Electronic Control Device Deactivation Alert Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic control devices lack a mechanism to alert users of the termination of the stun function, potentially leading to unintended cessation of the stimulus, which can reduce their effectiveness and user control.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device that includes a processor and an annunciator to provide alerts to users before, during, or after a predetermined duration of the stun function, allowing users to reengage the trigger for continued or extended stimulus application, and features multiple cartridges for redundant and versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the stun function operates for a predetermined duration without alert, then the device structure remains simple, but user awareness of stimulus termination is lost reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an annunciator that provides feedback to the user about the status of the stun function. The annunciator displays visual indicators (such as LED lights) that show when the stun function is active, when it is about to terminate, and when it has terminated. This feedback mechanism ensures users are continuously informed about the stimulus status without requiring complex additional hardware beyond a simple display component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides advance warning to users before the stun function terminates. The annunciator displays a warning indicator a predetermined time before the stun function automatically shuts off, giving users opportunity to re-engage the trigger if continued stimulus is desired. This preliminary action prevents unintended cessation by alerting users in advance of the termination event.
2Reliability
If the stun function automatically deactivates after predetermined duration, then safety is improved, but user control and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annunciator provides continuous visual feedback about the stun function status, including indicators for active stimulus, impending termination, and termination state. This feedback enables users to understand the current state and make informed decisions about whether to re-engage the trigger for extended operation, thereby maintaining user control while benefiting from automatic safety shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing advance warning before automatic deactivation, the system gives users the opportunity to take preliminary action (re-engaging the trigger) if they desire continued stimulus application. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining automatic safety shutdowns while empowering users to override the termination if needed, thus preserving both safety and user control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cartridges are implemented for redundant operation, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulus delivery system into separate, interchangeable cartridge modules. Each cartridge contains its own electrodes and propellant, allowing independent operation. Users can load multiple cartridges into the device, and the system automatically manages cartridge selection and status. This segmentation provides redundancy and versatility while keeping each individual cartridge simple and the overall device manageable through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal cartridge system where multiple cartridges can be loaded into the same device, and the device can operate with any loaded cartridge. The annunciator system provides unified status indication regardless of which cartridge is active. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different operational scenarios (single cartridge, multiple cartridges, redundant operation) without requiring different hardware configurations, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 user awareness of stun function duration, enabling timely reactivation and maintaining device effectiveness by ensuring continuous operation through multiple cartridge options and alert notifications.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator that generates a stimulus signal for producing contractions in skeletal muscles of a target to impede locomotion by the target
Implementation Method 2
a first timer that measures a first time period from generation of the stimulus signal; a second timer that measures a second time period from generation of the stimulus signal
Implementation Method 3
an annunciator that provides an alert to a user prior to a deactivation of the stimulus signal upon the lapse of time reaching the second predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control device for interfering with locomotion by a human or animal target includes a processor and stimulus signal generator. Upon engagement of a trigger by an operator, a stimulus signal is provided to electrodes for a time period to interfere with the skeletal muscles of the target. An indication is provided to the operator corresponding to the time period to alert the operator before deactivation of the stimulus signal. In response to the alert, the operator may reengage the trigger to continue or resume the stimulus signal.