Projectile Carrier for Vehicle Tracking and Disabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective real-time tracking and disabling capabilities for suspicious vehicles, particularly in scenarios involving contraband or threats like explosives and weapons of mass destruction, posing risks to public safety and requiring enhanced remote sensing and intelligence gathering tools.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a launcher that fires a carrier with a tracking device, sensors, and a vehicle disabling mechanism, which attaches to a target vehicle, allowing for remote tracking and potential electronic incapacitation, utilizing a combination of GPS, sensors, and a vehicle stopping system to identify and neutralize threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tracking device and disabling system are attached to a target vehicle from a distance, then the risk to bystanders and individuals involved in the pursuit is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components (tracking device, sensors, disabling system) into a single nested carrier structure. The carrier contains an electronics package with GPS receiver, radio frequency transponder, and disabling system, all housed within a compact projectile that can be launched from a launcher. This nesting approach consolidates complex functionality into one deployable unit, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining comprehensive capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a carrier as an intermediary between the launcher and the target vehicle. The carrier is launched from the launcher, attaches to the target vehicle, and then provides the tracking and disabling functions. This intermediary approach allows the system to be deployed from a distance, minimizing direct contact and risk to operators and bystanders while still achieving the desired effects on the target vehicle.
2Loss of information
If remote tracking and sensing capabilities are deployed, then real-time monitoring of suspicious vehicles is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a multi-functional device that performs tracking, sensing, and disabling operations. The electronics package includes a GPS receiver for location tracking, a radio frequency transponder for communication and identification, and a disabling system for neutralizing threats. This universal design allows a single device to accomplish multiple objectives that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device on the target vehicle is self-sufficient, containing its own power source, GPS receiver, and transponder. Once attached to the vehicle, it autonomously provides real-time location information and sensor data without requiring constant external intervention or complex supporting infrastructure. The device services itself by maintaining its own operational capabilities while attached to the moving target.
3Reliability
If a vehicle disabling system is integrated into the tracking device, then the ability to neutralize threats is enhanced, but the device complexity and potential harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disabling system is controlled through feedback from the tracking device and external monitoring. The GPS receiver continuously provides location data, and the radio frequency transponder enables two-way communication between the carrier and external systems. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor the target vehicle's location and status in real-time, making informed decisions about when and how to activate the disabling system, thereby reducing unnecessary or premature use that could create harmful situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is launched and attached to the target vehicle before the disabling system is activated. This preliminary action allows the tracking and sensing functions to operate first, gathering information about the target vehicle and its contents. Only after this preliminary phase, when the threat is confirmed and the vehicle is securely tagged, is the disabling system activated, minimizing the risk of premature or incorrect use.
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 real-time tracking and potential disabling of vehicles carrying contraband or threats, minimizing risk to bystanders and allowing for proactive engagement by law enforcement, thereby enhancing national security and homeland safety.
Implementation Method 1
sufficient propellant to launch the carrier from the launcher
Implementation Method 2
causing a tracking signal to be emitted from the tracking system, the tracking signal including information identifying the electronics package, location, and any sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disabling a fleeing vehicle via disrupting the vehicle's onboard computer or electrical system. The system optionally includes a tracking system for tracking the vehicle's location and/or a remote sensing system for identifying a payload contained in the vehicle or asset. A launcher of the disabling/tracking device may be handheld or vehicle mounted, and may use high pressure gas or another propellant to launch the projectile at a fleeing vehicle. The system may include a tether for connecting the disabling device to a power supply disposed on a pursuit vehicle or a handheld launcher.