Interchangeable CEW Magazine Layout for Range-Specific Electrode Spread
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have limited range due to the length of wire-tethered electrodes, which restricts the effective delivery of stimulus signals for neuromuscular incapacitation, and existing systems lack flexibility in magazine configurations and firing tube orientations to optimize electrode spacing for optimal target engagement.
Innovation Solution
A CEW system with interchangeable magazines and firing tubes that can determine the appropriate electrodes to fire based on positional and environmental data, allowing for optimal electrode spacing and range adjustment, and includes a cartridge design with a propulsion module for efficient electrode launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If wire-tethered electrodes are used in CEWs, then the stimulus signal can be delivered to the target, but the range is limited due to the length of the wire tether
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is divided into multiple firing tubes arranged in different orientations and positions, allowing multiple electrodes to be fired simultaneously or sequentially to achieve reliable neuromuscular incapacitation at extended ranges
Solution Approach 2:
Firing tubes are arranged in three-dimensional space with different orientations (e.g., some tubes oriented at angles relative to the weapon axis), enabling electrodes to be deployed in multiple spatial dimensions to overcome the limitations of single-direction wire-tethered electrodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed magazine configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but flexibility in optimizing electrode spacing for target engagement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine system allows for interchangeable magazines with different firing tube configurations, enabling dynamic adaptation to various engagement scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple individual magazine structure
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine bay is designed to accommodate multiple magazine types with different firing tube arrangements, making the overall system universal and adaptable to different operational requirements without requiring complex individual magazine designs
3Manufacturing precision
If single orientation firing tubes are used, then the design is simple, but optimal electrode spacing for different target distances cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Different firing tubes within the same magazine have different orientations and positions, allowing each tube to be optimized for specific electrode spacing requirements based on its local function in the overall firing pattern
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 neuromuscular incapacitation by optimizing electrode spacing and range, providing effective target engagement with increased flexibility in magazine configurations and improved electrode launch mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion module configured to propel the electrode out of the firing tube
Data Source
AI summary
A conducted electrical weapon may interchangeably receive a plurality of magazines. A magazine may be releasably engaged with a magazine bay of the conducted electrical weapon. Engagement of a magazine with the magazine bay may expose a bottom surface of the magazine. Each magazine may comprise a plurality of firing tubes. A magazine may be configured to launch at least one electrode from at least one firing tube of the plurality of firing tubes. A control circuit may be configured to provide an ignition signal to less than all of the plurality of firing tubes. A first pair of firing tubes may be oriented to achieve a minimum electrode spread at a first range. A second pair of firing tubes may be oriented to achieve a minimum electrode spread at a second range. The plurality of firing tubes may be arranged in an array comprising a column of firing tubes.