Retractable Security Barrier with Reinforced Spool and Dual Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window security solutions, such as bulletproof glass, are expensive, heavy, and not easily retrofittable, failing to provide an affordable and lightweight barrier against moderate ballistic, slashing, and blunt force threats.

Innovation Solution

A retractable, coilable security barrier with a strengthened spool tube, dual spool locks, quad locking pins, and a dual attachment system for the fabric screen, utilizing slash-resistant and bullet-resistant materials like Cordura and Dyneema, which can be easily mounted over doorways and windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bulletproof glass windows and doors are used, then protection against ballistic threats is improved, but cost and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against ballistic threatsVSAvoidweight of door and window

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible retractable barrier made of bullet-resistant fabric material that can be mounted over existing doorways and windows. This flexible film approach provides ballistic protection without the excessive weight of traditional bulletproof glass, allowing easy installation and removal while maintaining protective capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite fabric materials that combine multiple layers and materials to achieve bullet-resistant properties. The retractable barrier is constructed from specialized fabric composites that provide ballistic protection comparable to bulletproof glass but with significantly reduced weight and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If bulletproof glass windows and doors are used, then protection against ballistic threats is improved, but installation cost increases prohibitively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against ballistic threatsVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable barrier uses flexible fabric material that can be easily manufactured and installed over existing doorways and windows without requiring expensive custom fabrication like bulletproof glass. The material can be produced in standard sizes and configurations, reducing installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retractable barrier design is universal and can be applied to various doorway and window configurations without custom fabrication. The standardized design allows for economical production and installation across multiple locations, making ballistic protection affordable for schools with numerous classrooms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional bulletproof glass is used, then ballistic protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidease to close and lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier is designed as a dynamic retractable system that can be easily deployed and retracted, unlike static bulletproof glass. The retractable mechanism allows a single person to easily operate the barrier by pulling it across the doorway and securing it, without the physical effort required to handle heavy glass panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible fabric construction of the retractable barrier makes it lightweight and easy to manipulate, allowing easy operation by individuals of various strengths including young children, while still providing effective ballistic protection when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If existing doorways are retrofitted with security barriers, then protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection levelVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable barrier uses simple mounting hardware to attach the fabric barrier to the doorway frame, avoiding complex structural modifications. The flexible nature of the barrier allows it to conform to standard doorway dimensions without requiring precise engineering or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11661791B2Retractable security barrier

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 KATCHER DAVID A

AI summary

A retractable, coilable, security barrier screen easily mounted around a door, window or other building opening such as a hallway entrance. The barrier is designed to withstand considerable forces from blunt force strikes, bullets and edged weapon slashing. As such, it has a strengthened spool tube, novel security barrier attachment methods, and redundant operational features such as dual (top and bottom spool locks), quad spool locking pins and a dual attachment for the fabric security barrier to the screen lock strip that includes both gluing and plate riveting.