U.S. patent application number 12/701901 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator.
Invention is credited to Antonio Colon.
Application Number | 20110048273 12/701901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43622938 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110048273 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colon; Antonio |
March 3, 2011 |
Non-Pyrotechnic Explosive Device Simulator
Abstract
An explosive device simulator system has a housing in the shape
of an explosive device. The simulator includes a sound producing
system inside the housing. A light producing system inside the
housing receives an actuation signal from a trigger system. The
trigger system may include a microcontroller, which can be used to
include a delay between a trigger event and the actuation signal.
The simulator may include a smoke producing system that includes a
powder that is dispersed by a gas generator. The powder exits the
housing through a number of vents. A cordite odor substance may be
included in the powder to provide a realistic smell of an exploded
device. A light producing system provides the flash of a real
explosive device and is connected to the microcontroller.
Inventors: |
Colon; Antonio; (Colorado
Springs, CO) |
Family ID: |
43622938 |
Appl. No.: |
12/701901 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61237730 |
Aug 28, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
102/530 ;
102/293; 434/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 9/06 20130101; F42B
8/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/530 ; 434/11;
102/293 |
International
Class: |
C06D 5/00 20060101
C06D005/00; F42B 8/00 20060101 F42B008/00 |
Claims
1. A non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator, comprising: a
housing having a shape of an explosive device; a gas generator
enclosed in the housing; a powder contained in the housing; and a
plurality of vents in the housing, wherein the powder is ejected
from the plurality of vents when the gas generator expels gas.
2. The device of claim 1, further including a cordite odor
substance added to the powder.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the powder is contained in a
sack.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the sack is made of paper.
5. The device of claim 2, further including an electronic
actuator.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the gas generator includes a
squib, the squib receiving an actuation signal from the electronic
actuator.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is reusable.
8. A non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator, comprising: a
housing; a gas generator attached to the housing; a powder
contained in the housing; an electronic actuator controlling the
gas generator; and a plurality of opening in the housing, wherein
the powder is ejected from the plurality of openings when the gas
generator expels gas.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electronic actuator is a
microcontroller.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the housing is having a shape of
an improvised explosive device.
11. The device of claim 8, further including an odor substance
added to the powder.
12. The device of claim 11, further including an audio amplifying
structure.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of openings are
part of the audio amplifying structure.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the gas generator includes a
squib.
15. The device of claim 8, further including a safety system inside
the housing.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the safety system senses a
capacitance.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority on provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/204,060, filed on Dec. 31, 2008, entitled
"Nitrogen Inert Gas Encapsulated Loadable Inflator Gas Generator
Powered Battlefield Simulators" and Ser. No. 61/237,730, filed on
Aug. 28, 2009, entitled "Non-Pyrotechnic Training Hand Grenade" are
hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Explosion simulators have been used in numerous military and
commercial applications, such as military training, intrusion
alarms, diversion devices (stun grenades), bird repelling
noisemakers and stage effects. The military has employed explosion
simulators during tactical engagement training to simulate
explosions. For such military applications, explosion simulators
generate bang, smoke, and flash cues in response to electrical
signals from an electronic scoring system. During engagement
training, the explosion simulators warn nearby units of an attack
and indicate the strike locations of the artillery rounds to the
attacking forces. Unfortunately, none of the present explosion
simulators are useful in simulating improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) that are a preferred method of attacking our troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan. In addition, none of the present explosive
simulators provide a realistic smelling device, unless they use
pyrotechnic devices that are dangerous. Similarly, realistic
sounding explosive simulators have only been possible when
pyrotechnic devices are used. Many of the explosion simulators
being used by the military and civilian market are not reusable and
are therefore expensive.
[0006] It is thus apparent that a need exits for a non-pyrotechnic
explosion device simulator that is inexpensive, provides realistic
sound and smell without using pyrotechnic devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] A system that overcomes these and other problems includes a
housing having a shape of an explosive device. A sound generator
system is located inside the housing. A smoke producing system is
also located inside the housing. The sound producing system is
synchronized with the sound generating system. A light producing
system is connected to the housing.
[0008] A non-pyrotechnic military device simulator has a housing
with a shape that imitates an explosive device. A gas generator is
encased in the housing. An electronic actuator controls the gas
generator. The housing has a number of vents.
[0009] A non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator has a housing
with the shape of an explosive device. A gas generator is enclosed
in the housing. A powder is contained in the housing. A number of
vents are in the housing, wherein the powder is ejected from the
vents when the gas generator expels gas.
[0010] A non-pyrotechnic explosive apparatus simulator includes a
housing with the shape of an explosive device. A light producing
system is attached to the housing and includes a number of lights
that strobe at a predetermined rate. A trigger system transmits an
actuation signal to the light producing system when a trigger is
received.
[0011] The non-pyrotechnic device is reusable, therefore reducing
the cost of using the simulator. A cordite smelling substance is
added to the powder and provides a realistic smell of an explosive
device. A realistic sound is provided by an audio chamber or
structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional block diagram view of a
non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator system in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional block diagram view of military
device simulator in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a non-pyrotechnic
explosive device in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is across sectional view of a non-pyrotechnic
explosive apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] An explosive device simulator system has a housing in the
shape of an explosive device. The simulator includes a sound
producing system inside the housing. A light producing system
inside the housing receives an actuation signal from a trigger
system. The trigger system may include a microcontroller, which can
be used to include a delay between a trigger event and the
actuation signal. The simulator may include a smoke producing
system that includes a powder that is dispersed by a gas generator.
The powder exits the housing through a number of vents. A cordite
odor substance may be included in the powder to provide a realistic
smell of an exploded device. A light producing system provides the
flash of a real explosive device and is connected to the
microcontroller. Except for the powder and odor producing
substance, the device is reusable reducing the cost of operating
the system. The gas generator also needs to be recharged. This
simulator system allows for a realistic training device that is
inexpensive to operate and by changing the housing can simulate
numerous devices. Note as used herein non-pyrotechnic means that no
flames are generated as part of activating the device.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional block diagram view of a
non-pyrotechnic explosive device simulator system 10 in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention. The system 10 has a housing
12 having a shape similar to a land mine. The system 10 includes a
trigger system 14. The trigger system 14 is connected to a
microcontroller or microprocessor 16 in one embodiment. The
microcontroller 16 sends an actuation signal to a sound generating
system 18. A smoke producing system 20 is synchronized with the
sound generating system 18. The smoke generating system 20 is in
communication 21 with a plurality of vents 23. The vents 23 are
located in the housing 12. A light producing system 22 is also
synchronized with the sound generating system 18. In one
embodiment, an odor producing system 24 is connected with the smoke
producing system 20. The light producing system 12 controls a
plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 26 in one embodiment. The
LEDs 26 are attached to the outside of the housing 12. In one
embodiment, the LED 26 strobe at a predetermined rate. Strobing the
LEDs provides a more realistic visual effect of how an explosion is
perceived by a user. The strobe rate is six hertz in one
embodiment.
[0018] The trigger system 14 may be mechanical, such as a pressure
trigger or may be an electronic trigger. A pressure trigger might
be used with land mine simulator device, while and electronic
trigger may be used with an improvised explosive device (IED). The
electronic trigger may be actuated by a cellular telephone, an
optical signal, a switch, etc.
[0019] In one embodiment, the microcontroller 16 is used to sense a
trigger event and then delay an actuation signal to the sound
generating system 18, light producing system 22, and smoke
producing system 20. An application for this delay is a training
hand grenade.
[0020] The light producing system 12 generates a strobe signal that
is applied to the lights 26. The lights 26 light up the powder from
the smoke producing system 20 to create a realistic looking
explosion. The odor producing system is just a chemical that smells
like cordite or other explosive after it has been fired.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional block diagram view of military
device simulator 30 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. This device 30 has a housing 32 in the shape of an
Improvised Explosive Device (IED). A gas generator 34 is located
inside the housing. The housing 32 has a plurality of vents 35 for
venting gas generated by the gas generator 34. An electronic
actuator 36 sends an actuation signal to the gas generator 34 to
release gas. An audio chamber 38 may be attached to the gas
generator 34 to create a sound like an explosive detonating. The
audio chamber 38 may be part of the vents 35 in one embodiment.
Since gas is being forced through the vents 35, they can be shaped
to resonant to provide a noise similar to an explosive.
[0022] The gas generator 34 may be a squib 40 in one embodiment. A
squib 40 is a miniature explosive device that generators a large
amount of gas in a very short period of time. Squibs are often used
to power airbags in cars. Alternatively, the gas generator may be a
compressed gas. In one embodiment, the gas generator is a molecule
that is compressed to a pressure where it is a liquid. When the gas
generator housing is opened to the atmosphere the liquid molecule
quickly becomes a gas. Examples of molecules or atoms that can be
used are carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, argon or a combination
of these inert gases. In another embodiment the gas generator
contains a combination of fluid fuels, with fluid oxidizers, liquid
monopropellants, and liquid or gaseous material which dissociate in
a rapid exothermic reaction. The fluid fuels may include hydrogen
and hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, kerosene, C.sub.1-C.sub.8
paraffinns, ethers, esters, alcohols and butanes. The fluid
oxidizer may be nitrous oxide or air. An electronic initiator
ignites the fluid fuel and oxidizer.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a non-pyrotechnic
explosive device 50 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. The device 50 has a housing 52 in the shape of a hand
grenade. Inside the housing 52 is a microcontroller 54, which
senses when a handle 55 is released. A squib 56 receives an
ignition signal from the microcontroller 54. The squib 56 is held
in a chamber 58 inside the housing 52. A powder 60 is contained in
a sack 62 inside a second chamber 64. In one embodiment, the sack
is made of paper. The squib chamber 58 is in communication with the
powder chamber 64. The powder chamber 64 is in communication with a
plurality of openings 66 in the housing 52. In one embodiment, the
powder 60 also contains a substance 68 the smell like cordite or
other expended explosive. The device 50 may also contain an audio
amplifying structure 70. In one embodiment, the device 50 has a
plurality of capacitance sensors 72. These capacitance sensors 72
determine if a person is holding or near the device.
[0024] In operation, when the handle 55 is released this is sensed
by the microcontroller 54. The microcontroller 54 waits a
predetermined amount of time between the release of the handle 55
and sending an initiation signal to the squib 56. Note the
initiation signal is not sent by the microcontroller 54 if the
capacitance sensors 72 detect a person is too close to the device.
This prevents the device 50 from detonating until the device 50 is
a safe distance from people. When the squib 56 receives the
initiation signal, the squib 56 starts a chemical reaction that
produces a large quantity of gas in a short period of time. The
expanding gas pushes on the powder sack 62 until it breaks causing
the powder 60 to be propelled out of the opening 66. The expanding
gas also interacts with the audio amplifying structure 70 to create
the sound of an explosive device. In one embodiment, the delay time
from the release of the handle and the sending of the initiation
signal is three seconds. In another embodiment, the time between
the release of the handle 55 and the sending of the initiation
signal is random, between two and five seconds in one embodiment.
The device 50 may be reused by replacing the squib and the powder
60. All the other components are unharmed by detonation of the
device 50.
[0025] FIG. 4 is across sectional view of a non-pyrotechnic
explosive apparatus 80 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. The apparatus 80 has a housing 82 in the shape of an
artillery shell or mortar. The apparatus 80 has a trigger system
84, which includes a pressure sensor 86 in this embodiment. The
trigger system 84 sends an actuation signal to the light producing
system 88. The light producing system 88 strobes a plurality of
lights 90 attached to the housing 82. In one embodiment, the lights
are strobed at six hertz for a predetermined period of time after
receiving the actuation signal and then turned off. A gas generator
92 is synchronized with the light producing system 88. The gas
generator 92 is in communication with a plurality of vents 94 in
the housing 82. In one embodiment, the lights are white light LEDs
(Light Emitting Devices).
[0026] Thus there has been described a system that can be used to
simulate the effects of numerous explosive devices, by minor
changes to the housing and the internal structure of the housing.
The system can be reused, which reduces the cost of operating the
system. The system is non-pyrotechnic in all embodiments that use
powder and when the gas generator is a compressed gas. The system
provides a realistic smell of an explosive device that has
detonated.
[0027] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alterations,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and
variations in the appended claims.
* * * * *