Remote Explosive Ignition via Electromagnetic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for igniting explosive devices, such as landmines and IEDs, are ineffective for electronically triggered devices and pose risks to personnel and equipment due to the need for physical force or proximity, which can result in accidents and failure to neutralize threats effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a strong electric field to induce electric current in explosive devices, using high-voltage generators and Tesla coils to ignite or disable them from a safe distance, either through direct discharge, electromagnetic energy, or magnetic fields, allowing for remote operation and reduced risk to personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical force or proximity methods are used to ignite explosive devices, then ignition may be achieved for simple devices, but personnel and equipment are exposed to danger and the method fails for electronically triggered devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dragging methods with electromagnetic field-based ignition systems. High-voltage generators and Tesla coils create electromagnetic fields that can remotely ignite explosive devices without physical contact, eliminating the need for personnel to approach dangerous areas and ensuring reliable ignition for both simple and electronically triggered devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the ignition source and the explosive device. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that can transfer energy to ignite explosives from a distance, avoiding direct physical contact and the associated risks to personnel and equipment
2Ease of operation
If personnel approach close to explosive devices for ignition, then direct control is possible, but the risk of injury increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual close-proximity operations with remotely operated electromagnetic ignition systems. Operators can control the ignition process from safe distances using electromagnetic fields, maintaining operational control while eliminating the need for personnel to physically approach dangerous devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the operator from the ignition target using electromagnetic field transmission. The ignition system is divided into remote control components and field generation components that can operate at a distance, allowing operators to maintain control without being physically present near the explosive device
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 safe and effective ignition or disablement of explosive devices from a standoff distance, reducing the risk of injury and improving the effectiveness in neutralizing threats by using electrical means to ignite or disable the devices, even when buried underground.
Implementation Method 1
a strong electric field is generated to cause electric current flow to an explosive device
Implementation Method 2
The electric current is used to thereby ignite explosive material therein
Implementation Method 3
electrical energy is transmitted (e.g., capacitively, inductively, and/or through direct discharges) proximate to the explosive device
Implementation Method 4
a strong electric field passing in the vicinity of the explosive device may cause electric current to 'arc' about metallic edges of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying. In one embodiment, a system is configured with a vehicle to distally position the directionally propagated energy to the explosive device such that damage caused by the device is inhibited.