged through simple user actions, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for external control systems or complicated operation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a portable shield includes a first cover, a second cover, a panel, and a retention system. The second cover is configured to couple to the first cover and thereby from an enclosed cavity between the first and second covers. The panel is configured to fit entirely within the enclosed cavity and to prevent penetration of a projectile having a kinetic energy greater than 500 foot-pounds. The retention system is configured to bear the load of the panel and to hold the panel in a fixed place within the enclosed cavity.