The application relates to devices for simulating gunfire and, more particularly, to electronic devices for simulating gunfire that do not require consumable materials.
Active shooter training is commonly employed to train police officers, military personnel, and private citizens on how to respond in the event there is an active shooter. By undergoing such training, a trainee may learn how to remain composed in the presence of gunfire while also improving his/her ability to react quickly and appropriately. The effectiveness of active shoot training depends, at least in part, on the realism of the training methods. Towards this end, some training methods may incorporate the use of live rounds. However, in many cases it is often impractical or otherwise dangerous to do so, such as when training indoors or in close proximity. For this reason, devices/systems/methods for simulating gunfire often finds utility.
There currently exist several different methods of simulating gunfire. For example, gunshot sounds may be amplified with speakers (e.g., a PA system) or replicated by firing simulation/blank rounds, firing paintball guns, popping balloons, clapping pieces of wood together, and the like. In any case, these methods often leave much to be desired due to being dangerous (e.g., excessive decibel levels causing hearing loss without protection, residual damage to facilities/surroundings, etc.), not realistic (e.g., failure to elevate adrenaline levels and heart rates, lack of percussion or shockwave force, etc.), or otherwise unsuitable (e.g., extensive setup time, consumable costs, etc.).
Accordantly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of gunfire simulation devices.
Disclosed are devices for simulating gunfire that include at least one discharge chamber and a high voltage circuit.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a discharge chamber that comprises a body, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The body defines an interior and includes an opening into the interior. The first and second electrodes each extend through the body such that the first and second electrodes each define a first end that is exposed to the exterior of the body and a second end that protrudes into the interior. The high voltage circuit is electrically connected to the first ends of the first and second electrodes, and is configured to generate an electrical arc between the second ends of the first and second electrodes to produce percussive sounds that travel through the opening in the body of the discharge chamber.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a plurality of discharge chambers, a capacitor bank, a transformer, and a micro controller. Each discharge chamber of the plurality of discharge chambers includes a body, an interior defined by the body, and an opening in the body that extends into the interior. Each discharge chamber further includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes each extend through the respective bodies of the discharge chambers such that the first and second electrodes each define a first end that is exposed to the exterior of the respective bodies and a second end that protrudes into the respective interiors. The capacitor bank is electrically connected to the first end of a first electrode of a discharge chamber, and is configured to retain an electrical charge. The transformer is electrically connected to the first end of a second electrode, and is configured to step up the voltage from a micro controller. The micro controller is operatively connected to the capacitor bank and the transformer, and is configured to direct when the transformer loads a high voltage onto the second electrode, as well as when the capacitor bank discharges an electrical charge through the first electrode.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a discharge chamber, a high voltage circuit, and a housing that house the discharge chamber and the high voltage circuit. The housing includes a discharge port that includes a plurality of openings. The discharge chamber includes a spark electrode that is configured to generate an ignition spark to create a quantity of ionized air when a current is supplied to the spark electrode, and an arc electrode that is configured to generate an electrical arc that extends through the quantity of ionized air when a current is supplied to the arc electrode. The high voltage circuit is configured to supply a current to the spark electrode and the arc electrode. Igniting the quantity of ionized air creates a percussive sound, a flash of light, and a shockwave of rapidly displaced air, each of which travels through an opening of the plurality of openings in the discharge port.
Other examples of the disclosed device for simulating gunfire will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings.
Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase “an example” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.
The present invention comprises a gunfire simulation device 100 (herein, the “device”) that may be utilized to simulate the sound and sensation of gunfire. Upon actuation, the device 100 discharges high voltage arcs (i.e., electrical arcs) within one or more discharge chambers 20 to produce percussive sounds created as a result of the arcs. In preferred embodiments, these percussive sounds may substantially match the sound profile of an actual gunshot. The arcs may also produce bright flashes and shockwaves of rapidly displaced air that contribute to the overall feel of a gun being fired. It is contemplated that the device 100 may be used, for example, to create realistic training scenarios for active shooter response preparation and force-on-force drills. Other use cases may include pest control (e.g., when placed in sea gull territory or airport runways), disorienting active threats (e.g., when remotely triggered, thereby creating a façade of firepower even when no guns are present), deterring criminals (e.g., when triggered by a sensor, similar to alarm lights and sirens), and the like.
Referring to the embodiment of
The discharge chambers each include a body 22, an interior 24 defined by the body 22, and an opening 26 in the body 22 that extends into the interior 24. While not meant to be limiting, the body 22 may be generally cup-shaped and may include a ribbed upper lip 28 for ease of handling. Preferred materials for the body 22 include non-conductive, non-flammable, and heat-resistant materials such as, but not limited to, heat resistant plastic, ceramic, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that design features of the discharge chambers 20, such as size, shape, and material composition, may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to
In general, the plurality of electrodes 30 may include arc electrodes 36 and spark electrodes 38. The spark electrodes 38 may, upon actuation of the device 100, generate ignition sparks (e.g., small electrical arcs) to create a quantity of ionized air within the interior 24 of a discharge chamber 20. In turn, the arc electrodes 36 may be utilized to create electrical arcs that extend through the quantity of ionized air. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, electrical arcs are created when an electrical current is established through air, despite air being a generally non-conductive medium. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the creation of ionized air facilitates the subsequent creation of electrical arcs because ionized air is more electrically conductive than regular, non-ionized air (therefore being better suited for the establishment of a current).
Referring now specifically to the embodiment shown (
The discharge chamber 20 may also include a rare earth magnet 40 either embedded within the body 22 of the discharge chamber or positioned proximate (i.e., at or near) to it. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, electrical arcs will normally produce a quantity of plasma comprised of free electrons and ions. The rare earth magnet 40 may, in effect, generate a strong magnetic force that can help contain or direct the free electrons and ions within the interior 24 of the discharge chamber 20, thereby preventing them from escaping and possibly damaging the internals of the device 100 and/or posing a safety risk to a user. As shown, this magnet 40 may be generally circular in shape and disposed between the spark electrode 38 and arc electrodes 36C and 36D.
Referring to
The micro controller 56 may be operatively connected to a power distribution module 68 and a trigger module 70. The power distribution module 68 may be electrically connected to the transformers 52 and configured to supply power to each when needed (e.g., when triggered). The trigger module 70 may enable control of the device 100 by directing when high voltage is loaded onto the arc electrodes 36 (from the capacitor bank 54) and the spark electrode (from the transformers 72). In preferred embodiments, the trigger module 70 may be configured to provide for a variety of different discharge sequences, such as discharging the transformers 52 and/or capacitor bank 54 simultaneously, randomly, sequentially, and/or any combinations thereof. A data store 72 may be also provided to store these discharge sequences, as well as discharge counts and timestamps.
To actuate the device, the trigger module 70 may incorporate any one or more of a variety of triggering mechanisms. In one embodiment, the trigger module 70 may be provided with a wireless receiver 74 that is in communication with a remote controller 75. A user may push a button and/or touch screen on the remote controller 75 to instruct the micro controller 56 to activate the transformers 52 and discharge the capacitor banks 54. Further, it is contemplated that the micro controller 56 and the remote controller 75 may be programmed to provide channels for a variety of different shot profiles. For example, the remote controller 75 may be provided with a first channel that fires one shot (i.e., causes the device 100 to discharge once) with each press of a button at manual frequency. This channel may be used to simulate a semi-automatic firing sequence. In another example, the remote controller 75 may be provided with a second channel that triggers a series of two 3-shot bursts. In yet another example, the remote controller 75 may be provided with a third channel that triggers a 6-shot series. Preferably, the remote controller 75 may also be provided with a fourth channel that halts all active sequences.
In a second embodiment, the trigger module 70 may be provided with a wireless transmitter/receiver 76 configured to communicate with an electronic device 77 (e.g., a computer or smartphone) over a wireless network (e.g., Internet of Things networking such as WIFI or Bluetooth). It is contemplated that such a configuration may enable the electronic device 77 to operate with multiple devices 100 simultaneously, or may otherwise be desired for installations that require remote controlled operation. Preferably, the electronic device 77 may also be provided with computer applications or software, including internet-based applications such as web browsers, that enables a user to interface with the device 100.
In a third embodiment, the trigger module 56 may be configured for manual triggering by way of a N/O (normally on) contact terminal and/or a N/C (normally closed) contact terminal 78. The trigger module 56 may be wired so that the device 100 discharges when a N/O circuit is closed or a N/C circuit is opened (e.g., when a particular wire is cut). It is contemplated that such a configuration may find utility with applications involving bomb disarming training and practice.
The micro controller 56 may set and/or alter the number of discharge chambers 20 to be discharged simultaneously. By this functionality, a user of the device 100 may be enabled control the volume of the percussive sound, the brightness of the flash, and/or the severity of the shockwave. For example, a user may program the device 100 to produce a percussive sound of about 130 decibels to about 150 decibels by discharging two to four discharge chambers 20 simultaneously. In another example, the user may program the device 100 to produce a percussive sound of about 125 decibels, which is considered safe for human ears, by discharging one discharge chamber 20. 150-165 decibel output may be achieved by discharging all 6 chambers simultaneously.
The high voltage circuit 50 and the discharge chamber(s) 20 may be housed within a housing 80.
To support the high voltage electrical circuit 50 and the discharge chambers 20, the device may also include a plurality of internal brackets 90 (
Further, the device 100 may also be provided with a cover 98 to protect users from dangerous arc branching, and to prevent users from reaching into the discharge chambers 20. This cover 98 may be raised relative to the discharge chambers 20 and supported from beneath by a spacer 97. The cover 98 may also define a plurality of openings 99 disposed generally above the openings 26 of each discharge chamber 20 to permit passage of sound, flashes of light, and/or shockwaves. In preferred embodiments, these openings 99 may be small enough to prevent human fingers from being inserted though the cover 98. While the cover 98 may be fabricated from one or more of a variety of different materials, it is contemplated that stainless steel and heat resistant plastic may be preferred. Optionally, it is also contemplated that smaller, individual covers may be provided for one or more of the discharge chambers 20 (not shown). These smaller, individual covers may be received over the openings 26 of the discharge chambers 20 and contain openings for sound, light, and air to pass though.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the embodiment of the device 100 shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In one or more embodiments, it is contemplated that speakers or wireless audio transmission (e.g. Bluetooth) may also be provided and operatively connected to the device 100, 200, 300 to play pre-recorded sounds or messages before, after, or during firing. These speakers may add to the overall realism of the simulated gunfire experience by, for example, creating the sound of a slide mechanism being cycled, or the sound of spent brass disks/shells hitting the ground, among other things.
Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
This application is a nonprovisional patent application that makes a priority claim to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/933,456.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20210180906 A1 | Jun 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62933456 | Nov 2019 | US |