Stun Gun Dual-Mode Waveform for Battery Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stun guns require high voltage and power to overcome the high impedance air gap between electrodes and skin, leading to inefficient operation and high battery consumption, especially in scenarios where a direct low impedance path is established, resulting in reduced electro-muscular efficiency and increased power requirements.
Innovation Solution
The electronic disabling device employs a dual-mode operation with a time-sequenced, shaped voltage output waveform, utilizing two energy storage capacitors to generate a high voltage output to ionize the air gap and a lower voltage output to maintain current flow through the skin, optimizing energy transfer and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage output is used to overcome the air gap impedance, then the device can establish current flow through the target, but battery power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed high voltage output that alternates between high voltage pulses (to ionize the air gap) and lower voltage periods (to maintain current flow). This allows the device to overcome the high impedance air gap only when necessary, then switch to a more energy-efficient mode for sustaining the electrical discharge through the target, thereby reducing overall battery power consumption while maintaining reliable current flow establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically varying the output voltage parameter over time - switching between high voltage mode (for air gap breakdown) and low voltage mode (for sustained current flow). This time-sequenced parameter change allows the device to adapt to different operational phases: initially requiring high voltage to ionize the air gap, then transitioning to lower voltage to maintain current flow, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable current establishment and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If high power is delivered to maintain current flow through skin, then target incapacitation is effective, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by delivering high power in pulsed intervals rather than continuously. The high voltage pulses provide effective target incapacitation when needed, followed by lower power intervals that maintain current flow with reduced energy consumption. This periodic high-power delivery achieves reliable incapacitation while minimizing overall battery consumption compared to continuous high power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the power output parameter based on operational requirements. The system switches between high power mode (for effective incapacitation during air gap breakdown) and low power mode (for maintaining current flow through the target). This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures effective target incapacitation while optimizing battery consumption by using high power only when necessary.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dual-mode operation with time-sequenced voltage waveform is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical discharge process into two distinct temporal phases: a first time interval with high voltage output for air gap ionization, and a second time interval with lower voltage output for sustained current flow. This temporal segmentation allows the use of simpler circuit components rated for lower continuous voltage, while achieving the same overall effect through time-sequenced operation, thus reducing power consumption with moderate increases in control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the output voltage a time-varying parameter rather than a static value. The circuit dynamically switches between high voltage and low voltage modes based on the operational phase, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match the requirements of each stage (air gap breakdown versus sustained discharge). This dynamic operation reduces overall power consumption while the added control complexity is managed through timing circuits and switches.
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
This approach allows for efficient target incapacitation while significantly reducing battery power consumption, enabling the device to operate with a single AA battery and minimizing physical and weight constraints, with a laboratory prototype showing a 90% reduction in power consumption compared to prior art stun guns like the Taser M26.
Implementation Method 1
a first output capacitor selectively connected by a first switch to the voltage multiplier to generate a first high voltage output waveform sufficient to ionize an air gap between the output electrodes and a target
Implementation Method 2
a second output capacitor selectively connected by a second switch across the output electrodes to generate a second lower voltage output waveform to maintain a current flow through the skin
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to various aspects of the present invention predicts remaining battery capacity for a battery used by a device. The system includes a memory that stores indicia of remaining battery capacity and a plurality of predefined increments of battery capacity consumption. The system further includes a circuit that determines a duration of operating corresponding to one or more of the increments and stores in the memory a predicted remaining battery capacity, adjusted in accordance with the duration and the one or more increments. Other systems, according to various aspects of the present invention, further include a display indicating remaining battery capacity, for example, as a percentage of initial battery capacity, and/or temperature compensation.