Telescopic Ballistic Protection Device for Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote ballistic protection devices for structures like military vehicles are bulky, obstructing access and increasing the vehicle's size, and previous solutions either partially address size issues or complicate access to the vehicle's interior.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring telescopic arms and support means with pivoting hinges allows for the attachment of ballistic protection elements to a structure's roof, keeping the protection elements at a distance from the vehicle's walls, enabling easy access and minimizing lateral bulk by positioning the support elements above the protection grids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed arms are used to position protective elements at a distance from vehicle walls, then protective function is improved, but vehicle size is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective functionVSAvoidvehicle size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies telescopic arms that can extend and retract dynamically. When extended, the arms position protective elements at an optimal distance for protection; when retracted, they minimize the vehicle's lateral size. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining protective distance and reducing vehicle volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support means are positioned above the protective elements rather than at their level, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce lateral bulk. This dimensional repositioning allows the protective function to be maintained while minimizing the horizontal space occupied by the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If protective grids are positioned at a distance from vehicle walls, then protection effectiveness is improved, but access to vehicle interior is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidaccess to vehicle interior
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic arms can be retracted to allow personnel to access the vehicle interior without obstruction from the protective grids. When access is needed, the arms retract to minimize interference; when protection is prioritized, they extend to maintain optimal protective distance. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between protection effectiveness and ease of access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If telescopic arms are used to reduce vehicle size, then lateral bulk is minimized, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral bulkVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic arms utilize a nested structure where segments are contained within one another during retraction, similar to a nested doll. This nesting mechanism efficiently minimizes lateral bulk while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable device complexity, as the nested design inherently reduces the space required for movement and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Volume of moving object

If support means are positioned above protective elements, then lateral bulk is reduced, but manufacturing complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral bulkVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning the support means in the vertical dimension above the protective elements rather than at their lateral level reduces the horizontal space occupied. This dimensional change, while adding some manufacturing complexity, allows for more efficient use of space and can be implemented using standard structural support configurations adapted to the vertical orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution allows for quick deployment and retraction of ballistic protection with minimal impact on the vehicle's size and access, maintaining effective protection while reducing lateral bulk and facilitating interior access.

Implementation Method 1

the means for connecting to the support means comprising at least one hinge pivoting allowing, by rotation of the protective element, access to the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge pivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2634524B2Device for the fixation of a ballistic protection and structure equiped with such a device
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 NEXTER SYST SA
  • EP2634524B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2634524B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2634524B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has an element (3) integral with a structure (100), and receiving a telescopic arm (4). A supporting unit is interdependent of an end of the telescopic arm. A ballistic protection element (101) is attached to the supporting unit by a hinge (5a). The supporting unit comprises a tubular horizontal part (5), which is located above the protection element. The arm and the element are intended to be fixed at the structure levelled with an upper part of the device. The horizontal part is prolonged with ends by a vertical part (5b) on which the protection element is fixed.