Patent Publication Number: US-2021180906-A1

Title: Electronic gunfire simulation device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application that makes a priority claim to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/933,456. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The application relates to devices for simulating gunfire and, more particularly, to electronic devices for simulating gunfire that do not require consumable materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded top perspective view of a first embodiment of the electronic gunfire simulation device; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the discharge chambers of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of a portion of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing the discharge chambers and the high voltage circuit; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional top plan view of a discharge chamber of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the discharge chamber of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the discharge chamber of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the high voltage circuit of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the electronic gunfire simulation device; and 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the electronic gunfire simulation device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention includes the device  100 , a plurality of discharge chambers  20  (six being shown), a high voltage electrical circuit  50  connected to each of the discharge chambers  20 , and a housing  80  that houses the discharge chambers  20  and the electrical circuit  50 . Since multiple discharge chambers  20  are provided, it is contemplated that the device  100  of this embodiment may be configured to generate series of high voltage arcs across each of the discharge chambers  20  in various discharge sequences. For example, the device  100  may be configured to discharge electrical arcs in each of the six discharge chambers  20  simultaneously. Doing so may simulate the sound of a single, particularly loud shot being fired. In another example, the device  100  may be configured to discharge electrical arcs across the discharge chambers  20  sequentially, thereby simulating the sound of a gun being rapidly fired (e.g., the sound made by semi or fully automatic guns). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various other discharge sequences (that simulate various other shooting patterns/profiles) may also be employed, additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     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  FIGS. 4-6 , the discharge chambers also include a plurality of electrodes  30  (five being shown) that extend through the body such that each electrode has a first end  32  that is exposed to the exterior of the body  22  (shown in  FIG. 6  as being disposed along the bottom of the body) and a second end  34  that protrudes into the interior ( FIG. 5 ). By connecting the first ends  32  to the electrical circuit  50  (via wires  48 ) and transferring electricity through the electrodes  30 , the device  100  may produce electrical arcs between the second ends  34  and create percussive sounds, flashes, and/or shockwaves that travel through the opening  26  in the body  22 . 
     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 ( FIG. 4 ), the discharge chamber  20  may include four arc electrodes  36 A-D, disposed in a generally squared/rectangular arrangement, and a single spark electrode  38  in close proximity to one of the arc electrodes (e.g., arc electrode  36 D, on the bottom right). This configuration provides for the creation of electrical arcs that extend between arc electrodes  36 A and  36 B, and between arc electrodes  36 C and  36 D. Arc electrodes  36 A and  36 C may be positive ends whereas arc electrodes  36 B and  36 D may be negative ends (though other configurations are certainly possible). The difference in height between these arc electrodes (arc electrodes  36 A and  36 B are taller than arc electrodes  36 C and  36 D) provides for separation between the resulting electrical arcs. These arc electrodes  36 A-D may also be provided with an opening  35  disposed along their distal ends (i.e., the distal ends of their second ends  34 ) to help control the electrical arcs, and to prevent and/or limit heat damage. The close proximity between the spark electrode  38  and arc electrode  36 D facilitates the creation of ignition sparks due to there being less air (a nonconductive medium) between them. 
     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  36 C and  36 D. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the device  100  includes a micro controller  56 , at least one transformer  52  (six being shown), and at least one capacitor bank  54  (three being shown). The micro controller  56  may, among other things, actuate the device  100  and regulate power output (e.g., to prevent over heating). While in operation, the micro controller  56  may active the transformers  26  to apply a high voltage to the spark electrode  38 , thereby generating an ignition spark. Preferably, a voltage of about 280 volts to about 440 volts, but more preferably voltage of about 320 volts to about 400 volts, may be applied to the spark electrode  38 . The transformer may be, for example, a five-coil transformer. The capacitor bank  54  may be configured to load high voltage onto the arc electrodes  36  to enable the generation of electrical arcs. A suitable capacitor bank may include four 1,000 microfarad capacitors, wired in parallel, and configured to apply a voltage of about 280 volts to about 360 volts, but preferably about 320 volts, to arc electrodes  36 A and  36 C of each of the discharge chambers (i.e., all six). Other embodiments may include different capacitor bank configurations, with either more or less capacitors and/or capacitors of different sizes, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These components  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be installed onto a motherboard  58  and supplied power from an A/C input port  60  (i.e., the power supply). The A/C input port  60  may be provided with a fuse  62  and an on/off switch  64 , as well as a D/C power transformer  66  for converting supplied current. An appropriate cable may be provided to connect the A/C input port  60  to, for example, a conventional wall outlet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is just one non-limiting example as other types of power supply (e.g., batteries and a power inverter) may also be utilized. 
     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 .  FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a housing  80 , whereas  FIGS. 8 and 9  show two others  280 ,  380 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the device  100  may include a housing  80  that is shaped as, or may otherwise be, an adapted .50 caliber ammunition canister. This housing  80  may be metal, and may include a receptacle  82  and a lid  84  that is connected by a hinge  86 . The lid  84  may be secured onto the receptacle  86  by way of a latch  88 . Further, it is contemplated that such a housing  80  may be configured to ground electrical charges that inadvertently build within the housing  80  (as a safety measure). The housing  80  may be connected to a grounding pin in the A/C input port  60  such that, when the device  100  is plugged into a conventional wall outlet (which typically includes a ground socket), the housing  80  may transfer electrical charges through the grounding pin and safely away from the device  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the connection between the housing  80  and the grounding pin in the A/C input port  60  may be established by way of a grounding wire comprising a crimped eyelet on one end that is riveted to the bottom of the housing  80  and connected to the ground pin of the A/C input port  60  on the other end. 
     To support the high voltage electrical circuit  50  and the discharge chambers  20 , the device may also include a plurality of internal brackets  90  ( FIG. 1 ). As shown, these internal brackets  90  may include a base plate  92 , a pair of opposing side walls  94 , and a raised bracket  96 . The base plate  92  may support the motherboard  58  on shock absorbing mounts and the side walls  84 . The side walls  94  may extend upwards from the base plate  92  to support the raised bracket  96 . The raised bracket  96  may receive the discharge chambers  20  and support them at a height that is raised relative to the motherboard  58 . Once the internal brackets  90  have been assembled with the high-voltage electrical circuit  50  and the discharge chambers  20 , the completed unit may be inserted in to the receptacle  82  of the .50 caliber ammunition canister from the top. 
     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  FIGS. 1-7  is not meant to be limiting, and that other configurations for the discharge chambers  20 , the high voltage circuit  50 , and the housing  80  are certainly possible. These configurations may be suitable in their own right for different use cases. In particular, it is contemplated that embodiments of the device  100  that only include one or two discharge chambers  20  (i.e., “single shot units”) may find utility. These embodiments may be smaller, and generally more portable than the device  100  of  FIGS. 1-7 . Preferably, these embodiments may also be provided with a portable power supply (e.g., battery and power inverter). 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the present disclosure provides a single shot embodiment of the device  200 . As shown, this device  200  includes a housing  280  that is shaped to look like a rife scope, having an eyepiece portion  220 , a middle portion  240 , and a forward portion  260  that includes a discharge port  262 . It is contemplated that this device  200  may include an attachment feature  282  that enables the device to be mounted to, for example, the upper portion of an AR style rifle (e.g., ArmaLite Rifle) by way of a picatinny rail system. In doing so, the device  200  may provide for a sense of directional realism due to the device  200  being aligned (i.e., parallel) with the barrel of the gun. Preferably, the high voltage circuit  50  may be hidden from view by being housed within the middle portion  240 , the eyepiece portion  220 , or elsewhere in the gun (e.g., in the magazine, the barrel area, etc.). The discharge chamber(s)  20  may be housed within, or may otherwise be, the forward portion  260  of the scope. The discharge port  262  may include a plurality of openings  264  for sounds, flashes of light, and/or shockwaves to exit the device  200 . The device  200  may be configured to actuate, for example, when a user pulls the trigger on the gun, or presses a button provided on the gun (e.g., provided near the trigger), or by way of a remote controller  75 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the present disclosure provides another single shot embodiment of the device  300 . This embodiment  300  may include a housing  380  that is shaped to look like an AR upper and barrel assembly, but may otherwise be similar in configuration to the embodiment  200  of  FIG. 8 . More specifically, the embodiment  300  of  FIG. 9  may include a barrel  320  and an upper portion  340 , with a discharge port  322  disposed along the distal end of the barrel  320 . The discharge port  322  may also include a plurality of openings  324  for sounds, flashes of light, and/or shockwaves to exit. The barrel  320  itself, or at least a portion thereof, may be the body  22  of a discharge chamber  20 , while the high voltage circuit  50  may be housed elsewhere in the barrel  320  or within the upper portion  340 . Upon actuation of the device  300 , it is contemplated that the back pressure from the electrical discharge may be harnessed to push/cycle a lightweight mechanical slide mechanism (e.g., to simulate the introduction of a fresh cartridge from the magazine). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, similar adaptions may be designed and utilized for other types of firearms, such as shotguns, handguns, and the like. 
     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.