CEW Electrode Head and Pulse Control for Reliable NMI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) face challenges in effectively inducing neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) at a distance due to inefficient energy delivery and battery depletion issues, particularly when electrodes are spaced apart, leading to pain rather than immobilization.
Innovation Solution
A CEW design that includes a handle with a magazine system for launching electrodes, a signal generator capable of delivering high-voltage and low-voltage pulses, and a control circuit to optimize pulse rate and charge per pulse, ensuring effective neuromuscular incapacitation through controlled energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are spaced apart to deliver current through tissue, then current flow through target is improved, but battery depletion occurs and energy delivery efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator delivers electrical current in periodic pulse trains rather than continuous flow. Each pulse train consists of multiple pulses at specific frequencies (e.g., 1-100 Hz for NMI), allowing the battery to recharge between pulses and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective muscle incapacitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse width, frequency, and voltage parameters based on operational conditions. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves effective NMI at lower energy levels, preventing battery depletion while maintaining reliability of the incapacitation effect
2Reliability
If high voltage pulses are delivered to induce NMI, then muscle immobilization is improved, but energy consumption increases causing battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
High voltage pulses are delivered in periodic trains with controlled duration and frequency. The periodic nature allows the battery to recover between pulse trains, reducing net energy loss while maintaining effective muscle immobilization during the active pulse periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous control over pulse delivery parameters, adjusting voltage, width, and frequency in real-time to optimize energy utilization. This ensures that each pulse delivers maximum useful action for muscle immobilization while minimizing excess energy consumption
3Reliability
If pulse rate and charge per pulse are increased to ensure NMI, then neuromuscular incapacitation is improved, but battery depletion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements periodic pulse trains with adjustable rates and charges. By spacing pulses periodically and allowing battery recovery intervals, the system achieves reliable NMI during active periods while extending overall battery life through reduced average current draw
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts pulse rate and charge per pulse based on operational requirements and battery status. This dynamic optimization ensures sufficient energy delivery for NMI when needed while conserving battery life during extended operations
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 optimized CEW design achieves reliable neuromuscular incapacitation at various distances with efficient energy use, reducing battery depletion and ensuring consistent muscle immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator capable of delivering high-voltage and low-voltage pulses
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode for a conducted electrical weapon may comprise an electrode body and an electrode head coupled to a first end of the electrode body. The electrode head may comprise one or more circumferential grooves. A filament may be stored in the electrode body and may be circumferentially wound into the one or more circumferential grooves to couple the filament to the electrode head. The electrode may comprise an absorber coupled to the electrode head. The absorber may comprise a core to provide rigidity and structure to the absorber. An impact spreader may be positioned forward the absorber. In response to an impact, the impact spreader may provide a force to the absorber to cause the absorber to expand radially outward.