CEW Magazine Lock and Release for Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) face inefficiencies in delivering neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) due to suboptimal electrode spacing and pulse parameters, leading to excessive energy consumption and battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
A CEW design with adjustable electrode spacing and optimized pulse parameters, including a series of current pulses with specific charge and rate settings, coupled with a magazine system for efficient deployment of electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode spacing is increased to improve NMI effectiveness, then the likelihood of inducing NMI increases, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic adjustment of electrode spacing through interchangeable magazine configurations. Users can select between different electrode spacing arrangements (e.g., closer spacing for energy conservation, wider spacing for enhanced NMI effectiveness) based on operational requirements, making the system adaptable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of electrode spacing by providing multiple magazine configurations with different electrode arrangements. This allows optimization of the electrical field distribution to achieve effective NMI while managing energy consumption through parameter variation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If optimized pulse parameters are used to reduce energy consumption, then battery life is extended, but the effectiveness of NMI delivery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulse delivery with optimized parameters (charge, rate, duration) that have been specifically calibrated to achieve effective NMI while conserving energy. The periodic nature of the pulses allows for controlled energy delivery rather than continuous high-power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the physiological response of the target and battery status, dynamically adjusting pulse parameters to maintain effective NMI delivery while optimizing energy consumption and extending battery operational life
3Device complexity
If a fixed magazine design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine system is segmented into interchangeable modules, each with specific electrode spacing configurations. This modular approach allows the basic magazine structure to remain simple while providing operational versatility through module exchange rather than requiring a complex integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine design incorporates universal engagement features that allow different electrode spacing configurations to be used with the same basic magazine structure. This multi-functional design provides adaptability without requiring entirely different magazine designs for each configuration
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
Enhances the likelihood of inducing NMI while conserving battery power by optimizing electrode spacing and pulse delivery, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
A CEW may include a signal generator configured to provide a stimulus signal
Implementation Method 2
deliver current through tissue of a human or animal target... cause skeletal muscles of the target to become stiff
Data Source
AI summary
A conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) comprises one or more mechanisms for receiving, aligning, and maintaining a position of a magazine within a bay of the CEW. Bias spring and datums may be used to align the magazine to be coupled to the CEW, wherein bias springs are configured to apply pressure to push the magazine to interact with datums to align the magazine. A spring and ramp mechanism may be used to maintain a position of the magazine coupled to the bay of the CEW. Respective grades of a locking ramp and a release ramp are used to lock a spring in place when a magazine is coupled to the bay of the CEW.