Intrinsic Use Control Chip for Weapon Component Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weapons can be assembled from their individual components, potentially leading to unauthorized use or misuse, as disabling one component does not entirely prevent the weapon from functioning.

Innovation Solution

An integrated use control system featuring an Intrinsic Use Control (IUC) Chip and use controlled components (UCCs) that communicate bidirectionally, where UCCs become inoperative if they do not receive a correct IUC Chip ID Number, ensuring only authorized use through a use control Integrated Circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If weapons are assembled from individual components, then the weapon can be disassembled and stored separately, but the weapon can still be reassembled and used unauthorized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoidunauthorized use prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon system is divided into multiple separate use-controlled components (UCCs), each containing an integrated circuit with unique identification. These components must be physically assembled and electronically paired to form a functional weapon, preventing unauthorized use of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use control integrated circuits continuously verify the presence and validity of paired UCCs through bidirectional communication. If a UCC is removed, replaced, or not properly paired, the system detects this through failed verification cycles and automatically disables the weapon function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If use control integrated circuits are integrated into each component, then unauthorized assembly is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorized use verificationVSAvoidintegrated circuit integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A standardized use control integrated circuit design is used across multiple different weapon components. This universal circuit performs multiple functions: identification verification, authentication, and control signal generation, reducing overall system complexity despite the added security layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each use control integrated circuit autonomously verifies its paired counterpart and independently controls its associated component. The circuits self-manage authentication and disablement functions without requiring external control, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10867079B2Intrinsic use control for system and use controlled component security

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

An Initialization Unit (IU) initiates an initial secure connection with an Intrinsic Use Control (IUC) Chip based on very large random numbers (VLRNs). The IUC Chip in turn initiates a secondary secure connection between it and one or more Use Controlled Components (UCCs). Polling by the IU allows confirmation of an ongoing secure connection, and also allows the IUC Chip to confirm the secondary secure connection to the UCCs. Removal or improper polling response from one of the UCCs results in a response from the IUC Chip that may include notification of tampering, or temporary or permanent discontinued operation of the offending UCC. Permanent discontinued operation may include destruction of the offending UCC, and cascaded discontinued operation of all other UCCs secured by the IUC Chip. A UCC may in turn be another nested layer of IUC Chips, controlling a corresponding layer of UCCs, ad infinitum.