Wireless Seismic Sensor Mesh for IED Emplacement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are inefficient, as they rely on visual detection, signal jamming, and sensor systems that require significant power and fail to discriminate between IED emplacement and ordinary activity, and are vulnerable to countermeasures such as improved camouflage and hard-wired detonation systems.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mesh network of seismic sensors that transmit reporting signals through multiple hops to a base station, reducing power requirements and allowing for real-time detection of IED emplacement, with the base station analyzing seismic data to distinguish IED activity from other movements and alerting mobile response units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors transmit motion data to a program monitor over a relatively large distance, then the sensor can detect and report IED emplacement activity, but the sensor requires relatively large amounts of power to successfully transmit the motion data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the transmission path into multiple short hops through intermediate sensors rather than one long transmission. Each sensor transmits data only to its immediate neighbor, reducing the transmission distance and power consumption for each individual transmission event while maintaining overall system detection capability across the entire area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediary sensors act as relay stations between the detecting sensor and the final monitor. These intermediate sensors receive, process, and forward the motion data, enabling long-distance monitoring without requiring any single sensor to transmit over large distances, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the military utilizes visual detection personnel to detect IEDs, then IEDs can be detected and cleared, but the enemy can counter by improving camouflage and increasing the number of IEDs emplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcountermeasure vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human visual detection with automated seismic sensors that detect ground vibrations caused by IED emplacement activities. This substitution eliminates vulnerabilities to camouflage and human error, providing reliable detection of IED placement regardless of visual concealment or the number of devices emplaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the military utilizes sensor systems to detect movement in a particular area, then personnel and vehicle movement can be detected, but the system does not discriminate activities associated with IED emplacement from ordinary motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection capabilityVSAvoidactivity discrimination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system analyzes the local characteristics of seismic signals, including frequency content, amplitude patterns, and temporal sequences of vibrations. By examining these specific local qualities of the ground motion, the system can distinguish between ordinary activities and IED emplacement activities, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliable motion detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 immediate responsive action to prevent IED detonation and apprehend perpetrators by efficiently detecting IED placement within a geographic area with reduced power consumption and improved discrimination between IED activity and ordinary movements.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless mesh network of seismic sensors that transmit reporting signals through multiple hops to a base station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8031068B1System and method for detecting emplacement of improvised explosive devices

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

An explosive device detection system includes sensors and base station that detect and report on suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or landmine emplacement activity within a geographic area. When disposed within a geographic area, each sensor forms part of a wireless communications network which allows communication among neighboring sensors. As a sensor detects activity in its proximity, such as activity that indicates emplacement of an IED, the sensor transmits a reporting signal through the network to the base station. The neighboring sensors receive and transmit the reporting signal in a sequential manner toward the base station. Because the reporting signal takes multiple hops toward the base station, the sensors do not require large amounts of power to transmit the signal. Furthermore, the detection system allows detection of IED emplacement within the geographic area as the activity occurs. As a result, the base station can direct mobile response units to take immediate responsive action to prevent detonation of the IED's.