V-Profiled Wedge Defense Structure with Tensioning Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ballistic resistant structures are ineffective in allowing defenders to escape or counterattack, as they prevent projectiles from passing through in either direction, rendering defenders captive and unable to engage assailants externally.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic resistant defense structure comprising V-profiled wedges arranged in a column-type configuration with slight gaps, allowing projectiles to pass through from one side while deflecting or absorbing them from the other, enabling self-healing and flexible material properties to manage projectile impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ballistic resistant materials (concrete, high density fiberglass) are used to prevent projectiles from passing through, then protection against projectiles is improved, but the defender becomes unable to escape or counterattack, effectively becoming captive
Solution Approach 1:
The defense structure employs different material properties and structural configurations on opposite sides: the exterior side features V-profiled wedges with gaps that allow projectile passage, while the interior side uses dense ballistic resistant materials for protection. This local differentiation enables selective functionality - protection from one direction and egress/counterattack capability from the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by making the structure asymmetric in its projectile interaction: instead of uniformly blocking projectiles from both sides, the exterior surface is designed to permit controlled projectile passage while the interior provides protection. This inversion allows defenders to exit and counterattack rather than remain captive.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If safe rooms are located in remote locations within buildings to provide protection, then ballistic resistance is improved, but defenders must travel through vulnerable areas to reach safety, increasing exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The V-profiled wedge structure is pre-configured with gaps and self-healing capabilities that enable immediate defender egress upon threat detection, eliminating the need to pre-position defenders in remote safe rooms. The structure itself becomes the safe space, allowing immediate action rather than delayed retreat.
3Ease of operation
If the defense structure allows repeated projectile passage to enable pro-active defense, then defender capability to engage assailants is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised over time
Solution Approach 1:
The V-profiled wedges incorporate self-healing mechanisms that automatically restore structural integrity after projectile passage. The gaps between wedges close and material properties recover following impact, enabling the structure to sustain repeated use without degradation, thus maintaining reliability while allowing pro-active defense.
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 defenders to proactively engage assailants by allowing controlled projectile passage while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for repeated use and enhanced safety features like self-healing and concealed integration within structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of resilient members connected to the plurality of second ballistic members; and a tensioning member disposed between the support frame and at least one of the plurality of wedges, the tensioning member configured to rotate the plurality of wedges about the axis of rotation of each wedge
Data Source
AI summary
A defense structure and methods of use for penetrating the defense structure with a projectile from a first side and preventing a projectile from penetrating the defense structure from a second side. The defense structure comprising a plurality of wedges arranged to rotate and abut each other using a tensioning member, such as a spring. Ballistic and resilient members are provided on a rear surface of the plurality of wedges to prevent a projectile from penetrating the defense structure through deflection and/or adsorption of the projectile. A gap is formed between at least two of the plurality of wedges when a projectile is urged between the plurality of wedges from the first side. The tensioning member urges the plurality of wedges to rotate and abut each other after the projectile passes through the gap. The defense structure may be partially concealed within a structural element.