Avalanche Triggering Device with Downward Gas Mixture Ignition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing avalanche triggering devices face risks for operators due to the need for manual handling of explosives in unstable snow conditions, are not easily transportable, and require complex mechanical systems that can be fragile in cold conditions, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A transportable avalanche triggering device that uses a containment enclosure to mix and store non-explosive gases, which form an explosive mixture when ignited, directing the shockwave downwards into the snowpack, eliminating the need for explosive transport and featuring a simple mechanical system resistant to cold conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of explosives is used to trigger avalanches, then the triggering effect is achieved, but operator safety deteriorates due to exposure in unstable snow conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavalanche triggering effectivenessVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the explosive material from the operator's direct handling process by using a remote-fired cannon device. The cannon is positioned on the slope and fired remotely, separating the operator from the dangerous explosive operation while maintaining effective avalanche triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cannon device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the snowpack. Instead of directly placing explosives on the slope, the operator remotely fires the cannon which then propels the explosive charge into the snowpack, mediating the dangerous interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed infrastructure cable systems are used for remote triggering, then operator safety is improved, but device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a portable cannon unit that can be independently transported and positioned on the slope, eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure cables while maintaining remote firing capability and operator safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed mechanical cable infrastructure is replaced with a self-contained portable cannon system that uses compressed gas propulsion and remote electronic firing, providing both safety and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanical systems are used in avalanche triggering devices, then functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility in cold conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidsystem reliability in cold conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a compressed gas propulsion system instead of complex mechanical systems. The cannon is propelled by expanding gas from a pressurized cylinder, and the explosive charge is fired using gas pressure, eliminating fragile mechanical components that would fail in cold conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from mechanical parameters to pneumatic parameters, using gas pressure and expansion to achieve propulsion and firing functions. This parameter change makes the system more reliable in cold conditions where mechanical systems become brittle and fragile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device is more reliable, reduces operator risk, and provides greater autonomy with efficient gas mixture production and controlled explosion direction, enhancing the effectiveness of avalanche triggering while adhering to safety regulations.

Implementation Method 1

a propelling circuit (30) generating a shock wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas compression and expansion: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a propelling circuit (30) generating a shock wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 3

an ignition device (23) initiating an explosion of the charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

a flame front propagation direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame propagation: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2220454B1Avalanche triggering system

Publication Date: 2013.09.25 TECH ALPINE DE SECURITE T A S

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AI summary

The invention relates to an avalanche triggering device comprising at least one enclosure (4) for confining an explosive gas mixture, having a downward-facing opening and being equipped with gas supply means (15, 16) designed to at least partly fill the volume defined by the enclosure (4) with the explosive gas mixture at a density less than that of the air, the device also comprising means (14) for igniting this mixture; which device is characterized in that the enclosure (4) is in the general shape of a bell or frustoconical shape with an approximately vertical axis.