CEW Calibration Tester Using Measurement Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) require periodic calibration to ensure they deliver a predetermined amount of charge per pulse to effectively inhibit locomotion, but existing calibration methods are not sufficiently accurate or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A tester system that calibrates CEWs by measuring and adjusting the charge delivered through external or internal current sources, using a combination of measurement capacitors and processing circuits to achieve precise calibration, and includes methods for verification and drift checking of the real-time clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing calibration methods are used for CEW, then calibration can be performed, but the accuracy and efficiency of calibration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated tester device as an intermediary between the CEW and the calibration process. This tester includes a measurement capacitor coupled to the test signal conductor, which accurately measures the charge delivered by each pulse. The tester acts as a mediator that provides precise feedback about the actual charge delivery, enabling accurate calibration without requiring complex external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses feedback from the tester's measurements to adjust the CEW's charge delivery. The processor compares the measured charge against the target charge value and generates adjustment signals to the CEW circuitry. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the CEW delivers the predetermined charge accurately, resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and efficiency.
2Reliability
If periodic calibration is performed to ensure predetermined charge delivery, then CEW effectiveness is maintained, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The tester is designed to be self-contained with an internal current source that can generate test pulses without requiring external equipment. The device performs autonomous measurements using its own resources, and the processor automatically processes results and determines when calibration is complete. This self-service capability reduces calibration time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks and measurements before full calibration is required. The tester can quickly assess whether the CEW is within acceptable tolerances, and only initiates full calibration procedures when necessary. This preliminary action reduces the average calibration time while ensuring reliability is maintained through periodic verification.
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
Ensures accurate delivery of a predetermined charge per pulse, enhancing the effectiveness of CEW stimuli and maintaining calibration over time, thereby improving the reliability and consistency of CEW operations.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement capacitor of the test circuit is coupled to a test signal conductor of the handle
Implementation Method 2
A stimulus signal inhibits locomotion of the target. Locomotion may be inhibited by interfering with voluntary use of skeletal muscles
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating a tester that is used to calibrate conducted electrical weapons (“CEWs”). Providing a known magnitude of current for a calculated amount of time to a measurement capacitor stores a known amount of charge on the capacitor. The voltage corresponding to the known charge can be used to measure the amount of charge provided by a pulse of a stimulus signal while calibrating a CEW. A real-time clock may be used to ensure the accuracy of the time measurements over long time periods. Accurate measurement of resistors in a load circuit provides further tester accuracy.