Abstract:
A modular vehicle cable system for adapting military vehicles with the MILES 2000 Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System used by the United States Armed Forces and other armed forces around the world for training purposes is disclosed. A modular vehicle cable system is provided to allow the user the ability to troubleshoot, remove, and replace certain sections of the system quicker and easier than previously allowed. The design also allows for the installation of additional systems with only minor modifications. The modular vehicle cable system not only makes a cable system more reliable through inherent design, but also allows the user the ability to remove and replace a specific portion of a cable system without disrupting the other systems associated with a cable system. The modular nature of the cable system reduces maintenance and repair times by enabling rapid diagnosis and replacement of defective cable components and sections thereby maximizing training exercises by minimizing vehicle down time.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/693,801, filed on Oct. 24, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,790. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Contract No. M67854-05-C-8009, dated Mar. 23, 2005, awarded by the United States Marine Corps. 

   COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
   A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is directed to modular harnesses for use with the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (“MILES”) on various military vehicles for the purpose of adapting the vehicles for simulated military training exercises. 
   2. Description of the Background Art 
   The Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System or “MLES” is used by the United States Armed Forces and other armed forces around the world for training purposes. The current version of the MILES system is referred to as the MILES 2000® system. MILES 2000 is a registered trademark of Cubic Defense Systems, Inc., San Diego, Calif. The MILES system uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle. Individual soldiers carry small laser receivers scattered over their bodies, which detect when the soldier has been shined by a firearm&#39;s laser. Each laser transmitter is set to mimic the effective range of the weapon on which it is used. Military vehicles are also equipped with various laser transmitters and receivers. When a person is “hit,” a medic can use the digital readout to determine which first aid method to practice. 
   Different versions of MILES systems are available both within the US and internationally. The capabilities of the individual systems can vary significantly but in general all modern systems carry information about the shooter, weapon and ammunition in the laser. When this information is received by the target, the target&#39;s MILES system determines the result of the “hit” using a random number roll and a table lookup. As a result a MILES emulating an M-16 rifle cannot kill a tank or armoured personnel carrier (APC), but could still kill a commander visible in the hatch of the vehicle. Vehicles are typically outfitted with a belt of laser sensors while dismounted troops often wear a vest or harness with sensors as well as a “halo” of sensors on their helmets. Often these MILES systems are coupled with a real-time datalink allowing position and event data to be transmitted back to a central site for data collection and display. More sophisticated systems for tanks and APCs exist that use various techniques (including scanning lasers and coupled radio systems) to do more precise targeting of armored vehicles. 
   MILES equipment is attached to vehicles and personnel and allows troops to simulate real time training exercises without the danger of using live rounds. During an exercise the troops use simulated ammunition, and MILES laser systems simulate rounds being fired. Each vehicle and individual is wired with laser receivers that can detect the pulse fired from the apposing forces laser and determine whether a direct hit was achieve or only a partial kill. By including both vehicles and personnel in the training exercise, troops can get a complete training of various combat situations prior to being deployed. In addition, various scenarios can be included into the training process that provide for more realism. 
   One of the major setbacks of the current MILES 2000 system that is used on various military vehicles is the cable system that is used to connect the various MILES gear components with one another along with applicable systems in the vehicle. The cables currently in use on the MILES system are manufactured using a process known as “mold in place” and/or “over mold.” This harness design does not lend itself to repairs and makes modification of the harness to facilitate additional systems virtually impossible. The current harness is also not modular, which means that when a particular section of the harness is damaged, the entire harness has to be removed from the vehicle and a new one installed. This causes the vehicle to be disengaged from the training exercise while a new harness is installed. 
   Since military vehicles are used in harsh environments, even during training, damage to the MILES harnesses is quite common. This damage causes the training exercises to be halted and/or delayed while new harnesses are installed. With the existing harness design the entire harness has to be removed and replaced before the vehicle can continue with the training exercise. This involves several personnel and hours to remove and replace the exiting harness with another harness, before the vehicle can resume the training exercise. Also, as new equipment becomes available to enhance the realism of training, integration of this equipment into the existing MILES system is problematic, because the exiting cables do not allow for modification to accept additional capabilities. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved harness system for use with the MILES system on military vehicles. Such an improved harness system should overcome the disadvantages with the prior art harnesses by providing a series of modular harnesses that are more reliable and user friendly. These harnesses should incorporate the latest technologies in corrosion and contamination prevention. In addition, these harnesses should be designed to be modular in nature, allowing the troubleshooting and replacement of only those sub-assemblies that have failed or been damaged during training without the disruption of the rest of the systems. They should also be designed with the ability to easily repair damaged sections and to incorporate additional systems and upgrades as they become available without the necessity to build completely new cable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a modular cable system of harnesses for MILES systems used on various military vehicles for the purpose of simulated training exercises. A harness system in accordance with the present invention is designed to allow the user the ability to troubleshoot and replace certain sections of a harness quicker and easier than previously allowed. The design also allows for the installation of additional systems with some minor modifications. More specifically, the present invention not only makes a harness more reliable product through inherent design, but also allows the user the ability to remove and replace a specific portion of a harness without disrupting the other systems associated with a harness. The quick nature in which a harness can be diagnosed and a specific section can be replaced allows for quicker turn around of vehicles for training exercises. To achieve these advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention comprises a harness, that is modular in nature and employs the latest technologies in corrosion and contamination resistance. The harness is divided into a number of sub-assemblies that when combined together make up a complete harness assembly for a particular vehicle. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular harness system for use in adapting military vehicles with the MILES 2000 system. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein modular sub-assemblies are provided with corrosion and contamination resistance connectors. 
   Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the apparatus particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a prior art cable system for adapting the M1A1/M1A2 main battle tank with the MILES 2000 system; 
       FIG. 2  depicts a modular vehicle system cable for adapting the M1A1 and M1A2 main battle tanks with the MILES 2000 system in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  depict internal and external modular vehicle system cables for adapting the AAV-P7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle with the MILES 2000 system in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict internal and external modular vehicle system cables for adapting the LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle with the Miles 2000 system in accordance with the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Both combat vehicles, such as the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, and various support vehicles can be instrumented using vehicle-specific MILES kits. Vehicle kits typically include a number of hardware components that must be electrically connected by cables. As noted above, the prior art provides a single cable system having multiple branches terminating in connectors for use in connecting the various vehicle hardware components together. These prior art cables are unitary single piece cables manufactured using a process known as “mold in place” and/or “over mold.”  FIG. 1  depicts a cable system typical of the prior art for adapting the M1A1/M1A2 main battle tank with the MILES 2000 system. 
   Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 2-6  depict various embodiments of modular vehicle system cables in accordance with the present invention. 
   I. M1A1/M1A2 Main Battle Tank 
     FIG. 2  depicts a modular vehicle cable system, generally referenced as  10 , adapted for use with the M1A1 and M1A2 main battle tanks. Modular vehicle cable system  10  includes a modular Kill Status Indicator (“KSI”) section  12  having a connector  14  for connection to the model P3 KSI. The P3 KSI is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle on a mast and includes a rotating beacon attached to the top of the mast that strobes when the vehicle has been kit. Connector  14  is connected to the KSI and the modular vehicle cable system  10  is routed to detector belts that receive the laser signal sent from other vehicles when munitions are fired and hit the vehicle. A significant advantage provided by the modular KSI section relates to the ability to allow for the use of conventional and/or wireless detector belts. 
   KSI section  12  includes a detector belt connector  15  to facilitate connecting connector belts to KSI section  12 . Modular detector belt sections, referenced as  16  and  18 , are attached to the KSI section  12  via detector belt connector legs  15   a  and  15   b  respectively for connection to right and left front detector belts. As noted above, the KSI section is adapted for use with either conventional or wireless detector belts. When using conventional detector belts modular detector belt sections  16  and  18  are connected to connector legs  15   a  and  15   b  as seen in  FIG. 2 . However, when using wireless detector belts modular sections  16  and  18  are omitted and the connecting points at  15   a  and  15   b  are capped using belt connector caps  15   c.    
   Detector belt connector  15  includes an connecting point  15   d  that is connected to additional series connected modular sections, referenced as  20 ,  22 , and  24  as seen in  FIG. 2 . Modular section  24  is connected to a Y-connector  26  having a first leg  26   a  and a second leg  26   b . First leg  26   a  is connected to a loader unit section  28  that in turn has an end connector  29  connected to an input on the vehicle and functions to disengage the main gun on the M1A1/M1A2 main battle tank as there are no “blank” rounds for the main gun of the tank. Accordingly, firing of the main gun is simulated through the MILES system alone. Second leg  26   b  is connected to a control box  32  via a control box section  30  and end connector  31 . The control box is interfaced with vehicle radio and power systems to facilitate disabling of the radios and power in response to “damage” resulting from simulated “hits”. 
   The M1A1/M1A2 tanks are further adapted with a Universal Laser Transmitter (“ULT”) that sends a laser signal from the vehicle to opposing vehicles every time the system is fired. The ULT fires a laser beam pulse with encoded information that describes the weapon system employed along with the applicable munitions. Upon hitting a laser detector belt, this code is deciphered and the information factored into events that then determine the outcome and condition of the hit vehicle. Accordingly, the modular vehicle cable system  10  further includes a ULT section  40  having an end connector  42  adapted for direct connection to the ULT unit. ULT section  40  is connected to a Y-connector  44  having additional connector legs  44   a  and  44   b . Connector leg  44   a  provides a connection point for modular cable section  45  that has an end connector  45   a  connected to a P9 Coax Microphone that picks up the sound of a machine gun as it fires blank rounds. When the machine gun fires blank rounds, the microphone picks up the sound and sends a signal through the MILES system cable to the loader unit that automatically deducts the rounds fired. Connector leg  44   b  is connected to modular sections  46  and  48  as seen in  FIG. 2 . Connector leg  48  is connected to a Y-shaped connector  50  having first and second legs, referenced as  50   a  and  50   b . First leg  50   a  is connected to a control unit section  52  that having an end connector  53  that is typically connected to a control unit that provides the vehicle commander with critical information regarding weapons firing and available ammunition as well as weapons control functions. Connector leg  50   b  is connected to a modular section  54  that is connected to a multi-connector  56 , having connection legs  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c , and  56   d  as seen in  FIG. 2 . A modular connector  58  is connected to connection leg  56   c , and has a connector end  59  connected to box  30 . A modular connector  60  is connected to connection leg  56   d , and has a connector end  61  connected to a power controller that controls power to the vehicle systems while further including a battery power supply to maintain functionality of certain MILES systems, such as the KSI strobe, even after the vehicle is killed. 
   Finally, a series of modular sections referenced as  62  and  64  are connected in series from connection leg  56   b  of multi-connector  56  to connector leg  66   a  of Y-shaped connector  66  having connection legs  66   a ,  66   b , and  66   c  as seen in  FIG. 2 . Additional modular sections  68  and  70  are provided for connection to turret test networks test jacks  1  and  2 . More particularly, section  68  has a first end connected to leg  66   c  of multi-connector  60  and a second connector end  69  connected to turret test network  1 , while section  70  has a first end connected to leg  66   b  of multi-connector  60  and a second connector end  71  connected to turret test network  2 . 
   As should now be apparent, a significant aspect of the present invention relates to the modular aspect of the harness. By providing a modular harness troubleshooting is simplified, and individual harness sections and sub-assemblies may be easily removed and replaced without requiring that the removal and replacement of the entire modular vehicle cable system. More particularly, the modular vehicle cable system of the present invention has proven effective to allow for interchangeability of the various sections and sub-assemblies used on the MILES 2000 vehicle systems. Accordingly, various modular cable sections and connectors capable of being used as replacement parts for corresponding similar sections and connectors. As a result of the interchangeability of the sub-assemblies, modular sections, and connectors, the spare parts inventory required to service a fleet of MILES enabled vehicles is significantly reduced. 
   An additional significant aspect of the present invention relates to the use of aluminum connectors that meet the requirements of military specifications. The connectors have added strength, reduce overall weight and increase corrosion resistance. More particularly, the connectors use gold plated pins and sockets which increase conductivity as well as corrosion resistance. In addition, the wire used in the harness assembly may comprise silver coated copper, instead of the tin coated wires used in the prior art harnesses. Furthermore, the harness incorporates sealing thermal fit tubing with an adhesive lining to seal all openings in the joints at various transition areas of the harness. By covering various transition areas of the harness, not only are these areas protected against moisture contamination, but also added strain relief is provided to help against damage from servicing and vibration. 
   A further significant aspect of the present invention relates to the incorporation of abrasion resistant thermal tubing on portions of the modular vehicle cables. More particularly, cable system  10  may include an external layer of neoprene-type material that provides an outer layer of abrasion resistant material for shielding the underlying tubular cable structure from abrasion, as well as resistance to weather and chemicals. The ability to shield portions of the harness from abrasion and contamination is considered particularly important since the present inventor has discovered that repeated movement of the vehicle and various gun systems can cause the cables to rub against portions of the vehicle thereby leading to failure. 
   The modular vehicle cable system  10  of the present invention is further adapted to include part number identification labels such that each sub-assembly is easily identifiable. Labeling each sub-assembly with an identification label is considered particularly important given the modular nature of the wiring harness of the present invention as each of the above-referenced sub-assemblies may be disconnected and removed from the vehicle. 
   II. AAV-P7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle 
     FIGS. 3 and 4  depict a modular vehicle cable system in accordance with the present invention adapted for use on the AAV-P7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle. Turning first to  FIG. 3  modular vehicle cable system includes an external cable system, generally referenced as  100 , having a modular Kill Status Indicator (“KSI”) section  112  including a terminal end connector  114  for connection to the model P3 KSI. The P3 KSI is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle on a mast and includes a rotating beacon attached to the top of the mast that strobes when the vehicle has been kit. Connector  114  is connected to the KSI and the modular vehicle cable system is routed to detector belts that receive the laser signal sent from other vehicles when munitions are fired and hit the vehicle. A significant advantage provided by the modular KSI section relates to the ability to allow for the use of conventional and/or wireless detector belts. 
   KSI section  112  includes a detector belt connector  115  to facilitate connecting connector belts to KSI section  112 . Modular detector belt sections, referenced as  116  and  118 , are attached to the KSI section  112  via detector belt connector legs  115   a  and  115   b  respectively for connection to various detector belts. In this embodiment each modular detector belt section  116  and  118  is connected to a Y-shaped connector, referenced as  120  and  122  respectively. Each Y-shaped connector  120  and  122  includes dual connection legs for connection to right and front laser detection belts. More particularly, Y-shaped connector  120  includes connection legs  120   a  and  120   b , which are intended for connection to right and front mounted laser detection belts via modular sections  124  and  126  respectively. Similarly, Y-shaped connector  122  includes connection legs  122   a  and  122   b , which are adapted for connection to rear and left mounted laser detection belts via modular sections  128  and  130 . Detector belt connector  115  includes an third leg  115   c  that is connected to a modular section  132 , which in turn is connected in series to connector  134  having an end connector  136  for connection to a control box (not shown). As noted above, the KSI section may be adapted for use with either conventional or wireless detector belts as disclosed herein above. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the modular vehicle cable system adapted for use with the AAV-P7 amphibious assault vehicle includes an internal system, generally referenced as  140 , including a power controller section  141  having an end connector  142  adapted for connection to a power controller that controls power to the vehicle systems while further including a battery power supply to maintain functionality of certain MILES systems, such as the KSI strobe, even after the vehicle is killed. In addition, the internal system includes a control unit section  144  having an end connector  146  adapted for connection to a control unit that provides the vehicle commander with critical information regarding weapons firing and available ammunition as well as weapons control functions. The power controller section  141  and control unit section  144  each have opposing end connectors, referenced as  143  and  147  respectively, adapted for connection to legs  150   a  and  150   b  of a Y-shaped connector  150 . A third leg  150   c  is connected to a modular section  152  having an end connector  154  for connection to the control box (not shown). 
   III. LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  depict a modular vehicle cable system in accordance with the present invention adapted for use on the LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle. The modular vehicle cable system for the LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle includes external and internal cable systems, referenced as  200  and  250  respectively, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6  respectively. Turning first to  FIG. 5  modular vehicle cable system includes an external cable system  200  having a modular Kill Status Indicator (“KSI”) section  212  having a connector  214  for connection to the model P3 KSI. The P3 KSI is mounted to the exterior of the vehicle on a mast and includes a rotating beacon attached to the top of the mast that strobes when the vehicle has been kit. Connector  214  is connected to the KSI and the modular vehicle cable system is routed to detector belts that receive the laser signal sent from other vehicles when munitions are fired and hit the vehicle. A significant advantage provided by the modular KSI section relates to the ability to allow for the use of conventional and/or wireless detector belts. 
   As seen in  FIG. 5 , KSI section  212  is connected to connection leg  216   a  of multi-connector  216 . Multi-connector  216  further includes connection legs  216   b ,  216   c , and  216   d . Connection legs  216   b  and  216   c  provide connection points for cable sections  218  and  220  that are in turn connected to right and left externally mounted laser detection belts (not shown). Connection leg  216   c  of multi-connector  216  is connected to modular sections  222  and  224  as seen in  FIG. 5 . Modular section  224  is connected to Y-shaped connector  226  as connector leg  226   a . As further depicted in  FIG. 5 , connector leg  226   b  provides a connection leg for modular section  228  that is routed internally for connection to the internal modular cable system in order for the signals to be completed. This connection is exclusive to the LAV-25 vehicle and completes the circuit for the external and internal harness assemblies. Connector leg  226   c  provides a connection leg for series connected modular cable sections  230  and  232 . Modular cable section  232  is connected to Y-shaped connector  234  at connection leg  234   a . Connector  234  further provides connection legs  234   b  and  234   c . Connection leg  234   b  provides a connection point for modular cable section  236  that has an end connector  238  connected to a P9 Coax Microphone that picks up the sound of a machine gun as it fires blank rounds. Connection leg  234   c  provides a connection point for modular cable section  240  having an end connector  242  for connection to a Universal Laser Transmitter. 
     FIG. 6  depicts the internal modular cable system  250  for the LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle. As seen in  FIG. 6 , internal modular cable system  250  includes a modular cable section  252  having an end connector  254  for connection to internal cable section  228 . Cable section  252  is connected at its opposite end to a multi-leg connector  256  at leg  256   a . Multi-leg connector  256  further includes connection legs  256   b ,  256   c , and  256   d . Connection leg  256   b  provides a connection point for modular cable  258  having an end connector  260  for connection to a system control box (not shown). Connection leg  256   c  provides a connection point for modular cable section  262  having an end connector  264  for connection to a power controller. Connection leg  256   d  provides a connection point for series connected modular cable sections  266  and  268  as seen in  FIG. 6 . Modular cable section  268  is connected to a Y-shaped connector  270  at connector leg  270   a . Connector  270  further includes connector legs  270   b  and  270   c . Connector leg  270   b  provides a connection point for modular cable section  272  having a terminal end connector  274  for connection to a MILES vehicle control unit. Connector leg  270   c  provides a connection point for modular cable  276  having a terminal end connector  278  connected to connection leg  280   a  of Y-shaped connector  280 . Connector  280  further includes connector legs  280   b  and  280   c . Connector leg  280   b  provides a connection point for modular cable  282  having a terminal end connector  284  for connection to the vehicle turret network. Connector leg  280   c  provides a connection point for modular cable  286  having a terminal end connector  288  for connection to the vehicle turret network. 
   The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.