Gun Motion Sensing for Electronic Shot and Misfire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guns lack the ability to electronically detect when they are fired, relying on mechanical indicators that require manual inspection and do not integrate with electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), to measure gun motion and identify gun events based on data signatures, allowing for the detection of both nominal and anomalous discharges, and transmitting electrical signals for safety measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical indicators are used to detect gun firing events, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and automation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical indicators with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to detect gun firing events. This substitution enables precise measurement of acceleration, orientation, and position changes during firing, significantly improving measurement precision while providing electronic data output for integration with digital systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives sensor data, compares it against stored motion signatures, and identifies firing events. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between raw sensor measurements and meaningful event detection, enabling automated recognition of nominal and anomalous gun events with high precision.
2Device complexity
If mechanical indicators are used to detect gun firing events, then the device complexity is reduced, but the extent of automation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting firing events through sensor data analysis and comparing it against stored motion signatures. The gun itself generates and stores reference motion signatures during manufacturing, enabling autonomous event detection without external intervention. This automation includes identifying both nominal firing events and anomalous events such as misfires or unauthorized discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor measurements are continuously compared against stored motion signatures, and the system provides automated feedback about detected events. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and automatic identification of firing events, enhancing the extent of automation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are incorporated to detect gun events, then the measurement precision and automation capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that simultaneously measure acceleration, orientation, and position to detect various gun events. The same sensor system identifies nominal firing events, anomalous events, and provides data for safety mechanisms. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing motion signatures during manufacturing before the gun enters service. These reference signatures are saved in memory and used for rapid comparison during operation. This preliminary preparation enables fast, accurate event detection without requiring complex real-time analysis algorithms, thus limiting device complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
4Reliability
If motion signatures are stored and compared for event identification, then the reliability of gun event detection is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by comparing only key features of sensor data against stored motion signatures rather than analyzing complete raw data sets. The system focuses on critical parameters such as peak acceleration values and orientation changes that are most indicative of firing events. This selective comparison maintains high reliability while minimizing data processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing reference motion signatures during manufacturing. These pre-prepared signatures enable rapid comparison during operation without requiring complex real-time calculations. This approach ensures reliable event detection while significantly reducing the loss of time during actual firing event identification.
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 electronic detection of gun events, improving safety by identifying and responding to malfunctions, and providing real-time feedback on discharge counts.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at a sensor coupled with a gun, motion of the gun with respect to multiple axes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for identifying gun events. A gun event may include a nominal event, such as the discharging of a projectile or the ejecting of a cartridge shell, or an anomalous event, such as a misfire or a failure to feed. An apparatus may include a sensor that measures motion of a gun along multiple axes. The apparatus may identify a gun event based on the measured motion of the gun satisfying a motion condition. The motion condition may include an acceleration threshold value, and the measured motion of the gun may satisfy the motion condition based on a measured acceleration value exceeding the threshold acceleration value. The apparatus may transmit an electrical signal based on the measured motion of the gun satisfying the motion condition. The electrical signal may reset a charging circuit, increment a shot count, or decrement a round count.