Simulation Weapon Power Circuit for High-Current Pulse Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating a suitable electrical energy storage device in a simulation weapon, such as a modified handgun or rifle, is challenging due to limited installation space, especially when high current pulses are required for simulating recoil and laser emission.

Innovation Solution

Employing a combination of supercapacitors and a boost converter to provide high-current electrical pulses, allowing for a compact design by using a small energy storage device and enabling rapid firing sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a suitably sized electrical energy storage device is used to provide high current pulses, then the electrical energy requirement is met, but the installation space becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical current outputVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical energy storage system is segmented into two distinct parts: a small primary energy storage device (battery) for continuous power supply and multiple supercapacitors for short-term high current pulses. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the battery to remain small while still meeting overall power requirements through the collaborative operation with supercapacitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different energy storage components based on power demand characteristics. The control unit detects when high current pulses are needed and activates the supercapacitors accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its power delivery configuration in real-time. This dynamic operation enables small component sizes while meeting peak power demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the energy storage device is made small to reduce installation space, then the volume requirement is met, but the short-term high current pulse requirement cannot be satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidelectrical current output
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitors are pre-charged during periods of lower power demand from the battery. This preliminary energy storage preparation ensures that when high current pulses are needed, the already-charged supercapacitors can immediately deliver the required power without requiring a larger battery. The system performs the energy accumulation action in advance, enabling compact design while meeting peak power needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If multiple supercapacitors are used to provide high current pulses, then the power requirement is met, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical current outputVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitors serve multiple functions within the system: they provide short-term high current pulses, buffer electrical or electronic loads during battery replacement or recharging, and work in parallel with the battery to extend overall system operational capacity. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by providing several benefits from a single architectural addition.

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

4Volume of moving object

If a small energy storage device is used, then the installation space is reduced, but the recharging frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidrecharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitors maintain continuous power availability by bridging the gaps between battery recharging cycles. While the small battery is being recharged, the supercapacitors continue to supply power during their discharge phase, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This continuity allows the system to use a smaller battery without increasing overall recharging frequency, as the supercapacitors carry the load during transition periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 realistic simulation of firearm operations with reduced space requirements, supporting rapid firing and laser emission without the need for oversized energy storage or conversion components.

Implementation Method 1

A number of supercapacitors are arranged electrically between the consumer and the boost converter (secondary side) and/or electrically between the energy storage device and the boost converter (primary side)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

An electrical boost converter is connected between the energy storage device and the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

This pulsed laser beam is preferably generated by a laser diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

Recoil is typically simulated by a pneumatic system. This system might include, for example, a pneumatic valve actuated by a trigger mechanism, which releases pulsed compressed air that moves a piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4685429A1Simulation weapon
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 THALES DEUTLAND GMBH
  • EP4685429A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4685429A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4685429A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A simulation weapon comprises an electrical energy storage device (44) for providing electrical energy, an electrical load (34) which has a short-term electrical energy demand, and a boost converter (46) electrically arranged between the energy storage device (44) and the load (34). It is proposed that the short-term electrical energy demand of the load (34) is greater than can be supplied by the energy storage device (44) and the boost converter (46) alone, and that a number of supercapacitors (48) are electrically arranged between the load (34) and the boost converter (46).