Shielded Airfreight Container for Remote Detonation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of improvised explosive devices being remotely detonated despite being stored in a location inaccessible to passengers, as current security measures do not adequately prevent signal reception by such devices.
Innovation Solution
A container with an electromagnetic shield and a signal generator to impede signal reception by items within the container, using a Faraday cage effect to prevent external signals from triggering any explosive devices, while minimizing interference with aircraft systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are stored in a location inaccessible to passengers (aircraft hold), then passenger access to items is prevented, but remote detonation of explosive devices remains possible via signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
An electromagnetic shield acts as an intermediary barrier between external signal sources and items within the container. The shield blocks electromagnetic signals from penetrating into the container interior, preventing remote detonation of explosive devices while allowing the container to remain in the aircraft hold for secure storage
Solution Approach 2:
The container creates an electromagnetically inert environment within its interior by using conductive shielding materials that block external electromagnetic fields. This inert electromagnetic atmosphere prevents signal transmission to explosive devices, making the container interior effectively isolated from external electromagnetic interference
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an electromagnetic shield is added to the container, then signal reception by items is impeded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic shield serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks external electromagnetic signals from reaching items, contains internal electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna, and provides structural reinforcement to the container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shielding function is merged with the container structure itself rather than being a separate additive component. The shield is integrated into the container walls and base, combining the protective enclosure function with the electromagnetic blocking function in a single unified structure
3Reliability
If a signal generator and antenna are added to transmit impeding signals, then remote detonation is further impeded, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator and antenna proactively transmit impeding electromagnetic signals into the container interior before external detonation signals can reach items. This preliminary anti-action creates an electromagnetic environment that actively counteracts potential detonation signals, adding a layer of protection beyond passive shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic signals, which could potentially be used for malicious detonation, and instead converts them into a protective mechanism. The antenna transmits electromagnetic signals that create an interfering environment, turning the potentially harmful electromagnetic spectrum into a security feature that prevents detonation
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
The container effectively reduces the likelihood of remote detonation of improvised explosive devices, enhancing aircraft security without disrupting normal aircraft operations or communications systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic shield surrounding at least part of the void to provide electromagnetic shielding between an exterior of the container and items located within the said part of the void
Implementation Method 2
a signal generator connected to the antenna and operable to apply a signal to the antenna to cause the transmission of an impeding signal within the said part of the void
Data Source
AI summary
A container has a base, sides and a top, the base, sides and top together defining a void within which items can be located in use, an electromagnetic shield fully surrounding at least part of the void to provide an electromagnetic shield between an exterior of the container and items located within the said part of the void, an antenna located within the said part of the void and a signal generator connected to the antenna and operable to apply a signal to the antenna to cause the transmission of an impeding signal within the said part of the void to impede the reception of signals transmitted from locations external to the container by items located within the said part of the void.