Integrated Lethal and Non-Lethal Weapon with Millimeter-Wave Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern urban conflicts, security personnel face challenges in quickly and effectively switching between non-lethal and lethal force due to the limitations of existing non-lethal weapons, which often lack range and versatility when used alongside lethal weapons.
Innovation Solution
A combined lethal/non-lethal weapon system that incorporates a high-power millimeter-wave non-lethal portion, featuring an output antenna, main reflector, and sub-reflector to direct a millimeter-wave wavefront, allowing for easy switching between non-lethal and lethal capabilities, with the non-lethal portion being bore-sighted with the lethal weapon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-lethal weapons are carried separate from lethal weapons, then security personnel can have both types of weapons available, but switching between them causes a potentially life-threatening delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-lethal and lethal weapons into a single integrated weapon system. The non-lethal portion (directed-energy weapon) and lethal portion are merged into one unit with shared components including the barrel, trigger mechanism, and sighting system, allowing instantaneous switching between modes without separate weapon handling
Solution Approach 2:
The weapon system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The same physical platform supports both non-lethal directed-energy emission and lethal projectile firing capabilities, with the ability to switch between functions rapidly based on operational requirements
2Length of stationary object
If non-lethal kinetic weapons use high initial velocity to achieve longer range, then the weapon can cover greater distances, but the weapon becomes potentially lethal at close range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical projectile-based non-lethal weapon system with a directed-energy weapon system using millimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation. This substitution eliminates the need for high-velocity physical projectiles, allowing effective non-lethal engagement at long ranges without the close-range lethality problem inherent in kinetic systems
3Length of stationary object
If non-lethal weapons are designed for long range, then they can engage targets at greater distances, but they become ineffective at the ranges where lethal weapons are effective
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated weapon system provides universal effectiveness across all engagement ranges by combining directed-energy non-lethal capability (effective at long ranges) with conventional lethal projectile capability (effective at close ranges). The system adapts to any range requirement through mode selection, ensuring operational effectiveness whether the target is distant or close
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 security personnel to quickly and effectively switch between non-lethal and lethal modes, reducing the risk of harm to both themselves and innocent bystanders, while minimizing logistical burdens associated with conventional non-lethal weapons.
Implementation Method 1
a main reflector to reflect the wavefront to the target
Implementation Method 2
The high-power wavefront may produce a non-lethal deterring effect on the target
Data Source
AI summary
A portable weapon comprises a non-lethal portion and a lethal portion. The lethal portion may comprise a rifle, and the non-lethal portion may comprise a millimeter-wave directed energy weapon. The non-lethal portion may comprise a kit to add non-lethal capability to a lethal weapon. The non-lethal portion may comprise an output antenna to generate a high-power millimeter-wave initial wavefront, a main reflector, and a sub-reflector to reflect the initial wavefront to the main reflector. The main reflector may direct the reflected wavefront in a bore-sighted direction toward a target. The wavefront directed by the main reflector may have a power density selected to deliver a non-lethal deterring effect on the target. In some embodiments, the non-lethal portion may include a replaceable energy-storage module.