Tactical Light Device

Abstract

Less-than-lethal tools are an important selection of equipment for law enforcement officers as it reduces the risk of physical intervention for both the user and the target. While these tools are labeled as less-than-lethal, this classification does not mean that the equipment lacks the ability to cause injury. One such piece of equipment in this category is known as a flashbang. This equipment is explosive-based and as such, comes with the risks that are associated with handling and using explosives. The aim of this thesis is to produce a product that could serve as an alternative to flashbang devices that is based on LEDs rather than explosives. Two prototype devices were manufactured for this thesis for this purpose. The first prototype served as a proof of concept that high-power LEDs could be used to fulfil the requirements set. As a proof of concept, the design of the device was intended to be simple, so the shape of a cube was utilized. Several ideas for the shell of the device were tested with this iteration of the prototype. While the individual parts of the design were simple, assembly of the device proved to be overly difficult and reduced usable interior space. For the second prototype, a greater emphasis was placed on the device of the frame to maximize the manufacturability and functionality. These changes led to a design that was sturdier and easier to assembly than the first prototype. The number of LEDs was greatly increased as well to maximize the visual effect of the device. The second prototype achieved all goals set for the this and serves as a nearly ready example for further testing to before being production ready.