Vehicle Engine Disabling via Modulated Microwave Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave-based vehicle engine-stopping devices are large, require high power, and can cause collateral damage due to their size and power requirements, and are not vehicle-specific, leading to potential damage to other vehicles and individuals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a database of vehicle-specific parameters to transmit modulated narrowband microwave radiation, with peak power less than 5 kW and average power less than 10 watts, utilizing a portable power supply, modulated narrowband microwave source, and conformal antennas to selectively disable vehicle engines without preinstalled hardware or physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high power microwave radiation is used to disable vehicle engines, then the engine stopping capability is improved, but the risk of collateral damage to surrounding vehicles and individuals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrowave powerVSAvoidcollateral damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the microwave radiation vehicle-specific through a database of parameters tailored to each vehicle's make, model, and engine type. This allows the system to concentrate the disabling effect precisely on the target vehicle's engine control systems while minimizing exposure and damage to surrounding vehicles and individuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by storing and transmitting specific microwave parameters (frequency, pulse width, duty cycle, power level) in a database for different vehicle types. By selecting and adjusting these parameters based on the target vehicle, the system achieves effective engine disablement at lower power levels, reducing collateral damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle-specific parameters are used to target specific vehicles, then the selectivity and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases due to database requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle selectivityVSAvoiddatabase system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing microwave parameters for multiple vehicle types in a database before operation. This allows the operator to quickly select appropriate parameters for the target vehicle without real-time calculation or adjustment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high selectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Weight of moving object

If portable power supply is used to reduce device size, then the portability is improved, but the available power for microwave transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidmicrowave power

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed microwave transmission with specific duty cycles (e.g., 10-50%) rather than continuous transmission. This allows the use of lower power portable sources while still achieving effective engine disablement through repeated pulses that accumulate disruptive effect on the engine control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 efficient and selective engine disruption or stoppage of targeted vehicles with reduced power levels below damage thresholds, minimizing risk to occupants and surrounding vehicles, and allowing for portable and safe operation by law enforcement.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting modulated microwave radiation to the vehicle, the radiation being varied according to one or more of the parameters specific to the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Radiated microwave energy has been shown to stop modern internal combustion engines by disrupting the normal functions of the engine control unit (ECU) computer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8905176B2Method and apparatus for remotely disabling vehicles

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 FIORE INDS

AI summary

Method and apparatus for remotely disabling a vehicle using modulated microwave energy. The modulation characteristics are preferably tailored for different types of vehicles. This approach enables the use of a low power radiation source, which minimizes injury to people and property and which enables the use of portable devices, such as for use on law enforcement or military vehicles.