Remote Controlled Non-Lethal Weapon Station Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Military units face challenges in using non-lethal weapons effectively during Low Intensity Conflicts and Operations Other Than War, as existing systems lack the capability to seamlessly transition from lethal to non-lethal operations, leading to logistical and operational inefficiencies and increased exposure of personnel to danger.

Innovation Solution

Conversion of a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) into a Remote Controlled Non-Lethal Weapon Station (RCNLWS) by temporarily disassembling lethal weapons and mounting non-lethal systems, such as multi-barrel grenade launchers, acoustic devices, and small caliber kinetic bullet rifles, enabling remote operation and dual-use capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If military units equip themselves with multiple separate non-lethal weapons, then they can respond to various conflict scenarios, but the logistical burden and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to respond to various conflict scenariosVSAvoidlogistical burden and operational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single RCWS platform that can mount and operate multiple types of non-lethal weapons (acoustic devices, illumination systems, small caliber kinetic weapons, grenade launchers) through a unified remote control system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated platforms for each weapon type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple non-lethal weapon systems into a single integrated RCWS unit, combining acoustic devices, illumination systems, kinetic weapons, and grenade launchers under one remote control platform, thereby consolidating logistical support and operational command

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If soldiers operate non-lethal weapons from exposed positions, then they can directly engage targets, but their exposure to danger increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect engagement capabilityVSAvoidexposure to danger
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vehicle-mounted RCWS system as an intermediary platform between the operator and the non-lethal weapons, allowing soldiers to control weapons from the protected interior of a vehicle while maintaining direct engagement capability through remote control interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If lethal weapons are permanently mounted in RCWS, then the system is ready for combat, but it cannot be used for non-lethal operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for combatVSAvoidcapability for non-lethal operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing a configurable weapon mounting system that allows switching between lethal and non-lethal weapons based on operational requirements, enabling the RCWS to adapt its armament dynamically rather than being permanently fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the weapon mounting interface to allow independent installation and removal of different weapon types (lethal or non-lethal), enabling flexible configuration where non-lethal weapons can be mounted in the same platform used for lethal weapons

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9677852B2Remote controlled non-lethal weapon station
Publication Date: 2017.06.13 RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYST LTD
  • US9677852B2 patent drawing
  • US9677852B2 patent drawing
  • US9677852B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A Remote Controlled Weapon Station is provided wherein it comprises a weapon mounting bracket that is remotely adjustable in elevating/lowering and a rotatable turret assembly adapted to be mounted on vehicles, remotely adjustable in rotation, and wherein the weapon mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on it, and the Remote Controlled Weapon Station is converted into a remote controlled Non Lethal weapon station by that at least one non lethal means is installed in it, chosen from a group consisting of—a multi barreled means for firing grenades; multi-barrels launcher means for pyrotechnically firing plurality of charges; acoustic means for producing tones; illuminating means; observation means and means for providing sniper firing capabilities of small caliber kinetic bullet.