Acoustic Battlefield Simulation Device with Signal Peak Triggering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing simulation devices for battlefield events using pyrotechnic sets are costly, environmentally hazardous, and pose a risk of injury due to potential incorrect triggering.

Innovation Solution

A simulation device equipped with a sound reproduction unit that plays audio files containing control signals with signal peaks to trigger simulation events, allowing for acoustic and optical simulations of battlefield events without the use of pyrotechnics, including LED flashes and fog generation, and an environment detection device to adapt simulations based on detected signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pyrotechnic composition is used to simulate battlefield events, then realistic simulation effects are achieved, but cost increases and environmental harm occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation realismVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pyrotechnic (chemical) system with an acoustic system. A sound reproduction unit plays back audio files containing control signals with signal peaks that trigger simulation events. The acoustic energy from the sound reproduction unit causes a diaphragm to vibrate, and these vibrations trigger optical effects through a transmission means, eliminating the need for harmful pyrotechnic materials while maintaining simulation realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses audio files that contain recordings of actual battlefield sounds (gunfire, explosions) as control signals. These audio files are processed to include signal peaks that trigger the simulation effects. By copying the acoustic characteristics of real battlefield events and using them to control the simulation, the system achieves realism without using actual pyrotechnics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If pyrotechnic composition is used to simulate battlefield events, then simulation effects are produced, but risk of injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation effectivenessVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the dangerous pyrotechnic system with a safe acoustic system. The sound reproduction unit plays back audio files that contain control signals, and the resulting diaphragm vibrations trigger simulation effects without any explosive or pyrotechnic materials. This substitution eliminates the risk of injury from accidental activation while maintaining simulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If pyrotechnic composition is used to simulate battlefield events, then simulation effects are achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive pyrotechnic system with a cost-effective acoustic system. The sound reproduction unit, audio files, and electronic control components are significantly cheaper than pyrotechnic materials. The system uses readily available technology (speakers, audio processing, LED lights) to achieve the same simulation capability, dramatically reducing manufacturing and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If audio files with control signals are used to trigger simulation events, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjury riskVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound reproduction unit serves multiple functions: it reproduces battlefield sounds for realism and simultaneously generates control signals with signal peaks that trigger simulation events. The audio files contain both the acoustic output and the control information, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced safety features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sound reproduction function with the control signal generation function. The audio files contain control signals embedded within the battlefield sound recordings, and the sound reproduction unit performs both acoustic output and control signal generation. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly means to simulate battlefield events, offering realistic acoustic and optical simulations while minimizing risks and environmental impact, with the ability to adapt simulations in real-time based on detected environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sound reproduction unit (2) which is configured to play back an audio file

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

The transmission means is connected to the loudspeaker diaphragm (14) and is moved by the diaphragm vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration transmission:

Implementation Method 3

a LED flash unit, which generates light flashes that, when transferred by the transmission means, simulate muzzle flashes or detonation sparks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4332945A1Simulation device for simulating combat field events
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ARX ROBOTICS GMBH
  • EP4332945A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332945A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4332945A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Simulation device (1) for simulating battlefield events with a sound reproduction unit (2) configured to: - play back an audio file containing control signals with signal peaks that trigger a simulation event representative of an acoustically effective battlefield event, and/or - play back different audio files representative of different acoustically effective battlefield events, and with a control unit for controlling and/or selecting the audio file to be played back.