Multiple Beam Directed Energy System for IED Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fail to reliably detect the presence and type of IEDs, especially when they are buried or obscured, and do not provide a means to disarm or disable them safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a transmitter system that sends multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation with different frequencies to overlap in a specific pattern, generating difference frequency signals detectable by a receiver system, which can identify objects with non-linear electrical characteristics, such as IEDs, and potentially disable them by controlling the intensity and frequency of the transmitted signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple beams with different frequencies are transmitted to overlap in a specific pattern, then detection precision and ability to identify buried/obscured objects is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electromagnetic radiation into multiple beams with different frequencies (first plurality of beams with first number of frequencies, second plurality of beams with second number of frequencies). These segmented beams are transmitted along different paths and allowed to overlap in a specific pattern, creating an interference pattern that enhances detection precision while managing system complexity through structured organization
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds frequency as an additional dimension to the beam transmission. By transmitting beams with different frequencies that overlap in space, the system creates a multi-dimensional detection approach (spatial + frequency dimensions) that improves detection precision for buried and obscured objects without simply increasing power in a single dimension
2Reliability
If high-power transmitters are used to detect buried or obscured IEDs, then detection range is improved, but energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing power in a single dimension, the system uses multiple frequency dimensions with moderate power levels. The overlapping beams create an interference pattern that amplifies the detection effect, achieving extended detection range for buried objects without requiring proportionally high power from individual transmitters
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple lower-power beams with different frequencies in a specific overlapping pattern. The combined interference effect of these merged beams achieves detection capability comparable to or exceeding high-power single-frequency systems, while consuming less total energy and reducing system cost
3Device complexity
If single-frequency beams are transmitted, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to detect non-linear electrical characteristics is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces frequency as an additional dimension by transmitting beams with multiple different frequencies. When these beams overlap and interact with objects having non-linear electrical characteristics, they generate difference frequency signals that provide unique detection signatures, enhancing detection capability beyond what single-frequency systems can achieve
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 the detection and identification of IEDs, even when buried or obscured, and provides a means to disable them safely, improving detection range and reducing the need for high-power transmitters and sensitive receivers, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the detection system.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus using a transmitter system that sends multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation with different frequencies to overlap in a specific pattern
Implementation Method 2
multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation with different frequencies to overlap in a specific pattern, generating difference frequency signals
Implementation Method 3
generating difference frequency signals detectable by a receiver system, which can identify objects with non-linear electrical characteristics
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting beams of electromagnetic energy. A plurality of beams having a first number of frequencies and a number of beams having a second number of frequencies are transmitted. The plurality of beams and the number of beams overlap each other at an area with a pattern of intensities in the area. Difference frequency signals having a number of difference frequencies equal to a difference between the first number of frequencies and the second number of frequencies are monitored. The difference frequency signals are generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to receiving the plurality of beams and the number of beams.