Weapon Authorization via Capacitive Body Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing weapon permissions face issues with low recognition speed, false negatives, and poor ergonomics, particularly when using fingerprint identification or PIN/password systems, and are sensitive to user position and glove/wear interference.

Innovation Solution

An authorization management system that includes a transmitting module integrated into footwear, which capacitively transmits an identification code signal through the user's body to a receiving module on the weapon, maximizing signal strength and reducing electrode size, allowing authorized use regardless of user position or glove wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fingerprint scanner is integrated into the weapon, then user identification is enabled, but recognition speed is low and false negative results occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidrecognition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based fingerprint scanning system with a capacitive coupling system that uses electrical fields to detect user identification. The transmitting module generates a signal that capacitively couples through the user's body to the receiving module, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact with fingerprint sensors and thereby improving both speed and reliability of identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The user's body acts as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between the transmitting module (in footwear) and the receiving module (in weapon). This intermediary approach allows identification without direct contact between the weapon and user, resolving the contradiction between needing reliable identification and maintaining fast recognition speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a fingerprint scanner is used, then user identification is possible, but false negative results occur due to gloves or dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidinterference from gloves and dirt

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based fingerprint scanning system with a capacitive coupling system that uses electrical fields to detect user identification. This substitution eliminates the problem of false negatives caused by gloves or dirt, as the capacitive signal can pass through non-conductive materials like gloves and is not affected by surface contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the identification parameter from optical/mechanical fingerprint detection to electrical capacitive coupling. This parameter change allows the system to penetrate through gloves and ignore surface dirt, as the capacitive signal detects the electrical properties of the user's body rather than requiring direct optical or mechanical contact with skin surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the transmitting module is worn in proximity to the ground, then signal magnitude is maximized, but electrode size must be sufficiently large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal magnitudeVSAvoidelectrode area

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the transmitting module in proximity to the ground to create an equipotential reference that maximizes signal magnitude. By placing the transmitting module near the ground (which acts as an infinite reference plane), the system achieves optimal capacitive coupling without requiring large electrode areas, as the ground proximity itself provides the necessary field enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 system provides a robust and efficient mechanism for preventing unauthorized use of weapons, allowing authorized users to operate firearms with both hands and maintaining functionality even when wearing gloves or not in direct contact with the ground.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitting module is configured to capacitively transmit a signal representing at least an identification code data associated to the user via a signal path through the body of the user gripping the weapon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

By having the transmitting module located in proximity to the physical ground, the magnitude of the signal transmitted from the transmitting module to the receiving module is maximized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGround effect: Ground Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11913738B2Weapon authorization management systems

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 RADE TECNOLOGIAS SL

AI summary

An authorization management system for personal use of a weapon includes a receiving module coupled to the weapon and a transmitting module configured to be worn by a user in proximity to a body of the user. The transmitting module is located in proximity to the ground. The transmitting module is configured to transmit a signal representing at least an identification code data associated to the user via a signal path through a user's body. The receiving module is configured to receive the signal and actuate a safety system of the weapon for allowing the user a usage of the weapon based on the received signal.