Avalanche Triggering System with Detonator Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing avalanche triggering systems require stringent safety measures due to the presence of pre-assembled explosive components, making them difficult to handle and transport, and they lack efficient storage and loading mechanisms, especially for helicopter transport.

Innovation Solution

A system with a solid explosive charge that is assembled on-site, featuring a body with a detonator capsule connected to a pulling element via a trigger cord, and a housing with a shaft magazine that allows for safe storage and easy loading, including remote operation and energy harvesting from photovoltaic modules for actuators and sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pre-assembled explosive devices are used for avalanche triggering, then the system is ready to use immediately, but stringent safety measures and special precautions are required for transport and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidsafety during transport and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive device is divided into separate components: the explosive charge without detonator and the detonator itself. These segments are stored separately and only assembled at the application site, reducing safety risks during transport while maintaining operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The explosive charge is prepared in advance without the detonator, and the mounting system is pre-installed on the avalanche mast. The detonator is added only when needed, combining preliminary preparation with safe storage practices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If explosive charges are stored in a magazine with multiple compartments, then storage efficiency and organization are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity for explosive chargesVSAvoidstructure of magazine and loading mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine is integrated into the housing structure of the avalanche triggering system, with compartments nested within the main body. The shaft magazine rotates to present charges to the loading position, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes storage within limited space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine shaft rotates to dynamically present different explosive charges to the loading position. This dynamic mechanism allows a single structure to serve multiple storage and retrieval functions, improving storage efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the detonator is separated from the explosive charge in storage, then safety during transport is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during transportVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting system acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the simple attachment of the detonator to the explosive charge. This intermediary structure guides the assembly process and ensures proper positioning, reducing the complexity of the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly process replaces complex mechanical fastening with simpler attachment methods, such as snap-fits or friction-based mounting, allowing the detonator to be securely attached to the explosive charge with minimal steps and tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the setup and use of avalanche triggering systems, reduces safety concerns during transport and storage, and enables efficient storage and loading, particularly for helicopter operations, by separating the detonator from the explosive until activation, allowing for safe handling and efficient deployment.

Implementation Method 1

Activation only occurs when the load is dropped. A mechanical activator is also connected to the pull cord via a firing pin. In a first alternative configuration, the detonator is spatially separated from the explosive in a ready position, and in a firing position, the detonator is moved relative to the explosive by the mechanical activator via the firing cord.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

energy harvesting from photovoltaic modules for actuators and sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3396303B1System for triggering an avalanche

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 INAUEN SCHATTI

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AI summary

An explosive charge (50) is provided with a body (51) containing an explosive (60) and with at least one detonator (94) connected to a pull cord (92). The pull cord (92) is connected to a pull element (80) via a release cord (101). In a ready position, the detonator (94) is spatially separated from the explosive (60) or from a detonating cord leading to the explosive (60). A mechanical activation element (96) is connected to the pull element (80) via an activation cord (101). In a detonation position, the detonator (94) is moved relative to the explosive (60) or to the detonating cord leading to the explosive by the mechanical activation element (96) moving via the activation cord (101).