CEW Stimulus Voltage Detection Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) face challenges in determining whether a stimulus signal is effectively delivered to a target, as existing technologies lack efficient methods to detect the magnitude of the voltage of the stimulus signal, which is crucial for assessing the delivery of the signal through electrodes or terminals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a circuit and processing system within the CEW that includes a voltage divider and conditioning circuit, coupled with a processing circuit, to detect and record the magnitude of the stimulus signal's voltage, allowing for the selection and optimization of electrode pairs for effective signal delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a voltage detection circuit is added to detect the magnitude of the stimulus signal voltage, then the ability to determine signal delivery status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detection functionality is nested within the existing CEW control circuitry. The voltage divider circuit uses capacitors that are integrated into the existing circuit board layout, with the detection circuit embedded within the overall weapon control system rather than added as a separate external module. This nesting approach enables voltage magnitude detection while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage divider circuit serves as an intermediary between the high-voltage stimulus signal and the detection circuitry. This intermediary circuit scales down the high voltage to a measurable level while isolating the detection circuit from direct exposure to high voltage, enabling safe and accurate voltage magnitude detection without requiring the detection circuit to directly handle the full stimulus signal voltage.
2Reliability
If the stimulus signal voltage is increased to ensure effective signal delivery through the target, then the signal delivery effectiveness is improved, but the risk of harmful effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting the magnitude of the stimulus signal voltage and using this information to control the signal delivery process. The detected voltage magnitude provides feedback about the actual signal being delivered, allowing the system to adjust or terminate signal delivery when appropriate thresholds are reached, thereby ensuring effective signal delivery while preventing excessive harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulus signal voltage is delivered in a dynamic, pulsed manner rather than as a continuous static voltage. The system can adjust the voltage magnitude, pulse duration, and timing based on detected conditions, allowing optimization of signal delivery effectiveness while minimizing harmful effects through dynamic control rather than fixed high-voltage delivery.
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
Enables accurate detection and recording of stimulus signal voltage, facilitating the determination of signal delivery status and optimizing electrode selection for effective target engagement, thereby improving the efficacy of CEW operations.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit and processing system within the CEW includes a voltage divider and conditioning circuit, coupled with a processing circuit, to detect and record the magnitude of the stimulus signal's voltage
Implementation Method 2
A circuit and processing system within the CEW includes a voltage divider and conditioning circuit, coupled with a processing circuit, to detect and record the magnitude of the stimulus signal's voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnitude of a voltage at a face of a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”). The magnitude of the voltage may be used to determine whether a pulse of a stimulus signal was delivered to a target. Structures for detecting the magnitude of the voltage may include structures that provide a stimulus voltage.