Ballistic Vest Cover Sling Structure for Easier Armor Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armor covers are uncomfortable in extreme temperatures, inconvenient for inserting and removing armor, and often require an outer fabric layer that compromises the aesthetic integration with uniforms.
Innovation Solution
A ballistic vest cover design featuring a detachable outer fabric layer, an inner liner with a sling, and split vertical sections for easy armor insertion, along with cushioned collars and thermal pockets for comfort and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer fabric layer is used as the layer that carries the armor, then the armor is supported and contained, but the aesthetic integration with uniform is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into distinct functional layers: an outer fabric layer for aesthetic integration with the uniform, an inner liner for armor support, and additional liner portions forming a sling for armor insertion. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor-carrying function is extracted from the outer fabric layer and assigned to the inner liner and additional liner portions. This extraction allows the outer fabric layer to focus solely on aesthetic integration while the inner layers handle the mechanical support of the armor.
2Reliability
If hook and loop fasteners and zippers are used for armor insertion, then the armor can be secured, but the insertion and removal process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is made dynamically openable at the front and back along vertical center lines, allowing the cover to transition from a closed secure state to an open insertion state. This dynamic opening mechanism provides convenient access for armor insertion while maintaining secure closure during wear.
3Force
If the mantle extends from front waist to rear waist, then the armor weight is distributed, but comfort in extreme temperatures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover provides different properties at different locations: the mantle extends fully from front waist to rear waist for weight distribution, while the front and back openings allow ventilation and temperature regulation. The cushioned collar at the head/neck opening provides localized comfort where the armor bears on the shoulders.
4Reliability
If the inner liner is continuous, then the armor is fully contained, but insertion and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inner liner is segmented into front and back portions that can be opened independently along vertical center lines. This segmentation allows the armor to be inserted or removed by opening the appropriate side without compromising the overall containment when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for soft armor has a mantle extending from front waist to rear waist, with a head/neck opening and formed of an outer fabric layer and an inner liner secured to the outer fabric layer at particular locations. An additional liner is positioned between the outer fabric layer and the inner liner and secured to the inner liner to produce a sling along with the inner liner, positioned to receive and support portions of the soft armor at front and back of the mantle. The sling is openable and closable at a bottom of the sling for insertion of soft armor portions. At front and back the inner liner is split along a vertical center line providing for opening left and right portions upwardly and outwardly, for convenient loading of the armor.