Feb 21, 2017 11:11 AM EST By Jordan Pine, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Origami concept has been used to make the bulletproof Kevlar shield that expands in seconds and withstands bullets from even a .44 Magnum pistol. Engineers at Utah's Brigham Young University were motivated to develop the technology that could potentially save man lives. The Kevlar shield is designed for law enforcers but has the can be used to protect anyone like schoolchildren caught in a firefight.

BYU engineers have long been referring to the Origami concept for various applications. They have worked with NASA in creating deployable systems with unique features. One, it should be compact enough for launch and another, it could expand in space for optimal usage. The Japanese art of folding paper has also had surgical applications where powerful devices can be inserted in the tiniest incision to perform a complicated task.

However, this will be the first time that BYU engineers will work on a certain kind of barrier like the bulletproof Kevlar shield that can ultimately save lives, the primary motivation of both professors and students. The Compliant Mechanism Research Group of BYU developed the bulletproof Kevlar shield, which is a freestanding barrier that can be erected within seconds. It is made of 12 layers of Kevlar that are bound together by a thin aluminum core in the middle. It is inspired by the Origami fold pattern known as the Yoshimura.

It is specially designed to have a curved shape that is big enough for two to three law enforcers protected not only in front but also on the sides, Digital Trends reported. During testing, BYU engineers assaulted the bulletproof Kevlar shield with several rounds from common handguns. The shield was able to stop bullets from handguns like the 9mm, .357 Magnum and even the big .44 Magnum pistols, Phys.Org reported. Moreover, the device is lightweight and easily transported in the trunk of the car.

It is unlike other existing products, which are heavy at 90 pounds, require being held and have a flat design offering minimal protection. However, it is the concept behind the Origami-inspired bulletproof Kevlar shield that excites BYU engineers for it could have the potential to save more lives not just those of police officers. It can be used in school buildings to protect students in cases of shooting. This is why BYU engineers have already mapped out their next step, which is to further improve the shield and the process behind it for easy manufacturing.

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