Vehicle Protective Structure with Movable Overhead Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant need for protective structures that can effectively shield against projectiles and fragments, particularly for vehicles, while allowing occupants to exit and enter safely.
Innovation Solution
A protective structure with overhead segments that can be locked and biased for easy egress, featuring ballistic windows and a latching mechanism to withstand impacts, and is mounted on vehicles to provide comprehensive protection for operators and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective structure uses fixed sealed segments, then protection against projectiles and fragments is improved, but ease of egress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure employs movable overhead segments that can transition between closed protective positions and open egress positions. The segments are mounted on hinges or pivots allowing them to rotate outward, converting a static protective barrier into a dynamic structure that adapts between protection and evacuation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into multiple separate overhead segments rather than a single continuous shell. Each segment can be independently opened or closed, allowing selective access points for egress while maintaining protection in other areas. The segments are separated by gaps that close when segments are in the protective position.
Solution Approach 3:
Biasing devices such as springs are pre-installed on each overhead segment to automatically push segments toward the open position. This preliminary mechanical action ensures that in the event of power failure or emergency, segments will naturally move to facilitate egress without requiring additional power or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If overhead segments are made movable for egress, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability against projectiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure employs movable overhead segments that can transition between closed protective positions and open egress positions. The segments are mounted on hinges or pivots allowing them to rotate outward, converting a static protective barrier into a dynamic structure that adapts between protection and evacuation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaps between segmented overhead structures, which could potentially allow projectile penetration, are converted into a beneficial feature by using biasing devices that automatically close these gaps when segments are in the protective position. The potential vulnerability becomes a mechanism for automatic sealing.
3Ease of operation
If biasing devices are added to facilitate egress, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing devices such as springs are attached directly to each overhead segment to provide self-powered opening force. The springs automatically push segments toward the open position without requiring external power sources, control systems, or manual intervention, allowing the structure to serve itself during emergency egress.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electrical or hydraulic actuation systems are extracted and replaced with simple mechanical spring biasing devices. This extraction of complexity reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the egress function, using passive mechanical elements instead of active controlled systems.
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 structure effectively protects against projectiles and fragments, allowing safe egress and entry while maintaining operational visibility through ballistic windows, enhancing the safety of vehicle occupants during armed conflicts or hazardous situations.
Implementation Method 1
biasing devices are provided to bias segments toward open positions and thereby facilitate occupant egress
Implementation Method 2
The latching mechanism includes resilient means for latching the overhead protective segment in the closed position
Implementation Method 3
ballistic window placed around the structure, including the overhead protective segments which permit viewing through the windows and protection against expected projectiles or fragments
Data Source
AI summary
A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. Biasing devices may be provided to bias the panels toward an open position and thereby facilitate occupant egress. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.