U-Shaped Ballistic Shield Harness for Shoulder Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carrying ballistic shields weighing over 50 pounds by hand for extended periods leads to significant user fatigue among law enforcement or military personnel.

Innovation Solution

A harness with a U-shaped shield saddle and adjustable shoulder straps distributes the weight of the shield across the user's shoulders and torso, reducing the need for arm-based carrying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ballistic shield is carried by hand, then shield protection function is provided, but user fatigue increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield protection functionVSAvoiduser fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shield carrying function is segmented into two parts: the shield itself (protection function) and the carrying system (weight support function). The harness separates the carrying burden from the shield, allowing the shield to provide protection while the harness handles the weight distribution across shoulders and torso.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shield harness acts as an intermediary between the user's body and the ballistic shield. It includes a shield saddle that contacts the shield and shoulder straps that transfer the weight to the user's shoulders, mediating the force transmission and reducing direct arm carrying fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If shield weight is supported by arms, then shield is held securely, but arm strength is depleted quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield holding capabilityVSAvoidarm energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The weight support is moved from the vertical arm-holding position to the horizontal shoulder-carrying position. The shoulder straps extend across the shoulders and back, distributing the 50+ pound shield weight across a larger surface area and different muscle groups, reducing arm energy consumption while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If shield is carried without harness, then device complexity is low, but user fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying system complexityVSAvoiduser fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harness incorporates adjustable shoulder straps that can be customized to fit different user body types and shield weights. The adjustability mechanism allows dynamic adaptation to various carrying conditions, optimizing comfort and weight distribution while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250268364A1Ballistic Shield Harness

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 BOTACH BARKOCHBA MEIR

AI summary

The shield harness supports the weight of a ballistic shield and distributes the weight of the shield across the user's shoulders and torso. The shield harness includes a U-shaped shield saddle and a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. The shoulder straps wrap over the shoulders of the user to position and support the shield saddle and the weight of a ballistic shield in front of the user.