Combined Lethal Non-Lethal Weapon System

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern urban conflicts, security personnel face challenges in quickly switching between non-lethal and lethal force due to the limitations of existing non-lethal weapons, which are often ineffective at longer ranges and require separate deployment from lethal weapons, leading to potential delays and increased risk.

Innovation Solution

A combined lethal and non-lethal weapon system that integrates a directed energy component, allowing easy switching between lethal and non-lethal capabilities, using a millimeter-wave non-lethal portion with a main reflector and sub-reflectors to deliver a high-power wavefront that can be focused and adjusted for range and power density, reducing logistical burdens and residual damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-lethal weapons are used, then harm to civilians is reduced, but effectiveness at longer ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharm to civiliansVSAvoideffectiveness at range

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines lethal and non-lethal weapons into a single integrated system with shared components (power source, barrel, stock, sights), allowing security personnel to switch between modes without changing weapons. The non-lethal portion uses directed energy (millimeter waves) while the lethal portion uses conventional projectiles, both delivered through the same weapon platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The weapon system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a lethal firearm or as a non-lethal directed energy weapon. The single weapon platform provides both lethal and non-lethal capabilities, making it universal for different combat situations and eliminating the need for separate weapons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If non-lethal and lethal weapons are carried separately, then each weapon can be optimized for its function, but switching between them causes delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon optimizationVSAvoidswitching delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The weapon system incorporates dynamic switching capability between lethal and non-lethal modes. The operator can quickly transition between weapon functions using controls (e.g., mode selector switch, trigger type), making the weapon adaptable to changing situations without physical reconfiguration or weapon changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If non-lethal kinetic weapons use high initial velocity for longer range, then range is improved, but lethality increases at close range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon rangeVSAvoidlethality at close range

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical kinetic projectile system with a directed energy system (millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation) for the non-lethal portion. This substitution eliminates the need for high-velocity projectiles, as the directed energy can be delivered at any range without the velocity-range-lethality tradeoff inherent in kinetic weapons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The weapon system can change its operational parameters by switching between lethal and non-lethal modes. The non-lethal mode uses directed energy with controlled power density to achieve area effect without lethal penetration, while the lethal mode uses concentrated kinetic energy. This parameter change allows the same platform to deliver different levels of force appropriate to the threat level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 security personnel to effectively and quickly switch between lethal and non-lethal force, reducing the risk of harm to both themselves and innocent bystanders, while maintaining a balanced response in dynamic urban conflict situations.

Implementation Method 1

a solid-state millimeter-wave amplifier to generate a high-power wavefront

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMillimeter-wave generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

main reflector and sub-reflectors to deliver a high-power wavefront that can be focused

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection and focusing: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7784390B1Solid-state non-lethal directed energy weapon

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

There is disclosed a solid state non-lethal directed energy weapon. The non-lethal weapon may include a solid-state source to generate a high-power millimeter-wave initial wavefront, a main reflector, and a sub-reflector to reflect the initial wavefront to the main reflector. The main reflector may direct the reflected wavefront in a bore-sighted direction toward a target. The wavefront directed by the main reflector may have a power density selected to deliver a non-lethal deterring effect on the target.