Conducted Electrical Weapon Pulse Sequencing for Reliable NMI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) inefficiently use energy, often depleting batteries quickly and failing to induce neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) due to suboptimal electrode spacing and pulse delivery rates, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A CEW design with a handle and deployment units that launch electrodes, utilizing a processing circuit to control pulse delivery rates and electrode spacing, along with a signal generator to provide high-voltage and low-voltage pulses through ionization paths, ensuring efficient energy use and effective neuromuscular incapacitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CEWs use fixed electrode spacing and pulse parameters, then the device structure is simple, but energy efficiency is poor and NMI delivery is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable electrode spacing and pulse parameters that can be dynamically modified based on operational requirements. The electrode deployment mechanism allows selection of different spacing configurations, and the pulse generator can adjust pulse rate and charge per pulse, transforming fixed parameters into dynamic, adaptable settings that optimize NMI delivery consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key operational parameters including electrode spacing distance, pulse rate, and charge per pulse from fixed values to adjustable variables. This allows optimization of energy efficiency and NMI delivery by selecting appropriate parameter combinations for different operational scenarios, directly addressing the reliability issue while managing device complexity through systematic parameter control.
2Reliability
If conventional CEWs use high pulse rate and charge per pulse, then NMI effect is stronger, but battery depletion occurs faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by delivering pulses at optimized rates and charges rather than maximum continuous output. The system can adjust pulse frequency and charge magnitude to provide sufficient NMI effect while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would cause rapid battery depletion, achieving balance between effectiveness and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic pulse delivery with adjustable intervals between pulses. By controlling the pulse rate and duty cycle, the system maintains effective muscle immobilization while allowing battery recovery periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-rate pulsing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional CEWs use suboptimal electrode spacing, then device structure is simpler, but energy efficiency decreases and NMI delivery becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic electrode deployment mechanism that allows adjustment of electrode spacing to optimal values for different operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability improves energy efficiency by ensuring proper electrical coupling and current distribution, while the modular design manages the increased complexity through systematic organization of deployment controls.
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 CEW conserves power by optimizing pulse delivery and electrode placement, effectively inducing NMI with reduced energy consumption, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A higher voltage portion of the pulse ionizes between the terminals to electrically couple a selected one of the transformers to a respective electrode
Implementation Method 2
The stimulus signal provides a charge into target tissue. The stimulus signal may interfere with voluntary locomotion (e.g., walking, running, moving, etc.) of the target
Data Source
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AI summary
A conducted electrical weapon ("CEW") launches wire-tethered electrodes from multiple cartridges to provide a stimulus signal through a human or animal target to impede locomotion of the target. The CEW may detect the quality of the electrical coupling (e.g., connection) of pairs of electrodes with the target. In accordance with the quality of the connections, the CEW may provide pulses of a stimulus signal to the various connections between electrode pairs in accordance with a sequence. The sequence may provide pulses at a first maximum pulse rate to any one connection to increase the likelihood of inducing neuromuscular incapacitation ("NMI") and to save energy. The sequence may provide pulses to all connections at a second maximum pulse rate to increase the likelihood of inducing NMI and to save energy.