U.S. patent application number 12/266175 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for simulated mine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Raytheon Company. Invention is credited to Qingce Bian, Jeffrey Decker, Bradley Huang, Giles D. Jones, Curtis T. Palmer, William W. Price, Christopher A. Tomlinson, Peter M. Wallrich.
Application Number | 20090165664 12/266175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40796550 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090165664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Giles D. ; et
al. |
July 2, 2009 |
Simulated Mine
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a simulated mine includes a
multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device and a
pyrotechnic device disposed in a simulated mine housing that
simulates the appearance of an actual mine. The multiple integrated
laser engagement system device is operable to transmit a light
signal representative of a blast from the actual mine. The
pyrotechnic device is operable to detonate simultaneously with
transmission of the light signal.
Inventors: |
Jones; Giles D.; (Vail,
AZ) ; Bian; Qingce; (Corona, CA) ; Huang;
Bradley; (Chino Hillls, CA) ; Wallrich; Peter M.;
(San Jose, CA) ; Price; William W.; (Upland,
CA) ; Tomlinson; Christopher A.; (Vail, AZ) ;
Decker; Jeffrey; (Moreno Valley, CA) ; Palmer; Curtis
T.; (Chino Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS LLP
2001 ROSS AVENUE, 6TH FLOOR
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Assignee: |
Raytheon Company
Waltham
MA
|
Family ID: |
40796550 |
Appl. No.: |
12/266175 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60986070 |
Nov 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/355 ;
102/293; 102/356; 102/401 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 33/02 20130101;
F42B 8/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/355 ;
102/401; 102/356; 102/293 |
International
Class: |
F42B 8/28 20060101
F42B008/28 |
Claims
1. A simulated mine comprising: a simulated mine housing; a
lighting system at least partially disposed within the simulated
mine housing, the lighting system operable to transmit a light
signal representative of a blast from an actual mine; and a
pyrotechnic device disposed within the simulated mine housing and
operable to detonate simultaneously with transmission of the light
signal.
2. The simulated mine of claim 1, wherein the lighting system is a
multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES).
3. The simulated mine of claim 2, wherein the multiple integrated
laser engagement system device is operable to transmit a light
signal having a 60 degree horizontal pattern.
4. The simulated mine of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic device
comprises a main gun simulation system (MGSS) cartridge.
5. The simulated mine of claim 1, wherein the light system
comprises a laser.
6. The simulated mine of claim 1, wherein the light system
comprises a light emitting diode.
7. The simulated mine of claim 6, wherein the light system further
comprises a laser.
8. A simulated mine comprising: a simulated mine housing; and a
light system at least partially disposed within the simulated mine
housing, the light system operable to transmit a light signal
representative of a blast from the actual mine.
9. The simulated mine of claim 8, wherein the light system
comprises a laser.
10. The simulated mine of claim 8, wherein the light system
comprises a light emitting diode.
11. The simulated mine of claim 10, wherein the light system
further comprises a laser.
12. The simulated mine of claim 8, wherein the light system is a
multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES).
13. The simulated mine of claim 12, further comprising a
pyrotechnic device operable to detonate simultaneously with
transmission of the light signal.
14. The simulated mine of claim 13, wherein the pyrotechnic device
comprises a main gun simulation system (MGSS) cartridge.
15. The simulated mine of claim 8, wherein the simulated mine
housing emulates the appearance of an actual mine.
16. The simulated mine of claim 8, wherein the light signal
representative of a blast from an actual mine is a light pattern
showing the expected location of fragmentation from an actual
mine.
17. A method comprising: providing a simulated mine housing; and at
least partially disposing a light system within the housing, the
light system operable to transmit a light signal representative of
a blast from the actual mine.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the light system is a multiple
integrated laser engagement system (MILES).
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the light system includes at
least one of a laser or a light emitting diode.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising a pyrotechnic device
operable to detonate simultaneously with transmission of the light
signal.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the simulated mine housing
emulates the appearance of an actual mine.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the light signal representative
of a blast from an actual mine is a light pattern showing the
expected location of fragmentation from an actual mine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 (e), this application
claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/986,070 entitled SIMULATED MINE, filed Nov. 7, 2007.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to military training
devices, and more particularly, to a simulated mine.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Training generally serves to enhance the skill of
individuals by developing appropriate responses to various
situations that may be encountered. Soldiers may conduct training
exercises in order to prepare for scenarios that may be encountered
in an actual combat situation.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] According to one embodiment, a simulated mine includes a
multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) device and a
pyrotechnic device disposed in a simulated mine housing that
simulates the appearance of an actual mine. The multiple integrated
laser engagement system device is operable to transmit a light
signal representative of a blast from the actual mine. The
pyrotechnic device is operable to detonate simultaneously with
transmission of the light signal.
[0005] Certain embodiments of the invention may provide numerous
technical advantages. For example, a technical advantage of one
embodiment may include the capability to simulate the blast pattern
of an actual mine using a viewable light signal. Other technical
advantages of other embodiments may include the capability to
simultaneously provide a blast pattern from a light signal along
with audio/visual effects from a pyrotechnic device to further
simulate an actual mine. Yet other technical advantages of other
embodiments may include the capability to emulate the actual
physical appearance of a mine in addition to providing a blast
pattern from a light along with audio/visual effects from a
pyrotechnic device.
[0006] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above,
various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the
enumerated advantages. Additionally, other technical advantages may
become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after
review of the following figures and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the
disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a simulated mine according to
the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an actual mine that
is simulated by the simulated mine of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a rear elevational view of the actual mine of
FIG. 2A;
[0011] FIG. 2C is a partial rear elevational view of the actual
mine of FIG. 2A;
[0012] FIG. 2D is a graphical representation of a pattern that may
be generated by an explosion of the actual mine of FIG. 2A;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the simulated mine of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the simulated mine of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the simulated mine of
FIG. 1 shown with its rear cover removed;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a an embodiment of a prototype of the simulated
mine of FIG. 1 shown with its rear cover removed;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are photographs of prototype multiple
integrated laser engagement system circuit boards that may be
implemented with the simulated mine of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a top view of a graphical representation of a
light pattern that may be generated by the simulated mine of FIG.
1; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a side view of a graphical representation of a
light pattern that may be generated by the simulated mine of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] It should be understood at the outset that, although example
implementations of embodiments of the invention are illustrated
below, the present invention (as defined by the claims) may be
implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known
or not. The present invention (as defined by the claims) should in
no way be limited to the example implementations, drawings, and
techniques illustrated below. Additionally, the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
[0021] The multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) was
developed to provide realistic training scenarios for soldiers. A
soldier may use a MILES device implemented in a weapon, such as a
firearm. The MILES device may emit a generally harmless
line-of-sight type signal from a light emitting diode (LED) or
laser. Other soldiers may wear detectors that can detect these
signals in order to simulate an actual impact from the firearm.
[0022] A "mine" is a type of explosive device that may be placed in
or on the ground and configured to explode upon receipt of a
trigger signal from a switch. Attempts at simulating mines do not
adequately simulate the appearance and/or functionality of mines.
Thus, soldiers may not be adequately trained to recognize certain
types of mines that may be used by enemy combatants. Accordingly,
teachings of certain embodiments of the invention recognize that a
MILES device may be implemented to simulate the functionality of a
mine. Additionally, teachings of certain embodiments of the
invention recognize that audio/visual enhancement may be added to a
MILES device to further simulate the appearance and/or
functionality of a mine.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a simulated mine 100. In this
embodiment, simulated mine 100 generally includes simulated mine
housing 120 having one or more light transmitters 130 for
transmitting a MILES light signal (such as an infrared signal) or
other type of light signal that simulates a blast (e.g., a blast
pattern) representative of an actual mine 200 (shown in FIG. 2).
Other embodiments of the disclosed invention may be configured to
simulate a blast representative of mines other than the example
actual mine 200 illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0024] According to the teachings of the present disclosure,
simulated mine 100 may also include a pyrotechnic device 140 for
placement in simulated mine housing 120 and operable to detonate
when the light transmitters 130 emit a MILES light signal. In
certain embodiments of a simulated mine 100, the pyrotechnic device
140 may provide enhanced simulation of the actual mine 200. When
detonated, the pyrotechnic device 140 may emit a relatively loud
audible blast and/or a visible flash. Soldiers may be therefore
trained to recognize the type and nature of the simulated mine 100
based upon audio and/or visual signals provided by the pyrotechnic
device 140.
[0025] Pyrotechnic device 140 may be any suitable type. In one
embodiment, pyrotechnic device 140 may be a M30/main gun simulation
system (M30/MGSS) device. The M30/MGSS device is a commercial off
the shelf (COTS) component that may be available and relatively
inexpensive. In other embodiments, the pyrotechnic device 140 may
be other devices, including non-COTS components.
[0026] A manual switch 150 and an firing wire 160 may also be
provided to detonate the simulated mine 100. In one embodiment,
manual switch 150 is configured to be manually triggered. In
another embodiment, manual switch 150 is an M57 firing device. In
other embodiments, the simulated 100 mine may be triggered in other
manners, which may not use a firing wire 160.
[0027] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a front perspective view, a rear
elevational view, and a rear elevational partial view,
respectively, of an actual mine 200.
[0028] In one embodiment, the actual mine 200 is a M18 claymore
anti-personnel mine, featuring a shipping plug priming adapter 210,
arrows 212, plastic matrix 214, detonator well 216, explosives 218,
and legs 220. The M18 claymore anti-personnel mine is a directional
fragmentation mine. The dimensions of the example mine 200 are
approximately 8.5 inches long, 1.375 inches wide, and 3.25 inches
high, and the mine 200 weighs approximately 3.5 pounds. The example
M18 claymore anti-personnel mine includes approximately 700 steel
spheres (10.5 grains) and a 1.5 pound layer of composition C-4
explosive (element 218 in FIG. 2A) stored in the detonator well 216
that may be initiated by a No. 2 electric blasting cap. A plastic
matrix 214 briefly contains the charge from the No. 2 electric
blasting cap from the explosives 218.
[0029] The example M18 claymore anti-personnel mine may be
implemented with obstacles or on the approaches, forward edges,
flanks and rear edges of protective minefields as close-in
protection against an infantry attack.
[0030] The example M18 claymore anti-personnel mine projects a
fan-shaped pattern of steel balls in an approximately 60-degree
horizontal arc, at a height of approximately 2 meters, and covers a
casualty radius of approximately 100 meters. The effective range is
the range at which the most desirable balance between lethality and
area coverage is achieved. The effective range for the example mine
is 50 meters.
[0031] The forward danger radius is 250 meters. The backblast area
is unsafe 16 meters to the rear and sides of the M18 claymore
anti-personnel mine. Friendly personnel within 100 meters to the
rear and sides of the M18 claymore anti-personnel mine on should be
in a covered position.
[0032] FIG. 2D is a graphical diagram of a pattern 240 generated by
an explosion of the actual mine 200, which in this particular case
is the above-described M18 claymore anti-personnel mine. The M18
claymore anti-personnel mine may also generate scatter patterns 260
around its periphery during detonation.
[0033] Although one example actual mine has been shown and
described with reference to FIG. 2, it should be understood that
the simulated mine may emulate characteristic (e.g., blast patterns
and the like) of other mines. The discussion above of a particular
mine for actual mine 200 is for illustrative purposes only.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the simulated mine 100
of FIG. 1. Simulated mine 100 may include one or more connectors
310 for coupling manual switch 150 to the simulated mine 100
through the firing wire 160. In one embodiment, a first connector
310 may be coupled to the manual switch 150 and a second connector
310 may coupled to another simulated mine 100 such that two or more
simulated mines 100 may be detonated by manual switch 150 in a
daisy-chain-like fashion.
[0035] In this embodiment, the light transmitters 130 may be any
suitable device that transmits light compliant with the MILES. In
other embodiments, the light transmitters may be not be compliant
with the MILES. In some embodiments, simulated mine 100 may include
one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 320 for simulating the
scatter pattern 260 of the actual mine 200.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the simulated mine 100
of FIG. 1. Simulated mine 100 includes a pyrotechnic device base
360 for housing the pyrotechnic device 140 and a pyrotechnic device
holder 380 that is selectively removable for allowing placement of
pyrotechnic device 140 in pyrotechnic device base 360. In one
embodiment, one or more light emitting diodes 320 may be disposed
on the rear cover 410 of the simulated mine housing 120. In this
manner, the light emitting diodes 320 may simulate the actual
scatter pattern 260 to the rear of the simulated mine 100.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the simulated mine 100
shown with the rear cover 410 removed in order to reveal several
components of the simulated mine 100. The simulated mine 100 may
incorporate one or more pyrotechnic batteries 420 that provide
electrical power for detonating the pyrotechnic device 140. In this
particular embodiment in which pyrotechnic device 140 is a M30/MGSS
device, two 9-volt pyrotechnic batteries 42 may provide electrical
power for detonating the pyrotechnic device 140. Simulated mine 100
may also rely on other power sources in place of or in conjunction
with pyrotechnic batteries 420.
[0038] Simulated mine 100 also includes one or more MILES circuit
boards 460 that include various electronic components for
implementing the MILES light signal in response to a trigger from
the manual switch 150. In this particular embodiment, two MILES
circuit boards 460 are used; however, it should be appreciated that
the MILES system may be implemented using any suitable quantity of
circuit boards. A MILES battery 480 may be included for providing
electrical power to the MILES electrical circuit boards 460.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a an embodiment of a prototype of the simulated
mine of FIG. 1 shown with its rear cover removed. The rear cover
410 has been removed to reveal the components described with
respect to FIG. 5.
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B are photographs showing a top view of a
prototype of the MILES circuit boards 460 that may be implemented
with simulated mine 100. Circuit boards 460 may include any
suitable arrangement of components operable to perform the
operations of simulated mine 100, and may comprise logic, an
interface, memory, other components, or any suitable combination of
the preceding. "Logic" may refer to hardware, software, other
logic, or any suitable combination of the preceding that may be
used to provide information or instructions. Certain logic may
manage the operation of a device, and may comprise, for example, a
processor. "Processor" may refer to any suitable device operable to
execute instructions and manipulate data to perform operations.
[0041] "Interface" may refer to logic of a device operable to
receive input for the device, send output from the device, perform
suitable processing of the input or output or both, or any
combination of the preceding, and may comprise one or more ports,
conversion software, or both. "Memory" may refer to logic operable
to store and facilitate retrieval of information, and may comprise
Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic
drive, a disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a Digital Video
Disk (DVD) drive, removable media storage, any other suitable data
storage medium, or a combination of any of the preceding.
[0042] FIG. 8 is a graphical diagram showing one embodiment of a
light pattern 500 that may be generated by the light transmitters
130 when detonated. In this particular embodiment, light
transmitters 130 may have sufficient intensity to simulate lethal
coverage that extends 50 meters away from the front of the
simulated mine 100. That is, the light transmitters 130 may have
sufficient light intensity to simulate a lethal strike to MILES
receivers (not specifically shown) configured on soldiers in
training. In another embodiment, light pattern 500 may have a 60
degree beamwidth that simulates the firing pattern of an actual
mine 200, such as a M18 claymore anti-personnel mine.
[0043] Scatter patterns 510 may also be generated by light emitting
diodes 320 configured on the simulated mine 100. During detonation,
the light emitting diodes 320 may simulate side and rear scatter
patterns 510 of the actual mine 200. Comparing FIG. 8 with FIG. 2D
shows that the simulated mine 100 simulates the pattern 240 and
scatter pattern 260 of the actual mine 200 in a relatively accurate
manner.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a graphical diagram showing side view of the light
pattern 500 and scatter pattern 510 generated by the light
transmitters 130 and light emitting diodes 320.
[0045] Although several embodiments have been illustrated and
described in detail, it will be recognized that substitutions and
alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention, as defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *