Laser Diode Power Calibration for Conducted Electrical Weapons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) face challenges in calibrating laser diode output power to comply with varying regional laws, requiring multiple inventory units and inefficient battery usage due to fixed power settings, which can exceed permitted limits.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a handle with integrated laser diodes and a tester for calibrating the power output of the laser diodes, using a golden voltage to adjust the operating point and modulate the laser's on-off operation to maintain compliant average power levels, communicating with a server for regional power limits and storing calibration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the laser diode operates at high power output, then the visibility and effectiveness of the weapon is improved, but the compliance with regional power limits is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the laser diode's operating point by modifying the duty cycle of the drive signal. The control circuit varies the proportion of time the laser is on versus off, enabling the average power output to be adapted to different regional limits while maintaining effective illumination during the on-periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the duty cycle parameter of the laser drive signal to control average power output. By adjusting this temporal parameter rather than the instantaneous power level, the system achieves compliance with various regional power limits while maintaining operational effectiveness when the laser is active.
2Ease of operation
If the laser diode operates continuously at fixed power, then the simplicity of operation is maintained, but the battery life is reduced due to inefficient energy usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic on-off cycling of the laser diode rather than continuous operation. By switching the laser on and off at controlled intervals, the average power consumption is reduced while maintaining visibility during the on-periods, thereby extending battery life without requiring complex additional components.
3Illumination intensity
If the laser diode operates at high instantaneous power, then the targeting visibility is improved, but the average power exceeds legal limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing where the laser operates at high power during brief on-periods to ensure visibility, then remains off during off-periods. The duty cycle is controlled so that the average power over the complete cycle remains below legal limits while the instantaneous brightness during on-periods maintains effective targeting capability.
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 CEWs to operate within legal power limits across different regions while extending battery life by dynamically adjusting the laser diode's power output, ensuring compliance and efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
one or more laser diodes for illuminating (e.g., targeting) a predicted point of impact
Implementation Method 2
A photo detector detects the light and provides a signal that is related to the power of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for calibrating, operating, and setting the magnitude of the power of light provided by a laser diode in a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”). The light of the laser diode assists in targeting by providing a visible indication of the projected point of impact of the tethered electrode of the CEW. The calibration process enables laser diode of a CEW to operate within regional guidelines of the maximum output power of light permitted by a laser. The method further permits the magnitude of the power of the light provided by a laser diode to be set and operated in changing environmental conditions in the field.