Trigger and Activation System for Vehicle Blast Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active blast countermeasure systems lack comprehensive trigger and activation systems, sensor details, and countermeasure components, making them inadequate for effectively protecting vehicle occupants from mine and IED blasts, as well as vehicle collisions and rollovers.
Innovation Solution
The development of a comprehensive Trigger and Activation System (TAS) comprising a First Responder Unit (FRU), Control Display Assembly (CDA), processors, sensors, and an Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), which includes multiple sensors for various force measurements, encoded signals, and countermeasures like disintegrable solid cartridges, deployed in a modular and scalable manner to counteract forces and reduce risk to personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a comprehensive Trigger and Activation System with multiple sensors and countermeasures is implemented, then the protection effectiveness against blast forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: First Responder Unit (FRU) for external control, Control Display Assembly (CDA) for user interface, Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) for safety control, and multiple sensor types (accelerometers, pressure sensors, strain gauges) for detection. Each module operates independently but communicates through encoded signals, allowing the complex system to be managed through modular components that can be developed, tested, and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
An encoded signal system acts as an intermediary between the sensors, control units, and countermeasures. The FRU and CDA communicate with the ESAD through coded electrical signals that convey sensor data and control commands without requiring direct physical connections between all components. This intermediary communication layer simplifies the integration of multiple sensors and countermeasures while maintaining system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and countermeasure components are integrated into the system, then the measurement precision and response capability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The Control Display Assembly (CDA) serves multiple functions: it displays system status, receives user input for arming/disarming operations, provides visual and tactile feedback about sensor readings and countermeasure status, and communicates with the ESAD. This multi-functional interface consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate controls and displays, improving ease of operation while maintaining the capability to handle multiple sensor types and countermeasure configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic safety interlocks and status monitoring that reduce the need for manual intervention. The ESAD automatically monitors sensor inputs and countermeasure status, providing visual and tactile feedback through the CDA about system readiness and operational state. The encoded signal system automatically routes information between components without requiring manual configuration, allowing the system to manage its own complexity while maintaining precision measurement capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If the countermeasures system is made accessible for disablement by first responders, then the ease of operation in emergency situations is improved, but the reliability of the system against unintended activation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The First Responder Unit (FRU) is pre-configured with the capability to disable the countermeasures system from outside the vehicle. The FRU contains pre-programmed disable commands that can be transmitted through the encoded signal system to the ESAD, allowing first responders to quickly disarm the system without needing to enter the vehicle or navigate complex control interfaces. This preliminary preparation of the disable function enables rapid response while maintaining system security through the coded communication protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoded signal system serves as an intermediary that mediates between the FRU disable command and the ESAD countermeasure activation control. The coded signals ensure that only properly authenticated disable commands can affect the system state, preventing unintended activation while allowing authorized first responders to disable the system when needed. The intermediary communication layer provides both accessibility and protection simultaneously.
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 TAS effectively protects vehicle crew members by deploying countermeasures to mitigate blast forces, allowing remote data transmission and enabling safe disablement by first responders, reducing the risk of unintended activation and enhancing situational awareness through visual and tactile status indicators.
Implementation Method 1
the sole identifications of a 'human interface' in the Eridon Application are a block in the diagram of its FIG. 1 and the statement that it may include 'any combination of processors, memory, storage, displays, [and] input devices.' See id., p. 3, ¶0029. Further, the only sensor detail provided in the Eridon Application relates to a particular piezoresistive accelerometer sold by a company called Measurement Specialties
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for actively countering certain forces experienced by, for example, a person within a vehicle. Adverse effects of blast waves of a mine or other explosive device (including improvised explosive devices [IEDs]) may be mitigated by the countermeasures systems, which may include any or all of a first responder unit (FRU), a control display assembly (CDA), processors, sensors, and an electronic safe and arm device (ESAD). Each component assembly may be incorporated into a line replaceable unit (LRU) if desired, although such incorporation is not necessary.