Shield Edge Protection System with Corner Protectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic shields face challenges in enhancing their ballistic performance, durability, and longevity, particularly in inhospitable environments where they are deployed to protect users from ballistic events.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shield system that includes a shield, an edge protection system comprising corner protectors and edge protectors, and an edge coupling mechanism to retain the edge protection system on the shield, providing additional protection against back face deformation and side spall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shield design is used, then the shield provides basic ballistic protection, but the edge areas are vulnerable to deformation and spall
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into distinct functional zones: a central face portion and peripheral edge portions. The edge portions are further segmented into corner regions and side edges, each receiving targeted reinforcement through the integrated frame structure and spall liner configuration. This segmentation allows differential protection strategies for different vulnerability zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates localized reinforcement features including an integrated frame structure with enhanced stiffness at edge regions, and a spall liner with varying thickness or material properties concentrated at the peripheral edges and corners. This local quality enhancement provides targeted protection against edge-specific threats without uniformly increasing the entire shield's weight.
2Reliability
If edge protection is added to the shield, then ballistic performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure and spall liner are merged into an integrated assembly where the frame serves dual functions as both a structural stiffener and a mounting platform for the spall liner. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to traditional designs that treat structural reinforcement and spall protection as independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated frame structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stiffness to prevent edge deformation, serves as a mounting structure for the spall liner, and creates a protective cavity between the face portion and spall liner. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide a shield system that includes a shield, an edge protection system, and an edge coupling. The edge protection system may comprise a plurality of corner protectors disposed on a length of an edge protector. The edge protection system may be installable along a peripheral edge of the shield such that the edge protection system surrounds the outer perimeter of the shield. The edge coupling may be configured to engage the edge protection system and retain the edge protection system on the shield.