Multi-Section Marking System for Universal Vision Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current marking systems are not effective in being visible across various vision devices used by military personnel, such as night vision goggles and thermal goggles, and do not function consistently in both daylight and darkness.

Innovation Solution

A multi-marker marking system comprising three sections with different combinations of fluorescent, thermal-generating, and chemical light systems, each generating distinct colors, which can be activated upon expulsion charges, ensuring visibility across different vision devices and in varying light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-type marker (chemiluminescent or heat) is used, then it is visible to personnel with specific vision devices, but it is not visible to personnel using different types of vision devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility across different vision devicesVSAvoidnumber of marker types required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple marker types (chemiluminescent, fluorescent, and heat-generating markers) into a single integrated marking system. This single system produces multiple signals simultaneously, making it visible to personnel using different types of vision devices (night vision goggles, thermal goggles, etc.), thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate marker types while achieving universal visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a marker system is designed for specific light conditions, then it performs well in those conditions, but it does not function consistently in both daylight and darkness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistent visibility in varying light conditionsVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking system is designed to perform multiple functions across different light conditions. It generates chemiluminescent signals visible in darkness, fluorescent signals visible in daylight, and heat signals detectable by thermal devices regardless of lighting conditions. This multi-functional design ensures reliable visibility in both daylight and darkness without requiring separate systems for each condition.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple marker types are used to achieve universal visibility, then all vision devices can detect the marker, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with all vision devicesVSAvoidmarking system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple previously separate marker types into a single integrated marking system that produces multiple signals simultaneously. This consolidation maintains compatibility with all vision devices (night vision, thermal, etc.) while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need to deploy multiple separate marker types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 generates multiple signals visible to both thermal and night vision devices, providing consistent visibility in daylight and darkness, and ensures that the signals are distinct and visible across different types of vision devices used by military personnel.

Implementation Method 1

the first section comprises a fluorescent system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

the first section comprises a thermal-generating system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 3

the first section comprises a chemical light system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemiluminescence: Chemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2630436B1Multi-marker marking system
Publication Date: 2015.06.10 CYALUME TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2630436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2630436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2630436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a marking system comprising at least one module (100), which comprises at least two sections (101, 102), wherein the at least one module fails upon an expulsion charge initiation or a delayed expulsion charge (104, 105, 106) initiation, and wherein the at least two sections each independently comprise at least one system chosen from a fluorescent system, a thermal - generating system, and a chemical light system. In some embodiments, a section of a module as disclosed herein comprises a heat/light system that generates both heat and light signals. The heat/light system comprises at least one first part comprising at least one oxalate ester, at least one fluorescer, and at least one inorganic salt, and at least one second part comprising at least one peroxide and at least one catalyst.