Dual-Use Power Beaming System for Adaptive Energy and Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power beaming systems face challenges in accurately targeting receivers and avoiding hazards, especially when transitioning between power transmission and potential weapon modes, such as damaging uncooperative UAVs or projectiles, while maintaining flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A dual-use power beaming system that includes a light source, shaping optics, and a beam director configured to switch between power and weapon modes, allowing for adaptive beam profiling and targeting, using the same system to deliver power to friendly receivers and damage uncooperative targets by altering beam characteristics and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the beam director directs the beam toward a receiver in power mode, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the system cannot respond to hostile targets
Solution Approach 1:
The beam director is configured to dynamically switch between power mode and weapon mode based on operational requirements. The system can transition from directing beams to friendly receivers to targeting hostile UAVs or projectiles, with the beam characteristics (concentration, direction, wavelength) being adjustable in real-time to adapt to different operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The same beam director and electromagnetic energy source are used for both power transmission and weapon functions. The system achieves multi-functionality by configuring the beam director to serve dual purposes: delivering power to receivers in power mode and inflicting damage on targets in weapon mode, eliminating the need for separate systems
2Strength
If the shaping optics shape the beam into a concentrated weapon profile, then damage capability against targets is improved, but power transmission to receivers becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The shaping optics are configured to dynamically adjust the beam profile between a power profile (more distributed) and a weapon profile (more concentrated). The system can switch between these profiles by adjusting the optical configuration, allowing the same hardware to optimize for either power transmission or damage infliction based on operational mode
Solution Approach 2:
The beam characteristics are locally optimized for the specific function required. In power mode, the beam is shaped to match the size and shape of the receiver for efficient energy transfer. In weapon mode, the beam is concentrated to a smaller profile to maximize intensity and damage capability at the target location
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between power mode and weapon mode, then operational versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves operational versatility through a unified architecture where the same electromagnetic energy source, beam director, and shaping optics serve both power transmission and weapon functions. The switch between modes is accomplished by reconfiguring existing components rather than deploying separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
4Measurement precision
If the beam director redirects the beam to track a hostile target, then targeting accuracy against threats is improved, but power delivery to friendly receivers is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic scanning or tracking of the operational environment to detect hostile targets. When a threat is detected, the beam director periodically switches to weapon mode to engage the target, then returns to power mode for continuous power delivery, creating a periodic cycle between the two functions that balances security and operational continuity
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 flexible and robust operation for both power transmission and offensive capabilities, ensuring efficient energy delivery to friendly systems while effectively disabling hostile UAVs or projectiles with controlled beam intensity and direction.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (e.g., a laser or a microwave or millimeter wave source) configured to emit a beam of electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive the directed beam and convert it into power
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.