Scientists have created an origami shield to protect law officers

  • Scientists have created an origami-inspired, lightweight bulletproof shield that can protect law enforcement officials from gunfire.
  • The new barrier can be folded compactly when not in use, making it easier to transport and deploy.
  • When expanded – which takes only five seconds – it can provide cover for officers and stop bullets from several types of handguns.
  • Scientists wanted to create something that was compact, portable, lightweight and worked really well to protect law officers.
  • Working with law enforcement agencies, researchers learned much of what is currently used has not evolved much from medieval times: shields that are mostly flat, awkward plates that cover only one person.
  • Current barriers are so heavy and cumbersome they make it difficult for officers to move into position.
  • The barrier researchers designed is made of 12 layers of bulletproof Kevlar and weighs only 24 kg.
  • The barrier uses a Yoshimura origami crease pattern to expand around an officer, providing protection on the side in addition to protecting them in the front.
  • In testing, the barrier successfully stopped bullets from 9 mm, 0.357 Magnum and 0.44 Magnum pistols.
  • A 0.44 Magnum would actually tip it over, but that did not happen.
  • The barrier is very stable, even with large bullets hitting it.
  • Since Kevlar fabric is subject to fraying, abrasion and is sensitive to sunlight and water, the team also made a concentrated effort to reinforce it against the environment.
  • It goes from a very compact state that you can carry around in the trunk of a car to something one can take with them, open up and take cover behind to be safe from bullets.
  • Then one can easily fold it up and move it if you need to advance your position.
  • In addition to protecting police officers, researchers believe the barrier could be used to protect children in a school or a wounded person in an emergency situation.

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