Transparent Armor Shield for Armored Vehicle Hatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military armored vehicle drivers face exposure to attacks and blind spots when operating with the hatch open or closed, as existing designs fail to provide adequate protection and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic armor shield assembly is installed around the driver's hatch of a Stryker armored vehicle, comprising transparent armor sections and frames that allow for full closure while maintaining an unobstructed 270-degree view, using existing bolts and holes, and allowing access to the engine compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the driver operates the vehicle with the hatch open to view the terrain, then visibility is improved, but the driver becomes exposed to enemy attack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by installing transparent armor panels specifically at the hatch opening area where the driver needs both visibility and protection. The armor is positioned to cover the vulnerable zones while maintaining clear viewing areas, providing localized protection exactly where the contradiction exists between visibility and exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the driver operates the vehicle with the hatch closed for protection, then safety is improved, but the driver experiences blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hatch assembly into multiple functional zones: transparent armor panels for protection and viewing, and opaque armored panels for structural protection and blind spot coverage. This segmentation allows the driver to maintain the hatch in a protected state while still achieving visibility through the transparent sections, resolving the contradiction between safety and visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional hatch cover is used to protect the driver, then safety is improved, but the driver has limited view and blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining transparent armor (such as polycarbonate or glass) with traditional opaque armored panels in a single hatch assembly. This composite approach allows the hatch to simultaneously provide ballistic protection from opaque sections and unobstructed views through transparent sections, eliminating the need to choose between protection and visibility.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If armor protection is added around the hatch, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the transparent armor panels to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide ballistic protection, maintain structural integrity of the hatch assembly, and enable driver visibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic armor shield assembly attached to a Stryker armored vehicle comprises a three-sided armor shield assembly with transparent armor, which is bolted around a driver hatch directly onto the military armored vehicle using existing bolts and holes. The armor shield assembly comprises a front, left and right side armor frames forming the 3-sided assembly to which transparent armor (ballistic glass) sections are attached and secured. An enclosure is provided on the left side of the armored shield assembly for attaching and removing the entire left side transparent armor in order to facilitate vehicle engine maintenance. The driver is provided with full armor protection while operating the vehicle with his body extending out of the open hatch for improved vision. When the hatch is partially closed, the driver has full protection on the front, left, and right from the armor shield assembly as well as above from the hatch.