Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to field of automotive technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing stealth mode in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention enhances operation efficiency of the vehicles by suppressing noise, visibility, and other detectable emissions, to ensure discrete operations in specific scenario such as defense, military, surveillance, and other emergency scenario.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Stealth technology, also termed low observable technology (LO technology), is a sub-discipline of military tactics and passive and active electronic countermeasures. This phrase refers to a variety of techniques designed to reduce—ideally eliminate—the visibility of people, planes, ships, submarines, missiles, satellites, and ground vehicles to radar, infrared, sonar, and other detection technologies. For these portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is equivalent to military camouflage (also known as multi-spectral camouflage). The concept of stealth is to operate or hide while giving enemy forces no indication as to the presence of friendly forces. This concept was first explored through camouflage to make an object's appearance blend into the visual background.

[003] Traditional systems for activating stealth modes often involve intricate electronic architectures and multiple user inputs, which can lead to delays or operational errors in critical scenarios. Additionally, many of the existing stealth systems are deeply integrated into VCUs or advanced electronic modules, requiring high processing power and intricate coordination between subsystems. Such systems are expensive, difficult to maintain, and prone to vulnerabilities, especially in environments where electronic systems might face interference (electronic jamming) or damage.

[004] Moreover, the existing patents related to stealth functionality depends on a vehicle control system, which includes a network of sensors, actuators, and control algorithms embedded in a central control unit. These systems typically require coordination with an onboard computer or ECU to manage the stealth functions effectively. Introducing ECU to this application may fail during electronic interface jamming. Furthermore, traditional electronic systems are often vulnerable to extreme temperatures, electronic warfare tactics, or physical shocks.

[005] A United States patent US11507094B2 titled “Systems and methods for autonomous selection and operation of combinations of stealth and performance capabilities of a multi-mode unmanned vehicle” discloses an unmanned vehicle including a vehicle body, a propulsion system, a maneuvering system, a vehicle control system, a buoyancy control system, a sensor system, and at least one power supply is disclosed. The propulsion system, maneuvering system, vehicle control system, buoyancy control system, sensor system, and power supply are carried by the vehicle body. The sensor system includes a sensor adapted to detect an item of interest and provide an item of interest signal to the vehicle control system. The vehicle control system is adapted to receive the item of interest signal, identify an item of interest classification and provide a classification signal. The classification signal is determined by the item of interest classification and is utilized by the propulsion system, maneuvering system, vehicle control system, or buoyancy control system to avoid physical, electrical, acoustic, or thermal detection of the unmanned vehicle by the item of interest. However, this invention requires advanced electronic modules, requiring high processing power and intricate coordination between subsystems. Such systems are expensive, difficult to maintain, and prone to vulnerabilities, especially in environments where electronic systems might face interference (electronic jamming) or damage.

[006] In order to overcome the problem associated with state of arts, there is a need for the development of an efficient system and method for providing stealth mode in a vehicle that can overcome the aforesaid limitations in a more efficient manner.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system and method for providing stealth mode in a vehicle.

[008] Another objective of the present invention is to minimize detectability across multiple spectrums, including sound, thermal emissions, electromagnetic radiation, and visual visibility.

[009] Another objective of the present invention is to eliminate the vulnerabilities associated with electronic failures or interference during Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) attacks.

[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to eliminate the need for multiple user inputs or complicated setup processes for activating stealth mode.

[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide reduction in maintenance by avoiding complex electronic systems and integrating a simplified design.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a streamlined system that reduces dependency on complex electronic architectures make the system more cost-effective to produce and maintain.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to minimize the number of components susceptible to wear and tear or failure.

[0014] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for providing stealth mode in a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates flowchart of method for providing stealth mode in the vehicle.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the system controlling visible spectrum emitting load;

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the system controlling sound spectrum emitting load;

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the system controlling thermal spectrum emitting load;

[0021] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of the system controlling electromagnetic spectrum emitting load;

[0022] Figure 7 illustrates a stealth switch integrated on dashboard of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention relates to a system for providing stealth mode in a vehicle. The system comprising: a stealth switch for activating and deactivating stealth mode in the vehicle. The stealth switch comprising: a first terminal connected to a relay power supply; and a second terminal adapted to be connected and disconnected to the first terminal, upon pressing of switch. Further, the system comprises of a stealth mode unit connected to the second terminal of the stealth switch. The stealth mode unit comprising: a plurality of relays, each of the relay comprising: a coil, a first terminal of the coil connected to the second terminal of the stealth switch; a second terminal of the coil connected to a trigger signal; a load terminal connected to positive terminal of load power supply; a common terminal adapted to be connected to the load terminal, based on the voltage value of the first terminal of the coil and the second terminal of the coil; Further, the system comprises of a plurality of loads, each of the plurality of loads connected to the common terminal of the each of plurality of relays.

[0024] The present invention also provides a method for providing stealth mode in a vehicle. The method comprising steps of: pressing the stealth switch to activate the stealth mode by a user; disconnecting the relay power supply from the plurality of relays due to breaking of connection, upon pressing of the stealth switch; deactivation of the plurality of relays upon disconnection of relay power supply, irrespective of value of the trigger signal; disconnection of load power supply from the plurality of loads, due to breaking of connection upon deactivation of the plurality of relays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0025] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0027] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0028] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0030] Accordingly, the present invention relates to field of automotive technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing stealth mode in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention enhances operation efficiency of the vehicles by suppressing noise, visibility, and other detectable emissions, to ensure discrete operations in specific scenario such as defense, military, surveillance, and other emergency scenario. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle may be selected from such as, but not limited to, manned ground vehicle such as two wheeler, three wheeler, unmanned aerial vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, manned aerial vehicle, submarines, and the alike.

[0031] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a system (100) for providing stealth mode in a vehicle, comprising: a stealth switch (102) for activating and deactivating stealth mode in the vehicle. The stealth switch comprising: a first terminal (102a) connected to a relay power supply; and a second terminal (102b) adapted to make closed circuit with the first terminal (102a), upon pressing of switch. The system (100) further comprising: a stealth mode unit (104) connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102). The stealth mode unit (104) comprising: a plurality of relays (106), each of the relay (106) comprising: a coil, a first terminal of the coil (106a) connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102); a second terminal of the coil (106b) connected to a trigger signal (108); a load terminal (106c) connected to positive terminal of load power supply (110); a common terminal (106d) adapted to make closed circuit with the load terminal (106c), based on the voltage applied on the first terminal of the coil (106a) and second terminal of the coil (106b). The system (100) further comprises of a plurality of loads (112), each of the plurality of loads (112) connected to the common terminal of the each of plurality of relays (106).

[0032] The stealth switch (102) is located inside the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the stealth switch (102) may be integrated on a dashboard of the vehicle (as shown in Figure 7).

[0033] The stealth switch (102) is configured to activate and deactivate stealth mode in the vehicle through interrupting connection of relay power supply to the stealth mode unit (104). The stealth switch (102) comprises of the first terminal (102a) and a second terminal (102b). The first terminal (102a) is connected to the relay power supply. The second terminal (102b) is adapted to make closed circuit with the first terminal (102b), upon pressing of stealth switch (102). The second terminal (102b) is adapted to make open circuit with the first terminal (102a), upon re-pressing of stealth switch (102). In an exemplary embodiment, the stealth switch (102) may be selected from such as, but not limited to, SPST (single pole single throw), SPDT (single pole double throw), DPST (double pole single throw switch), DPDT (double pole double throw), two pole six throw, selector switches, toggle switch, slide switches, pushbutton switches, limit switch, flow switch, float switch, pressure switches, joystick switch, temperature switches, timer switch, and the alike. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stealth switch (102) is single rocker type latching switch.

[0034] The stealth mode unit (104) is connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102). The stealth mode unit (104) is configured to disconnect the plurality of loads (112) with the load power supply through disabling the plurality of relays (106), by breaking connection upon pressing of the stealth switch (102). Further, the stealth mode unit (104) is configured to connect the plurality of loads (112) with the load power supply, by making connection upon re-pressing of the stealth switch (102).

[0035] The stealth mode unit (104) comprises of a plurality of relays (106). Each of the relay (106) comprises of the first terminal of the coil (106a), the second terminal of the coil (106b), the load terminal (106c), and the common terminal (106d). The first terminal of the coil (106a) is connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102). The second terminal of the coil (106b) is connected to a trigger signal (108). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trigger signal (108) is supplied by a vehicle control unit or processors integrated in the vehicle.

[0036] The load terminal (106c) is connected to positive terminal of load power supply (110). The common terminal (106d) is adapted to make closed circuit with the load terminal (106c), based on the voltage applied on the first terminal of the coil (106a) and second terminal of the coil (106c). In an embodiment of the present invention, the load terminal (106c) is NO (normally open) terminal of the relay. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the load terminal (106c) is NC (normally closed).

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of relay (106) may be selected from such as, but not limited to, electromechanical relays, solid state relays, magnetic latching relays, thermal relays, reed relays, differential relays, and distance relays, and the alike.

[0038] In an embodiment, the relay (106) comprises of:
? a coil circuit with the first terminal of the coil (106a) and the second terminal of the coil (106b), to act as electromagnet;
? an armature attached to common terminal (106d), adapted to move in an original position and a short circuit position, wherein the short circuit position is attached with the load terminal (106c);
? a spring for keeping the armature attached to the original position.
When power flows through the coil circuit through the first terminal of the coil (106a) and the second terminal of the coil (106b), the coil circuit acts as the electromagnet, generating a magnetic field that attracts the armature to create a contact between load terminal (106c) and the common terminal (106d). When the power is switched off, a spring pulls the armature back up to original position to create open circuit between the load terminal (106c) and the common terminal (106d).
[0039] The system further comprises of plurality of loads (112), each of the plurality of loads (112) is connected to the common terminal (106d) of the each of plurality of relays (106). In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of loads (112) are: light emitting load including head lamp, fog lamp, day time running light, left indicators, right indicators, brake light, reverse light, number plate light, high mounted stop lamp, side marker lamp, cluster screen (as shown in Figure 3); a sound emitting load including vacuum pump, horn, radiator fan, e-compressor (as shown in Figure 4); a thermal load including air PTC heater, coolant PTC heater, DC-DC converter, and vacuum pump, electronic park brake (as shown in Figure 5); and Electromagnetic spectrum load including inverter, and telematics and communication modules (as shown in Figure 6); and the alike.

[0040] In an embodiment, the present invention also provides method for providing stealth mode in the vehicles, comprises the following steps:-
• connecting a first terminal (102a) of a stealth switch (102) to relay power supply;
• connecting a second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102) to a first terminal of the coils (106a) of a plurality of relays (106);
• connecting a second terminal of the coil (106b) to a trigger signal (108);
• connecting NO (normally open) /NC (normally closed) terminal (106c) to positive terminal of load power supply (110);
• connecting a common terminal (106d) connected to a plurality of loads (112).

[0041] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the present invention also provides method for activating the stealth mode, comprises the following steps:
? pressing the stealth switch (102) to activate the stealth mode by a user;
? disconnecting the relay power supply from the plurality of relays (106) due to breaking of connection, upon pressing of the stealth switch (102);
? deactivation of the plurality of relays (106) upon disconnection of relay power supply, irrespective of value of the trigger signal (108);
? disconnection of load power supply (110) from the plurality of loads (112), due to breaking of connection upon deactivation of the plurality of relays;

[0042] In an embodiment, the present invention also provides method for de-activating the stealth mode, comprises the following steps:
? re-pressing the stealth switch (102) to deactivate the stealth mode by the user;
? reconnecting the relay power supply to the plurality of relays (106) due to making of connection, upon pressing of the stealth switch (102);
? activation of the plurality of relays (106) upon connection of power supply, based on value of the trigger signal;
? connection of load power supply (110) to the plurality of loads (112), due to making of connection upon activation of the plurality of relays (106);

[0043] In an embodiment the advantages of the present invention are enlisted herein:
? The present invention reduces multi-spectral detection of the vehicle.
? The present invention minimizes detectability across multiple spectrums, including sound, thermal emissions, electromagnetic radiation, and visual visibility.
? The present invention eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with electronic failures or interference during Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) attack
? The present invention eliminates the need for multiple user inputs or complicated setup processes for activating stealth mode.
? The present provides reduction in maintenance by avoiding complex electronic systems and integrating a simplified design.
? The present invention provides a streamlined system that reduces dependency on complex electronic architectures make the system more cost-effective to produce and maintain.
? The present invention minimizes the number of components susceptible to wear and tear or failure.

[0044] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:1. A system (100) for providing stealth mode in a vehicle, comprising:
• a stealth switch (102) for activating and deactivating stealth mode in the vehicle, comprising:
o a first terminal (102a) connected to a relay power supply; and
o a second terminal (102b) adapted to make closed circuit with the first terminal (102b), upon pressing of switch;
• a stealth mode unit (104) connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102), comprising:
o a plurality of relays (106), each of the relay (106) comprising:
? a coil circuit with a coil;
? a first terminal of the coil (106a) connected to the second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102);
? a second terminal of the coil (106b) connected to a trigger signal (108);
? a load terminal (106c) connected to positive terminal of load power supply (110);
? a common terminal (106d) adapted to make closed circuit with the load terminal (106c), based on the voltage applied on the first terminal of the coil (106a) and second terminal of the coil (106c);
• a plurality of loads (112), each of the plurality of loads (112) connected to the common terminal of the each of plurality of relays (106).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stealth mode unit (104) is configured to:
• disconnect the plurality of loads (112) with the load power supply through disabling the plurality of relays (106), by breaking connection upon pressing of the stealth switch (102);
• connect the plurality of loads (112) with the load power supply, by making connection upon re-pressing of the stealth switch (102);
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load terminal (106c) is NO (normally open) /NC (normally closed) terminal of the relay.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of loads (112) are:
• light emitting load including head lamp, fog lamp, day time running light, left indicators, right indicators, brake light, reverse light, number plate light, high mounted stop lamp, side marker lamp, cluster screen;
• a sound emitting load including vacuum pump, horn, radiator fan, e-compressor;
• a thermal load including air PTC heater, coolant PTC heater, DC-DC converter, and vacuum pump, electronic park brake; and
• Electromagnetic spectrum load including inverter, and telematics and communication modules.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger signal (108) is supplied by a vehicle control unit or processors integrated in the vehicle.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stealth switch (102) is single rocker type latching switch.
7. A method for providing stealth mode functionality in a vehicle, comprising:
• connecting a first terminal (102a) of a stealth switch (102) to relay power supply;
• connecting a second terminal (102b) of the stealth switch (102) to a first terminal of the coils (106a) of a plurality of relays (106);
• connecting a second terminal of the coil (106b) to a trigger signal (108);
• connecting NO (normally open) /NC (normally closed) terminal (106c) to positive terminal of load power supply (110);
• connecting a common terminal (106d) connected to a plurality of loads (112);
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprising a step of activating the stealth mode:
• pressing the stealth switch (102) to activate the stealth mode by a user;
• disconnecting the relay power supply from the plurality of relays (106) due to breaking of connection, upon pressing of the stealth switch (102);
• deactivation of the plurality of relays (106) upon disconnection of relay power supply, irrespective of value of the trigger signal (108);
• disconnection of load power supply (110) from the plurality of loads (112), due to breaking of connection upon deactivation of the plurality of relays;
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the method comprising a step of deactivating the stealth mode:
• re-pressing the stealth switch (102) to deactivate the stealth mode by the user;
• reconnecting the relay power supply to the plurality of relays (106) due to making of connection, upon pressing of the stealth switch (102);
• activation of the plurality of relays (106) upon connection of power supply, based on value of the trigger signal;
• connection of load power supply (110) to the plurality of loads (112), due to making of connection upon activation of the plurality of relays (106);