Directional Acoustic Warning Device for Targeted Sound Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Less Lethal Weapons (LLWs) used in conflict management, such as electro-shock devices and irritant sprays, pose hazards to targets and bystanders, and existing audio hailing devices are either indiscriminate or hazardous, failing to provide a safe and controlled warning option on the Force Escalation Spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A portable acoustic device that projects a specific acoustic waveform, creating a narrow beam of sound with controlled dosage, using principles from psycho-acoustics and empirical studies to achieve maximum impact at low sound pressure levels, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, and incorporating a laser range finder and video camera for accurate targeting and recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Less Lethal Weapons (electro-shock devices, irritant sprays) are used to provide active warning and control options, then the ability to manage conflict situations is improved, but the safety hazard to targets and bystanders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic device creates a highly directional narrow beam of sound that concentrates the warning signal precisely at the target location while minimizing exposure to bystanders and the user. The sound pressure level is locally intensified at the target (within the narrow beam) while remaining safe in surrounding areas, resolving the contradiction between effective conflict management and safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the acoustic energy into a focused directional beam rather than omnidirectional propagation. This segmentation allows the warning signal to be delivered selectively to the specific target individual while leaving other areas unaffected, thus providing conflict management capability without creating widespread safety hazards to bystanders.
2Speed
If audio hailing devices are used to project warnings over distance, then the warning capability is improved, but the selectivity and control over exposure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by creating a highly directional acoustic beam that delivers the warning signal only to the specific target area. The sound pressure is concentrated locally at the target while remaining negligible in surrounding areas, thus achieving both long-range warning capability and selective exposure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic energy is segmented into a focused directional pathway rather than dispersing omnidirectionally. This segmentation enables the warning to be projected over distance while maintaining selectivity, as the energy remains confined to a narrow beam that can be precisely aimed at the intended target only.
3Force
If high sound pressure levels are used to ensure warning effectiveness, then the deterrent impact is improved, but the risk of hearing damage and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements local quality by delivering high sound pressure levels only within the narrow directional beam at the target location, while areas outside the beam experience minimal sound exposure. This allows effective deterrent impact on the target without creating widespread hearing damage risks to bystanders or the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic energy is segmented into a concentrated directional beam, allowing high intensity delivery to the target while segregating the harmful effects to only the intended target area. The warning effectiveness is maintained through focused delivery rather than omnidirectional high-level propagation.
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 device provides a selective and controlled warning that minimizes exposure to users and bystanders, operating within safe daily exposure limits, and records usage for evidential purposes, effectively bridging the gap between passive warnings and less lethal options on the Force Escalation Spectrum.
Implementation Method 1
A portable acoustic device that projects a specific acoustic waveform, creating a narrow beam of sound
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a laser range finder and video camera for accurate targeting and recording
Data Source
AI summary
A portable acoustic warning device which projects a specific acoustic waveform towards a target, creating a narrow beam of sound that is highly selective, minimizing exposure to users and bystanders, while enabling a controlled dosage of sound to be applied to the target. The design of the device is tailored to this waveform thus achieving a very high degree of directivity. It is not intended for communicating verbal messages. This waveform achieves maximum intensity at the target while using a relatively low sound pressure level; meaning that the exposure levels can be controlled to ensure they are within existing health and safety legislation. A laser range finder limits the sound level at the target to a pre-determined level. An integrated camera is used to aid aiming. Video footage is recorded with use; along with the sound level at the target, exposure duration, time, date and GPS coordinates.