Orientable IED Detection Block with Optical Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) face challenges in reliability, detection range, and accuracy, particularly in complex environments, requiring cumbersome calculations and orientation adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system for a land vehicle equipped with an active Non-Linear Junction Detector (NLJD) using pulsed signals and an orientable block with a detection confirmation camera and neutralization means, allowing for remote detection and precise targeting of IEDs with reduced false alarms and parasitic noise, and enabling effective neutralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an active NLJD system with orientable block and multiple sensors is used, then detection reliability and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions (NLJD electronic component detection, optical confirmation imaging, and neutralization targeting) into a single integrable orientable block assembly. This merging allows the system to achieve high detection reliability through multi-sensor correlation while managing complexity through unified mechanical integration and coordinated control of all sensors within one modular unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the detection range is extended to several tens of meters, then safety of the carrier is improved, but detection precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of carrierVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical confirmation camera as an intermediary verification tool between the NLJD electronic detection and final target confirmation. This intermediary allows the system to maintain extended detection range for safety while compensating for potential precision loss at distance through optical imaging confirmation, enabling reliable identification of detected electronic components as actual IED threats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If an orientable block with scanning capability is used, then coverage area is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orientable block is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: NLJD electronic component detection, optical imaging confirmation, and neutralization targeting. All these functions are integrated within the same mechanical structure and controlled through unified orientation control, allowing the system to cover large areas while simplifying operation through multi-functional integration rather than separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of display scale is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service through automated functions that reduce manual intervention. The orientable block automatically scans and positions targets, the optical camera automatically captures and displays images of detected components, and the system correlates detection data with visual confirmation without requiring manual adjustment of display scales or manual analysis, thereby reducing both operational complexity and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system enhances detection reliability and accuracy with reduced false alarms, achieving a detection range of several tens of meters and ensuring safe neutralization of IEDs with observable effects, simplifying the detection confirmation process and maintaining vehicle safety.

Implementation Method 1

means for the remote detection of electronic components, provided with at least one transmitting antenna and one receiving antenna, said detection means representing an active system of the NLJD type and being intended to detect non-linear junctions of components electronic, by making it possible to detect the harmonics returned by non-linear junctions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-linear junction detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2500749B1Integrated system for fighting against improvised explosive devices
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 MBDA FRANCE
  • EP2500749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2500749B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The system has an orientable block (6) in which transmission and reception antennas (3, 4) of detecting units (2) are mounted. The detecting units detect improvised explosive devices, and are directed in a manner so as to illuminate same zones of a space. A detection confirmation camera (7) is directed toward the zones illuminated by the antennas so as to form an image of the zones. A control unit (8) controls orientation of the orientable block, and causes displacement of the block so as to generate scan of a part of the space by the detection units. An independent claim is also included for a mobile vehicle.