Removable Shield Cover with Conductive Thread for Electrical Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shields lack a practical and controllable system for applying and removing electrical discharge capabilities, making them ineffective in deterring aggressors during close-quarters operations.
Innovation Solution
A removable, flexible textile-based shield cover with integrated electrically conductive pathways and an actuator, such as a switch, that can be easily applied and removed from shields, providing a controllable electrical discharge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical discharge capabilities are built into the shield itself or added via conversion kits, then the shield can deter aggressors, but the system becomes difficult to apply and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical discharge system is divided into separate modular components: a textile cover with conductive pathways that can be independently applied to the shield body, and a separate electrical discharge device that can be attached to or removed from the cover. This segmentation allows the electrical discharge capability to be easily applied and removed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static integrated electrical discharge system to a dynamic configuration where the electrical discharge components can be attached and detached. The textile cover serves as an intermediary that remains on the shield while the electrical discharge device can be dynamically connected or disconnected based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the shield cover is made from stretch fabric with conductive pathways, then it can be readily applied and removed from shields, but the electrical discharge control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The textile cover with conductive pathways serves as an intermediary between the shield body and the electrical discharge device. It simplifies the overall system by providing a pre-configured conductive substrate that can be easily applied to various shield shapes, while the electrical discharge device itself remains a separate, manageable component with its own control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If electrical discharge system is integrated into the shield, then it provides effective deterrent, but it cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical discharge system is segmented into the textile cover component and the electrical discharge device component. This allows the electrical discharge capability to be reliably maintained through the conductive pathways in the cover, while the entire electrical discharge system can be easily removed or adjusted by detaching the device from the cover or removing the cover from the shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The textile cover with conductive pathways is designed to be universal and adaptable to different shield types and configurations. The same cover can be applied to various shield bodies, and the electrical discharge device can be attached to different covers, providing versatility and adjustability across multiple applications while maintaining reliable electrical discharge functionality.
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 effective and repeatable electrical discharge to deter aggressors, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of shields during breaching and crowd control operations by providing a flexible and easily deployable deterrent.
Implementation Method 1
capable of delivering an electrical discharge to a plurality of conductive pathways incorporated into the removable cover
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrically conductive pathway retained by the shield cover body
Data Source
AI summary
A shield cover and a shield retaining such a cover with an electrical discharge system with an activated condition wherein electrical power is applied to an electrically conductive pathway, which can be formed from positive and negative electrical pathways running generally parallel, on the shield cover. The shield cover has a shield cover body for being applied to, retained by, and removed from the shield body. An electrical discharge system is formed by a source of electrical power, the electrically conductive pathway, and a switch or other actuator for activating the electrical discharge system to the activated condition. The shield cover body could be formed from a stretch fabric, and the electrically conductive pathway could be formed by conductive thread. Electrical insulation material can prevent arcing between the shield cover and the shield body. An arcing structure can automatically or selectively produce visible or audible electrical arcing.