Portable Laser Apparatus with Segmented Power and Safety Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld directed-energy systems are large, complex, and lack a compact, portable design suitable for extended use by individuals, such as soldiers or law enforcement, and there is a need for a high-power, pulsed energy apparatus with enhanced balance, stability, and ease of use, particularly in combat situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable laser apparatus with a rechargeable embedded battery, external power source options, manual focusing, and safety features, including a safety switch to prevent accidental firing, allowing for adjustable settings and configurations through an intuitive interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If known directed-energy systems are designed to provide sufficient power and energy, then the power output is adequate, but the system size and complexity increase, making them unsuitable for portable or handheld use
Solution Approach 1:
The laser apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a handheld unit containing the laser beam generation component, output optics, and control interface; a separate power source (battery backpack or wearable battery system); and external power source options. This segmentation allows the handheld portion to remain compact and portable while the power source can be optimized separately for portability or external deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring a single large integrated unit to a distributed architecture where the power source exists in a separate spatial dimension (external or wearable), allowing the handheld laser apparatus to be miniaturized while maintaining adequate power output through the separated power delivery system.
2Ease of operation
If the laser apparatus is designed for extended portable use, then portability is improved, but the weight and power capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser apparatus is designed to accept multiple power source configurations: an integrated rechargeable embedded battery for self-contained portable operation, an external battery backpack for extended field use, and a wearable battery system for hands-free operation. This multi-functionality allows the same handheld unit to adapt to different portability and power capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source configuration is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the user to switch between different power delivery modes (integrated battery, external battery backpack, wearable battery) depending on the operational requirements for portability versus power capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the laser apparatus includes comprehensive safety features and settings interface, then safety and usability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser apparatus includes automatic safety interlocks and settings management that reduce the cognitive burden on the user. The control system automatically manages power delivery parameters, safety interlocks, and settings based on the selected operational mode, reducing the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high usability.
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 solution provides a compact, high-power, and user-friendly handheld laser device capable of generating focused energy pulses, enhancing usability and safety in field applications while maintaining reliability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
laser beam generation component generating a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
output optics component configured to receive the laser beam generated by the laser beam generation component
Data Source
AI summary
A power switch component configured to power a laser apparatus. A data storage component configured to store laser apparatus information and a settings and display circuit in communication with data storage. A display configured to read a current setting and configured to display this setting. A trigger component allowing an activation of the laser apparatus so as to energize the laser apparatus to create a laser beam. A firing circuit configured to receive an electrical activation signal from a trigger and generate a firing signal. A power transfer circuit configured to receive the firing signal. The power transfer circuit component transfers power to a laser beam generation component. A power source configured to provide power to the laser beam generation component for generating a laser beam. Output optics are configured to receive the generated laser beam.