Cartridge Detection via Capacitive Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartridge-in-chamber detection systems for weapons are prone to errors due to user interference and cartridge defects, as they rely on impedance measurements that can be distorted by user contact and are not independent of cartridge state.

Innovation Solution

A system using a microprocessor and sensor circuit to detect capacitive variations between electrical contacts and metallic parts, with a moveable conductive element that changes electrical connection state based on the cartridge's presence, ensuring reliable detection independent of cartridge defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If impedance measurement is used to detect cartridge presence, then the detection system can identify cartridge state, but the measurement is distorted by user contact with metallic parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge detection accuracyVSAvoiduser interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into two independent capacitive sensing paths: one path senses the cartridge chamber state, and the other path senses the user contact state. This segmentation allows the system to independently detect and differentiate between cartridge presence and user interference, resolving the measurement distortion problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a moveable conductive element as an intermediary between the user and the cartridge chamber. This intermediary isolates the capacitive sensing of the cartridge chamber from direct user contact effects, allowing accurate cartridge detection even when the user holds the weapon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If electrical contact is made with cartridge metallic parts for detection, then cartridge presence can be detected, but defective cartridges cause erroneous detection results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the capacitive sensing function from direct electrical contact with the cartridge. By using a moveable conductive element that senses the cartridge chamber's capacitive state without requiring electrical contact with the cartridge itself, the system eliminates detection errors caused by defective cartridge metallic parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based detection method with a capacitive sensing method. Instead of requiring electrical contact between electrodes and cartridge components, the system uses capacitive coupling to detect the presence or absence of the cartridge, making detection independent of cartridge metallic part integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the detection system relies on cartridge state for operation control, then weapon safety can be managed, but the system becomes dependent on cartridge integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon safety controlVSAvoidindependence from cartridge state

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable conductive element acts as an intermediary that provides a consistent sensing interface regardless of cartridge state. It couples the capacitive sensing system to the cartridge chamber in a way that is independent of the cartridge's metallic parts, allowing reliable safety control based on chamber occupancy rather than cartridge integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides a reliable indication of the cartridge's presence or absence in the chamber, unaffected by user interference or cartridge defects, by utilizing capacitive variations to differentiate between states without relying on impedance measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the microprocessor, by means of the sensor circuit, detects the capacitive variation between the situation in which the at least one electrical contact is electrically connected to at least the metallic parts of the weapon and the moveable conductive element, and the situation in which the at least one electrical contact is not electrically connected to at least the metallic parts of the weapon and the moveable conductive element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3385657B1Weapon comprising a cartridge-in-chamber detection system

Publication Date: 2021.12.15 RADE TECNOLOGIAS SL

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

The present invention relates to a cartridge-in-chamber detection system for weapons wherein the state of the cartridge in the chamber is independent in order to provide a reliable indication of the presence or absence of the cartridge in the chamber of the weapon, wherein the system comprises means to, through a supply voltage, determine the variation of the electrical capacity between the two possible states of the system, when there is no cartridge in the chamber and when there is a cartridge in the chamber, making use of at least one electrode, without the cartridge intervening in the system.