Projectile ECM for Targeted IED Disablement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disabling or inhibiting remote-controlled vehicles or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are either dangerous, disruptive to non-target electronic devices, or ineffective in preventing remote triggering.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a projectile carrying an Electronic Counter-Measure (ECM) unit, launched towards the target object, which selectively disrupts the electronic systems of the remote-controlled vehicle or IED while minimizing interference with other electronic devices, using a controlled radius of influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ECMs are used to inhibit electronic devices, then the operation of suspect IEDs is prevented, but the operation of many other electronic devices (e.g., personal electronic devices) is also inhibited, causing inconvenience and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering the ECM unit to a specific location (the target object or its vicinity) rather than broadcasting inhibition signals broadly. The projectile carries the ECM unit directly to the target, creating a localized electromagnetic environment that affects only the target object's electronic systems while leaving other electronic devices in the surrounding area unaffected.
2Reliability
If shooting down the vehicle is used to disable it, then the vehicle is destroyed, but it is potentially dangerous, may cause public worry, and could trigger explosives or release harmful agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of shooting down the vehicle with projectiles (which would cause physical destruction and safety risks) with an electronic system. The ECM unit delivers electromagnetic signals that disable the vehicle's electronic control systems, allowing the vehicle to be rendered inoperative without physical destruction, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with falling debris, triggered explosives, or released harmful agents.
3Reliability
If a jamming signal is used to interfere with the aerial vehicle, then remote control is disrupted, but the signal can dangerously interfere with other aerial objects (e.g., aeroplanes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by confining the jamming signal to a localized area around the target aerial vehicle. The ECM unit is delivered to or near the target, creating a localized electromagnetic environment that disrupts only the remote control signals to the target vehicle while leaving other aerial objects operating in different spatial regions unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the ECM delivery system from broad-area jamming systems. Instead of using area-wide jamming that affects all electronic communications in a region, the system segments the countermeasure delivery to a specific target through projectile deployment, isolating the harmful electromagnetic effects to only the intended target object.
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
Effectively disables or inhibits the remote-controlled vehicle or IED, preventing remote triggering while avoiding disruption to nearby electronic devices, thus ensuring safety and operational continuity.
Implementation Method 1
Electronic Counter-Measure (ECM) unit, which selectively disrupts the electronic systems of the remote-controlled vehicle or IED
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inhibiting the electronic system of a target object is provided. The system comprises an Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) unit, and a projectile for carrying the ECM unit towards the target object.