U.S. patent application number 11/317485 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via heavy vibration.
Invention is credited to Stuart Owen Goldman, Richard E. Krock, Karl F. Rauscher, James Philip Runyon.
Application Number | 20080134870 11/317485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496444 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080134870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldman; Stuart Owen ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via
heavy vibration
Abstract
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described
that forces premature detonation of IEDs by creating kinetic energy
vibrations from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary
or mobile "IED detonation zone." IEDs within the IED detonation
zone that are triggered by kinetic energy vibrations will receive
the vibrations, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the
detonation zone.
Inventors: |
Goldman; Stuart Owen;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Krock; Richard E.; (Naperville,
IL) ; Rauscher; Karl F.; (Emmaus, PA) ;
Runyon; James Philip; (Wheaton, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lucent Technologies Inc.;Docket Administrator
Room 3J-219, 101 Crawfords Corner Road
Holmdel
NJ
07733-3030
US
|
Family ID: |
39496444 |
Appl. No.: |
11/317485 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 11/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/1.13 |
International
Class: |
F41F 5/00 20060101
F41F005/00 |
Claims
1. An IED defense system for forcing premature detonation of IEDs
triggered by kinetic energy vibrations, the IED defense system
comprising: one or more kinetic energy platforms having means for
pounding a surface in the vicinity of the platforms to create
kinetic energy vibrations; and one or more controllers for
activating the platforms to pound the surface in the vicinity of
the platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within a zone
defining an IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature
detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within
the IED detonation zone.
2. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms are adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations defining
a characteristic pattern of a prospective target.
3. The IED defense system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the
platforms are adapted to create kinetic energy vibrations
simulating operation of a heavy vehicle.
4. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms define stationary platforms adapted to create kinetic
energy vibrations within a geographic zone defining a stationary
IED detonation zone.
5. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms define mobile platforms adapted to traverse a
transportation path, the mobile platforms adapted to create kinetic
energy vibrations while advancing along the transportation path
defining a mobile IED detonation zone.
6. The IED defense system of claim 5, wherein the mobile platform
comprises a terrestrial vehicle adapted to traverse a terrestrial
path, the mobile IED detonation zone defining at least a portion of
the terrestrial path.
7. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
controllers include a system controller for activating a plurality
of platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within the IED
detonation zone.
8. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the one or more controllers define independent controllers for
independently activating respective platforms to create kinetic
energy vibrations within the IED detonation zone.
9. (canceled)
10. A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising:
deploying one or more stationary platforms about a designated
geographic area defining a stationary IED detonation zone, the
stationary platforms having means for pounding a surface in the
vicinity of the platforms to create create kinetic energy
vibrations within the stationary IED detonation zone; and
activating the platforms to pound the surface in the vicinity of
the platforms to create kinetic energy vibrations within the
stationary IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature
detonation of IEDs triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within
the stationary IED detonation zone.
11. A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising:
deploying one or more mobile platforms adapted to traverse a
transportation path, the mobile platforms adapted to create kinetic
energy vibrations along at least a portion of the path thereby
defining a mobile IED detonation zone; and activating the sources
to create kinetic energy vibrations within the mobile IED
detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs
triggered by kinetic energy vibrations within the mobile IED
detonation zone.
12. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein the means for
pounding a surface include one or more pistons operable for driving
in a reciprocating vertical motion to strike the surface and yield
kinetic energy vibrations in the IED detonation zone.
13. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are
operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by
operation of one or more pneumatic cylinders.
14. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are
operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by
operation of one or more hydraulic cylinders.
15. The IED defense system of claim 12, wherein the pistons are
operable for driving in a reciprocating vertical motion by
operation of a crankshaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. [Goldman 28], titled "Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised
Explosive Devices via Radiated Electromagnetic energy," Ser. No.
[Goldman 30], titled "Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised
Explosive Devices via Laser Energy," Ser. No. [Goldman 31], titled
"Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via
Chemical Substances" and Ser. No. [Goldman 33], titled "Forced
Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Noise
Print Simulation," each filed concurrently with the present
application and assigned to the assignee of the present
invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to counter-terrorism
methods and devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices
for triggering premature detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs) utilizing kinetic energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is an explosive device
that is cobbled together (or "improvised") for example, from
commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, military
ordnance and/or ordnance components, typically by terrorists,
guerrillas or commando forces for use in unconventional warfare.
IEDs may be implemented for the purpose of causing death or injury
to civilian or military personnel, to destroy or incapacitate
structural targets or simply to harass or distract an opponent.
IEDs may comprise conventional high-explosive charges alone or in
combination with toxic chemicals, biological agents or nuclear
material. IEDs may be physically placed at or near a pre-determined
target or carried by person or vehicle toward a predetermined
target or target of opportunity.
[0004] As will be appreciated, the design of construction of an IED
and the manner and tactics for which a terrorist may employ an IED
may vary depending on the available materials and sophistication of
the designer. As such, a variety of different triggering mechanisms
could be used to trigger detonation of IEDs. It is contemplated
that certain IEDs, either by design or by nature of the triggering
mechanism, may detonate responsive to kinetic energy of a certain
type or characteristic. For example and without limitation, motion
of a heavy object (e.g., a heavy truck) can create vibrations that
may trigger detonation of IEDs. It is a concern that this tactic
can be used to trigger bombings against civilian and military
targets throughout the world. Accordingly, there is a need for
precautionary measures to respond to this threat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides systems and methods for
guarding against kinetic-energy-triggered IEDs by forcing premature
detonation of the IED at a safe distance from a prospective target,
thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the
invention provide for projecting vibration energy from a stationary
or mobile platform (hereinafter "Kinetic-Energy Platform (KEP)) to
a stationary or mobile area defining an "IED detonation zone." IEDs
within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by
vibration-energy sources will receive the radiated vibration-energy
waves, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the
detonation zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an IED defense system including
one or more Kinetic-Energy Platforms (KEPs) according to
embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a kinetic device that may
be used in the IED defense system of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a kinetic device that
may be used in the IED defense system of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a
stationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation
zone;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a mobile
target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for implementing an IED
defense system using mobile or stationary KEPs to force premature
detonation of IEDs within an IED detonation zone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0013] FIG. 1 shows by way of example and not limitation, an IED
defense system 100 for guarding against kinetic-energy-triggered
IEDs. A system controller 102 controls and coordinates operation of
one or more Kinetic Energy Platforms 104 (KEP.sub.1 . . .
KEP.sub.n). The KEPs 104 operate responsive to activation by the
system controller to create kinetic vibrations within geographic
areas 106 (A.sub.1 . . . A.sub.n) in the vicinity of the KEPs.
Depending on implementation, the areas 106 individually or
collectively combine to define an IED detonation zone 108.
[0014] The system controller 102 includes a processor 112 and
memory 114 for controlling the operation of KEPs within the IED
defense system 100. In one embodiment, the processor executes
software routines for managing operation of the various KEPs,
including, for example and not limitation, activating and
de-activating the KEPs. The memory stores software routines for
controlling the KEPs and information relating to the identity,
characteristics and location of the various KEPs in the IED defense
system. Alternatively or additionally, the system controller may
102 operate responsive to manual input from a human operator (not
shown). As will be appreciated, the system controller 102 is a
functional element that may reside in a single device or may be
distributed among multiple devices and multiple locations. For
example and without limitation, the system controller functionality
may reside in a centralized platform; or controller functionality
may reside in individual KEPs to allow for independent operation of
the KEPs.
[0015] As shown, the system controller includes a transceiver 116
for communicating with the KEPs 104 via wireless resources 118. The
KEPs 104 similarly include transceivers 116 for communicating with
the system controller, or with each other, via wireless resources
118. As will be appreciated, the wireless transceivers may be
eliminated, for example, in embodiments where controller
functionality resides within the KEP. The wireless resources 118,
where applicable, may comprise narrowband frequency modulated
channels, wideband modulated signals, broadband modulated signals,
time division modulated slots, carrier frequencies, frequency pairs
or generally any medium for communicating information to or from
the KEPs. The wireless resources may implement air interface
technologies including but not limited to, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, UMTS or
IEEE 802.11.
[0016] The KEPs 104 execute control logic 120 responsive to
instructions from the system controller 102 (or where applicable,
from their own resident controllers) to activate respective kinetic
devices 122 to generate kinetic vibrations in the IED detonation
zone 108. In one embodiment, the kinetic devices comprise
respective drivers 124 for driving pistons 128 in reciprocating
vertical motion (denoted by arrows 130). At the distal end of the
pistons 128 are masses 126 (hereinafter "thumpers") adapted to
periodically pound or "thump" the ground responsive to vertical
motion of the pistons 128, thereby yielding kinetic energy
vibrations in the IED detonation zone 108. In one embodiment, the
kinetic devices are operated under control of the control logic 120
and/or the system controller 102, such that the kinetic energy
vibrations may be controlled by software routines executed within
the control logic 120 and/or the system controller 102. In
implementations with multiple kinetic devices 122 and/or thumpers
126, the thumpers may be controlled to either periodically strike
simultaneously or with a controlled delay to create constructive
interference thereby amplifying the kinetic energy vibrations in
the zone 108.
[0017] As will be appreciated, thumpers 126 may be implemented in
any of several forms. In one embodiment, the thumpers 126 comprise
a heavy metal wheel or freely rotating ball at the end of the
pistons, so as to allow for the KEPs to be implemented on mobile
platforms without damaging the roadway or creating significant drag
on the platforms forward velocity. Alternatively, most particularly
when implemented on stationary platforms, the thumpers may be
implemented with flat contact surfaces. Generally, it is
contemplated that virtually any type of kinetic device and/or
thumpers may be employed to create vibrations at varying intensity,
frequency or the like to produce a desired characteristic
signature. For example and without limitation, KEPs may be
implemented to produce vibrations simulating the rumble of a heavy
truck.
[0018] Now turning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there is shown two
alternative embodiments of kinetic devices 122 that may be used in
the KEPs of FIG. 1. Referring initially to FIG. 2, the kinetic
device includes a driver 124 comprising a plurality of pneumatic or
hydraulic cylinders 125. Operation of pneumatic or hydraulic
cylinders is well known in the art and will not be described in
detail herein. Suffice it to say that the pistons 128 are disposed
within the cylinders 125; and operation of the cylinders 125 drives
the pistons in reciprocating vertical motion (denoted by arrows
130). Responsive to motion of the pistons, the thumpers 126 pound
the ground 140 so as to create kinetic energy vibrations in the
vicinity of the kinetic device 122. Now referring to FIG. 3, the
kinetic device includes a driver 124 comprising a motor 132
operably connected to a crankshaft 134. The motor 132 imparts
rotational motion to the crankshaft (denoted by arrow 136). The
crankshaft 132 rotates about a linear axis and translates the
rotational motion to reciprocating vertical motion. Pistons 128 are
attached to the crankshaft 130 such that, responsive to motion of
the crankshaft, the pistons move in reciprocating vertical motion
(denoted by arrows 130). Responsive to motion of the pistons, the
thumpers 126 pound the ground 140 so as to create kinetic energy
vibrations in the vicinity of the kinetic device 122.
[0019] As will be described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 4
and FIG. 5, the KEPs may be deployed on mobile or stationary
platforms, or some combination thereof, to effect a mobile or
stationary IED detonation zone 108. In either case, the IED
detonation zone is advantageously positioned a safe distance from
civilian or military personnel or structural targets, such that
detonation of IEDs in the zone will not cause significant damage to
persons or property. Detonation of IEDs within the zone is referred
to as a forced premature detonation since it is instigated by the
IED defense system 100 and will occur before intended by the person
or agency deploying the IED.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a
stationary target area defining a stationary IED detonation zone.
For convenience, like reference numerals will be used to describe
like elements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a
stationary IED detonation zone 108 is defined by deploying one or
more KEPs 104 at predetermined fixed positions about a designated
geographic area in which premature detonation of IEDs is desired.
The designated geographic area may comprise, for example, a remote
checkpoint or staging area situated a safe distance (e.g., 500 ft.)
from persons or structures that may be targeted by IEDs. When
activated, the KEPs 204 create kinetic energy vibrations within the
IED detonation zone, substantially as described in relation to FIG.
1, so as to force premature detonation of IEDs within or entering
the zone 108. The KEPs may be activated responsive to a system
controller (not shown in FIG. 2) or a human operator.
[0021] As shown, vehicle 402 is traveling on a transportation path
404 (e.g., a roadway) toward a prospective target or target area.
Vehicle 402 is carrying an IED that may be triggered to detonate by
vibrational energy. As the vehicle proceeds along path 404, it
encounters and enters the stationary IED detonation zone 108.
Generally, when a person or vehicle first approaches the IED
detonation zone, it is not known to be carrying an IED and even if
an IED is detected, the type of triggering device may not be known.
Accordingly, any unidentified person or vehicle entering the IED
detonation zone will at least initially be perceived as a threat.
Consequently, in one embodiment, the person or vehicle is stopped
upon entering the IED detonation zone. Optionally, a gate 406 is
utilized to facilitate stopping the person or vehicle. While the
person or vehicle is stopped, or generally at any time while the
person or vehicle is within the detonation zone 108, the KEPs 104
may be activated tn produce kinetic energy vibrations within the
zone. In such manner, any IEDs carried by the person or vehicle
that are triggered by vibrations are prematurely detonated within
the zone 208. An alternative implementation is that the zone is
sufficiently wide that the person or vehicle does not need to be
impeded by a gate, but will be in the zone for sufficiently long
enough time as to allow the kinetic energy vibrations to cause
premature detonation of the IED.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a manner of deploying KEPs about a mobile
target area defining a mobile IED detonation zone. For convenience,
like reference numerals will be used to describe like elements in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, one or more KEPs
104 are deployed on vehicles traversing a transportation path
(e.g., roadway). In one implementation, the vehicles comprise drone
vehicles traveling in advance of a convoy of troops. At various
points along the transportation path, the vehicles may encounter
IEDs that are possibly triggered by chemical substances. The KEPs
104, when activated, produce a mobile IED detonation zone 108 that
advances along the transportation path along with the mobile
platform. The KEPs may be activated responsive to a system
controller (not shown in FIG. 5) or a human operator. The IED
detonation zone 108 comprises an area subject to kinetic energy
vibrations substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1. As
such, any IEDs on the transportation path that are encountered by
the advancing IED detonation zone 308 are likely to become
prematurely detonated if they are triggered by vibrations.
[0023] Now turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart for
implementing an IED defense system using mobile or stationary KEPs.
At step 602, an authority or agency responsible for implementing an
IED defense system defines an IED detonation zone. The IED
detonation zone may define a stationary detonation zone such as
described in relation to FIG. 2 or a mobile detonation zone
traversing a transportation path such as described in relation to
FIG. 3. As will be appreciated, multiple IED detonation zones may
be defined to cover multiple geographic areas or transportation
paths as needed or desired.
[0024] At step 604, the responsible authority or agency deploys one
or more KEPs as necessary to obtain desired kinetic energy
vibration coverage within the zone. For example, in the case where
the IED detonation zone defines a stationary zone, one or more KEPs
may be deployed at one or more predetermined locations residing
within or proximate to the stationary zone as necessary to obtain
desired vibration coverage within the zone; or in the case where
the IED detonation zone defines a mobile zone, one or more KEPs may
be deployed on drones or other suitable transport vehicles adapted
to traverse a designated transportation path.
[0025] As has been noted in relation to FIG. 1, the nature and type
of the KEPs may be selected to produce one or more characteristic
type(s) of kinetic energy vibrations or signatures that are
believed to trigger detonation of IEDs. In one embodiment, the
kinetic energy vibrations simulate the rumble of a heavy truck.
[0026] Sometime after the KEPs are deployed, the KEPs are activated
at step 606 to cover the zone with vibrations. Depending on
implementation, the KEPs may be lo operated alone or in combination
and at varying intensity, pounding sequences or the like to produce
a desired characteristic vibration signature.
[0027] At step 608, IED(s) within the designated stationary or
mobile zone receive the kinetic energy vibrations, causing the
IED(s) to prematurely detonate if they include triggering
mechanisms that respond to kinetic energy vibrations.
[0028] Optionally, at step 610, the responsible authority or agency
may choose to reconfigure one or more KEP(s) to obtain different
coverage or define a different IED detonation zone. If
reconfiguration is desired, reconfiguration is accomplished at step
612. It is contemplated that reconfiguration may be accomplished
while the KEP(s) remain active or after they are de-activated. At
some point when it is desired to cease creating vibrations within
the IED detonation zone, the KEPs are de-activated at step 614.
[0029] In one embodiment, activation or de-activation of the KEPs
at steps 606 and 614 is implemented by software routines executed
within the system controller 102. As has been noted, the system
controller functionality may reside in a centralized platform; or
controller functionality may reside in individual KEPs to allow for
independent operation of the KEPs. Alternatively or additionally,
one or more KEPs may be activated or de-activated responsive to
human control. Generally, instructions for activating and operating
the KEPs or de-activating the KEPs may be implemented on any
computer-readable signal-bearing media residing within the system
controller or residing in individual KEPs. The computer-readable
signal-bearing media may comprise, for example and without
limitation, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard
disk drives or electronic memory. The computer-readable
signal-bearing media store software, firmware and/or assembly
language for performing one or more functions relating to steps 606
and 614.
[0030] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example,
the KEPs may be deployed with or without a system controller 102;
and the KEPs may be implemented alone or in combination to create
kinetic energy vibrations of various types and/or characteristics
that may differ from the described embodiments. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *