Patent Publication Number: US-8528479-B2

Title: Defeat device for defeating improvised explosive device having a wire initiation system

Description:
This invention was made at least in part with government support during active duty. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a device to detect, disarm and otherwise defeat the concealed wire detonation initiation systems that are used by insurgents to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along roadways near unsuspecting soldiers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an easily maneuverable defeat device that is mounted on the front of a vehicle. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a defeat device that detects, disarms and defeats an IED having a concealed wire initiation system without detonating the IED. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) generally includes an explosive charge, a detonator and an initiation system all of which are concealed from view by soldiers in a moving vehicle. The initiation system for the IED is the mechanism that initiates the electrical charge that sets off the detonator, which in turn, causes the explosive charge to explode. 
     Typical initiation systems include what are known as “crush” wire and “trip” wire systems. These triggers are readily concealed and generally include some combination of pressure plates, trip wires extended across a road or trail and systems based on spaced apart wires that close an electrical contact when closed or crushed together as when a vehicle rolls over the spaced apart wires. 
     An example of a typical crush wire system is shown in  FIG. 1  with IED  11  and crush wire initiation system  13 . Two wire conductors  14  and  15 , such as copper wire, are connected to a blasting cap  16 . The wire conductors  14  and  15  are separated by a distance x. Typically, the wire conductors  14  and  15  are spaced about a ¼ inch apart. A battery  17  is mechanically and electrically connected to one of the wire conductors. A plurality of flexible tubing  18 , such as plastic tubing, is spaced along the wire initiation system  13 . The wire conductors  14  and  15  pass through the flexible tubing  18 . A pair of contacts  19  and  20 , such as metal strips, are connected to each flexible tubing  18 . Each contact  19  and  20  is connected to one of the wire conductors  14  and  15 . The plastic tubing assemblies are separated by a distance y, holding the circuit open and spaced about six inches apart or about the width of one vehicle tire. Such a close distance makes it unlikely that a vehicle would not compress the tubing assemblies and cause the IED to detonate. 
     The blasting cap  16  is connected to an explosive charge  21 . The crush wire initiation system  13  has a length identified as the distance z, which is typically about fifteen feet long to stretch across a roadway  10 . The wire conductors  14  and  15  are disposed substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel along the roadway  10 . The tubing assembly is often made of a sufficiently thick material that the circuit remains open even if the crush wire system is covered by a concealing layer of soil, sand or small rocks. The flexible tubing  18  maintains separation between the contacts  19  and  20  until tubing  18  is compressed from vehicle tires. 
     Crush wire initiation system is extremely difficult to detect, particularly from within a moving vehicle. As noted above, a concealing layer of soil can cover the device yet allow it to operate without hindrance. Additionally, the wire initiation system  13  allows the blasting cap  16  and explosive  21  to remain hidden off of either side  8  or  9  of the roadway  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . When a tire of a vehicle contacts one of the flexible tubing assemblies, the flexible tubing  18  is crushed. This brings the two contacts  19  and  20  into contact, thereby closing the electrical circuit. The battery  17 , which is the power source for the circuit, supplies an electrical current that is then carried through the wire conductors  14  and  15  to the sensitive explosive of the blasting cap  16 , thereby detonating the blasting cap. The detonation of the blasting cap  16  causes the less sensitive, but more powerful, explosive  21  to detonate. 
     One device currently used to combat IEDs is a roller system that is attached to the front of a vehicle. One existing roller system is the Self-Protection Adaptive Roller Kit (SPARK) System. One of the drawbacks associated with the roller system is that it detonates the IED. Although the roller system is mounted in front of the vehicle, detonating an IED still poses a danger to the vehicle and personnel. The roller system is typically destroyed when it detonates an IED. This requires either the roller system to be replaced or a new vehicle with a new roller system to be provided, which is expensive and time consuming. Moreover, detonation of an IED alerts the enemy to the unit&#39;s presence in the area, thereby subjecting the unit to observation and possible ambush. Because the roller system detonates the IED, the IED device cannot be recovered and studied, thereby preventing the recovery of valuable information from an intact IED. Additionally, the roller systems are heavy and unwieldy that are not easily connected to, or disconnected from, the vehicle. 
     Another device currently used to combat IEDs is a chain and hook system that is connected to a roller system. However, as the chain and hook system is used in conjunction with a roller system, the chain and hook system suffers from the same deficiencies. 
     Yet another device currently used to combat IED&#39;s is an infrared detection system. However, these systems only detect IED&#39;s that utilize infrared light beams as the initiation system. Accordingly, they are not effective in detecting and defeating IEDs using crush wire initiation systems. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a portable or mobile device that can be used to detect, disarm and otherwise defeat the surprise and concealment capabilities of crush wire initiated, IED explosives, preferably without detonating the associated IED or initiation system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a mobile defeat device uncovers, disarms and/or otherwise renders safe IEDs that are initiated with concealable, crush wire systems without detonating the IED. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a defeat device for crush wire IEDs is easily connected to a mobile support. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a defeat device is provided that is easily replaceable if damaged using equipment that is readily available in a secured facility or encampment. 
     The foregoing objectives are obtained by a crush wire defeat device that includes a lightweight removal member suitable for ground contact in a relatively shallow furrowing action, such as at least one coil of a barbed wire, that is mounted on a pivotable, extendable support and which extends from a mobile vehicle. A connecting member connects the removal member to a support and is disposed such that the removal member can be pivoted into contact with the ground in front and/or on either side of the vehicle. As the removal member drags across the ground with its furrowing action, it will burrow below any shallow layer of concealing material and engage the wire initiation system with a lifting action that will reveal the device. Forward motion of the vehicle will exert tension on the engaged initiation system and pull the wire and/or blasting cap from the associated explosive device that may be concealed alongside the roadway. This discovery and/or disarming action defeats the concealed IED and its initiation system while also rendering both safe for later inspection. 
     The foregoing objectives are also obtained by a method of defeating an improvised explosive device having a crush wire initiation system. The method comprises dragging a lightweight removal member that is suitable for ground contact across the ground in front and/or to the sides of a moving vehicle whereby the removal member can burrow below a shallow layer of concealing material and engage a crush wire initiation system without closing the electrical contacts of the initiation system and with the capability of removing the wire and/or blasting cap of the IED by continued movement of the removal member in contact with a wire of the wire initiation system. 
     Objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the structure thereof to any particular position or orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above benefits and other advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and from the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an improvised explosive device having a crush wire initiation system; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a hinge assembly and mounting member of a defeat device for defeating an improvised explosive device having a wire initiation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the hinge assembly and mounting member of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a defeat device including the hinge assembly and mounting member of  FIG. 2  connected to a vehicle; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the defeat device of  FIG. 4  connected to a vehicle in another configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is side elevational view of the defeat device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a hinge assembly and mounting member of a defeat device for defeating an improvised explosive device having a wire initiation system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear elevational view of the defeat device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a defeat device including the hinge assembly and mounting member of  FIG. 7  connected to a vehicle; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the defeat device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the defeat device of  FIG. 9  connected to a vehicle in another configuration; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a barbed wire assembly and connecting member of the defeat device of  FIG. 10 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the barbed wire assembly and connecting member of the defeat device of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, like reference numbers will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , a device for defeating an improvised explosive device  11  ( FIG. 1 ) having a wire initiation system  13  ( FIG. 1 ) includes a lightweight removal member that is suitable for ground contact with a relatively shallow furrowing action, such as barbed wire assembly  21 , and a connecting member  31  connecting the barbed wire assembly  21  to a support, such as a mounting member  41  ( FIGS. 2-6 ) or a mounting member  141  ( FIGS. 7-11 ). The connecting member  31  is disposed such that the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground  91  with a dragging action that cuts shallow furrows in the surface as it passes. This shallow furrowing action of the barbed wire assembly across the ground  91  engages a wire  14  or  15  ( FIG. 1 ) of the wire initiation system  13  ( FIG. 1 ) and lifts it from concealment while also retaining the initiation system out from under the wheels of the vehicle. Further forward movement may also pull the blasting cap out of the associated IED device thereby defeating the improvised explosive device  11  ( FIG. 1 ) and preserving the systems for later inspection. 
     The barbed wire assembly  21  includes a coil  22  of barbed wire  23 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, six coils  22  of concertina wire are used to form the barbed wire assembly  21 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , a cut  24  can be made in the barbed wire at a trailing edge of the barbed wire assembly  23  to substantially prevent snagging as the barbed wire assembly  21  is dragged across the ground. 
     The connecting member  31  has a first end  32  and a second end  33 . The first end  32  of the connecting member  31  is connected to the barbed wire assembly  21 . The second end  33  of the connecting member  31  is connected to a support, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The support can be a mounting member  41  as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , a mounting member  141  as shown in  FIGS. 7-11 , or any other suitable support means. Preferably, the connecting member  31  is a steel cable. Wire clamps  71  can be used to connect the first and second ends  32  and  33  of the connecting member  31  to the barbed wire assembly  21  and support, respectively, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The connecting member  31  is connected to the support such that the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground  91 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The connecting member  31  is connected to a mounting member  41 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . Preferably, the cable clamp  71  secures the connecting member  31  to the mounting member  41 . The mounting member  41  has a first opening  43  disposed at a free end  44  of the mounting member. The first opening  43  receives the wire clamp  71 . Alternatively, the connecting member  31  can be directly secured to the mounting member  41  using the first opening  43 . A fixed end  45  of the mounting member  41  is at an opposite end from the free end  44 . A second opening  47  is formed at the fixed end  45  of the mounting member  41 . 
     When used with a vehicle  93 , the mounting member  41  is preferably connected to the vehicle by a mounting bracket  51 . The mounting member  41  is movable between a first or deployed position as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  6 , and a second or raised position (not shown). When the mounting member  41  is in the first position, the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground  91 . When the mounting member  41  is in the second position, the barbed wire assembly  21  does not contact the ground. 
     The mounting bracket  51 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , is preferably substantially U-shaped, although any suitable shape can be used. First and second side walls  52  and  53  extend upwardly from a base member  54 . First and second openings  55  and  56  are formed in the first and second side walls  52  and  53 , respectively, to receive a cotter pin  61 . The cotter pin  61  passes through the second opening  47  in the mounting member  41  to secure the mounting member to the mounting bracket  51 . The mounting member  41  rotates about the cotter pin  61  to move between the first and second positions. A resilient pad  65  is disposed on an upper surface  57  of the base member  54 . Preferably, the resilient pad  65  is disposed at a front end  58  of the base member, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the mounting bracket  51  can be mounted on the vehicle  93  such that the mounting member  41  is positioned at an angle with respect to a front end  94  of the vehicle  93 . Preferably, a first mounting bracket  51  is mounted at a right side of the front end  94  of the vehicle  93 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , such that the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground to the side of the roadway. A second mounting bracket  59 , which is substantially similar to the first mounting bracket  51 , can be mounted on the left side of the front end  94  of the vehicle  93  such that the barbed wire assembly contacts the ground to the other side of the roadway. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the mounting bracket  51  is mounted to the front end  94  of the vehicle such that the mounting member  41  is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the front end of the vehicle and centered with respect thereto. 
     An alternative mounting member  141  and mounting bracket  151  are shown in  FIGS. 7-11 . The mounting bracket  151  is preferably substantially U-shaped, although any suitable shape can be used. First and second side walls  152  and  153  extend upwardly from a base member  154 . First and second openings  155  and  156  in the first and second side walls  152  and  153 , respectively, receive a first cotter pin  161 . Third and fourth openings  157  and  158  in the first and second side walls  152  and  153 , respectively, receive a second cotter pin  162 . The first and second cotter pins  161  and  162  secure the mounting member  141  to the mounting bracket  151 . 
     The mounting member  141  includes a first member  121  that receives a second member  131 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . The first member  121  has a first end  123  connected to the mounting bracket  151  and a second end  124  connected to the second member  131 . A first opening  125  extending through the first member  121  receives the first cotter pin  161 . A second opening  126  extending through the first member  121  receives the second cotter pin  162 . The cotter pins  161  and  162  secure the first member  121  of the mounting member  141  to the mounting bracket  151 . One of the cotter pins  161  and  162  can be removed to move the mounting member  141  from the first position shown in  FIG. 10  to a second, or upright, position when not in use. A resilient pad  165  is disposed on an upper surface  159  of the base member  154 . Preferably, the resilient pad  165  is disposed at a front end  150  of the base member  154 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The first member  121  preferably has a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in  FIG. 8 , although any suitable shape can be used. Third and fourth openings  127  and  128  are disposed proximal the second end  124  of the first member  121 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The second member  131  has a first end  132  and a second end  133 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Preferably, the first member  121  is hollow to facilitate receiving the second member  131 , has preferably has a shape corresponding to that of the first member  131  to facilitate insertion of the first end  132  of the second member  131  into the second end  124  of the first member  121 . A first opening (not shown) extending through the second member  131  is aligned with either the third or fourth opening  127  and  128  in the first member  121 , and a cotter pin is inserted through the aligned openings to secure the second member to the first member. The third opening  127  in the first member  121  is used to provide a shorter length for the mounting member  141  compared to using the fourth opening  128 . Additional openings can be formed in the first member to provide more options for the length of the mounting member  141 . A second opening  134  (similar to the first opening in the second member  131 ) proximal the second end  133  receives the connecting member  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the mounting bracket  151  can be mounted on the vehicle  93  such that the mounting member  141  is positioned at an angle with respect to a front end  94  of the vehicle  93 . Preferably, a first mounting bracket  151  is mounted at a right side of the front end  94  of the vehicle  93 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , such that the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground to the side of the roadway. A second mounting bracket  160 , which is substantially similar to the first mounting bracket  151 , can be mounted on the left side of the front end  94  of the vehicle  93  such that the barbed wire assembly  21  contacts the ground to the other side of the roadway. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the mounting bracket  151  is mounted to the front end  94  of the vehicle such that the mounting member  141  is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the front end of the vehicle and centered with respect thereto. 
     Assembly and Operation 
     The defeat device of  FIGS. 2-6  includes the barbed wire assembly  21  and the connecting member  31 . The connecting member  31  and the barbed wire assembly  21  are connected in any suitable manner, such as with a wire clamp  71 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . To facilitate contact with the ground, a weight  73  can be connected to either the barbed wire assembly  21  or the connecting member  31 . The weight increases the weight of the barbed wire assembly  21  and the connecting member  31 , thereby increasing contact of the barbed wire assembly  21  with the ground. Any suitable weight can be connected, such as a shackle. Additionally, a light can be connected to the barbed wire assembly  21  or the connecting member  31  to increase visibility. 
     The barbed wire  23  is preferably concertina wire. Preferably, six coils  22  of concertina wire are used. A cut  24 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , can be made in the trailing edge of the barbed wire  23  to prevent snagging as the barbed wire is moved across the ground. 
     Some vehicles have the mounting member  41  preinstalled. The connecting member  31  can then be directly connected to the mounting member  41  as shown in  FIG. 12 , or be connected by a wire clamp  71  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Alternatively, the mounting bracket  51  can be connected to the vehicle  93  in any suitable manner, such as by fasteners. The first opening  47  in mounting member  41  is aligned with the openings  55  and  56  in the mounting bracket  51 , and then a cotter pin or any other suitable connector is inserted through the openings to secure the mounting member  41  to the mounting bracket. The connecting member  31  can then be directly connected to the mounting member  41  as shown in  FIG. 12 , or be connected by a wire clamp  71  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The resilient pad  65  is disposed on the upper surface  57  of the base member  54  of the mounting bracket  51  to absorb shocks during use and to substantially prevent damage to the mounting bracket  51  and mounting member  41 , thereby prolonging their service life. 
     The mounting bracket  151  is connected to vehicle  93  in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners. The first member  121  of the mounting member  141  is connected to the mounting bracket  151  by aligning the openings such that the first and second cotter pins  161  and  162 , or other suitable connector, can be passed therethrough. The second member  131  is inserted in the second end  124  of the first member  121 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , such that the first opening in the second member is aligned with either the third opening  127  or the fourth opening  128  in the first member  121  depending on the desired length of the mounting member  141 . The resilient pad  165  is disposed on the upper surface  159  of the base member  154  of the mounting bracket  151  to absorb shocks during use and to substantially prevent damage to the mounting bracket  151  and mounting member  141 , thereby prolonging their service life. 
     The connecting member  31  is then connected to the mounting member  41  or  141 . A wire clamp  71  as shown in  FIG. 12  can be used to connect the connecting member  31  to the mounting member. Alternatively, the connecting member  31  can be directly connected to the mounting member, as shown in  FIG. 13 . The connecting member  31  is connected such that the barbed wire assembly contacts the ground  91 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The mounting bracket  51  and  151  can be connected to the front end  94  of the vehicle  93  such that the mounting member  41  and  141  extends substantially perpendicularly to the front end  94  of the vehicle  93 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 11 . When connected in such a manner, the barbed wire  23  is able to engage a wire of a wire initiation system  13  stretched across a road  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The barbed wire  23  engages the initiation wire, and continued movement of the vehicle causes the initiation wire to be pulled out from the blasting cap  16 . The initiation wires  14  and  15  are typically loosely connected to the blasting cap, such that the wires are easily removed by the defeat device, thereby safely defeating the IED. The IED can then be collected and studied. Additionally, by not detonating the IED, the presence of the vehicle  93  in the area is not made known. When the initiation wires  14  and  15  are more tightly packed in the blasting cap  16 , then engagement by the barbed wire  23  of the defeat device pre-detonates the IED ahead of the vehicle. 
     The mounting bracket  51  and  151  can be connected to sides of the front end  94  of the vehicle, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . The mounting brackets are mounted at opposite sides of the front end  94  such that the barbed wire  23  of the defeat device sweeps the road, as opposed to the side of the road where the vehicle is travelling. Alternative mounting brackets  59  and  160  allow the mounting member to be connected to either side as desired. 
     The barbed wire  23  needs to be replaced after prolonged use as the contact with the ground deteriorates the barbs. The connecting member  31  can be quickly disconnected and a new connecting member  31  and barbed wire assembly  21  connected. Accordingly, the new connecting member and barbed wire assembly is quickly installed without requiring extensive downtime and manpower. Additionally, the defeat device according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. 
     The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, alternatives and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.