Conducted Electrical Weapon Selective Electrode Coupling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) face challenges in effectively delivering a current through targets using electrodes launched from different deployment units, as they often result in all electrodes being electrically coupled to the target, limiting control over which electrodes form the current path and affecting the efficiency of locomotion impairment.
Innovation Solution
The CEW system selectively controls the electrical coupling of electrodes to the target, allowing a specific pair of electrodes from different deployment units to form the current path, independent of their proximity, by using a signal generator that manages transformer switches and capacitances to deliver a current through a selected circuit, ensuring controlled delivery of the stimulus signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all electrodes are electrically coupled to the target, then the current delivery is simplified, but the control over which electrodes form the current path is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical coupling control into separate segments by providing individual switches for each electrode circuit. Each switch can independently control whether its associated electrode is electrically coupled to the signal generator, allowing selective formation of current paths through different electrode pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of electrical coupling by allowing the switches to be changed from an off state to an on state during operation. This enables the system to adaptively select different electrode pairs based on which electrodes have successfully coupled to the target, optimizing current delivery in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes from different deployment units are used, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the reliability of current delivery is reduced due to uncertain electrical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors which electrodes are successfully electrically coupled to the target. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically activates the appropriate switches to establish reliable current paths through the coupled electrodes, ensuring dependable current delivery regardless of which deployment units are involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical coupling parameter dynamically by switching circuits on and off based on electrode coupling status. This allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios and maintain reliable current delivery by selecting the optimal electrode pairs from available options.
3Productivity
If multiple electrodes are launched simultaneously, then the productivity of the system is improved, but the precision of current path selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple electrode circuits in advance with their respective switches in the off state. When electrodes are launched simultaneously, the system has pre-configured control pathways ready to selectively activate based on which electrodes couple to the target, enabling rapid and accurate current path selection without compromising deployment speed.
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
This approach allows for precise control over which electrodes deliver the current, improving the effectiveness of locomotion impairment by selecting the optimal electrode pairs, regardless of their deployment unit origin, and enhancing the reliability of the stimulus signal delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A current may be delivered through a target via terminals coupled to the CEW... Delivery of a current through a target includes delivery of the current through the tissue of the target
Implementation Method 2
The CEW system selectively controls the electrical coupling of electrodes to the target, allowing a specific pair of electrodes from different deployment units to form the current path
Data Source
AI summary
A conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) launches wire-tethered electrodes to provide a current through a human or animal target to impede locomotion of the target. The current may ionize air in a gap. A gap may occur between terminals at a face of the CEW and/or between the electrodes positioned near target tissue. A CEW may include a detector to detect ionization of air in a gap. A CEW may use information related to detecting ionization to determine a location where the ionization occurred. Information regarding location of ionization may be used to determine whether the current was delivered through the target via the electrodes.